Understand and critically analyze human oppression and issues that are relevant to social work practice methods. Examine demographic, economic, political, social and cultural forces operating at national and local levels highlighting the African-American and Puerto Rican experiences and perspectives. The focus of the class is the application of the knowledge of special populations to the social work practice methods. Combines lectures by the instructor and invited speakers, and class discussions. At times, small groups will be used to encourage students to examine their personal and professional interactions with oppression, and to discuss their implications for social work practice. Required course for students in the Advanced Standing Option and must be taken in the summer prior to the beginning of full time study for the M.S.W. degree. Formerly offered as BASC 5301.

Examines economic, political, social and cultural forces operating at global, national and local levels, which generate and maintain oppression based on race and ethnicity in the United States. Focuses on the oppression of the Black and Latino populations in the United States, highlighting the African-American and Puerto Rican experiences and perspectives. It will provide a framework for analyzing and understanding oppression. A historical perspective will be utilized to explore past and current oppression related to race and color, culture and ethnicity, social class, gender, sexual/emotional orientation and religion. Intercultural, intracultural, psychosocial, social and political responses to oppression will be addressed throughout the course. Required course for students in the M.S.W. program. Formerly offered as BASC 5300.

Emphasizes social work's "person in environment" frame of reference from both micro and macro perspectives. Content areas stressed throughout the course include theories and research about the interdependence and impact of social, political, economic, and cultural contexts on societal and individual well-being. Micro content areas include theories related to the biopsychosocial functioning of individuals, small groups and families in transaction with social, economic, political, and cultural contexts and forces. Cultural and ethnic diversity, institutional prejudice, especially racism and sexism, issues of social, economic and political justice and the process of social change as they impact micro and macro systems will be stressed. Values and ethical issues relevant to macro and micro social work will also be considered. Formerly offered as BASC 5362.

Focus on macro practice foundation knowledge and skills associated with generalist practice in administration, community organizing and policy practice. Explores the history and place of macro methods in the evolution of the social work profession. Students are introduced to the unique language and perspective of macro practice as a capacity building and strength based intervention. Definitions of and ways to analyze communities, organizations and policies. Emphasis is given to strategies and tactics for achieving change in communities, organizations and policies, to improving services for populations at risk, and promoting diversity and distributive justice, including an international context. Particular ethical and value mandates and dilemmas associated with macro practice are identified throughout. Required course for students in the M.S.W. program. One of the two foundation practice courses taken the first semester of the first year of practicum placement. Formerly offered as BASC 5390.

Provides a history of and a foundation for micro social work theory and practice emphasizing ecological, strengths and capacity building perspectives. Knowledge, values and skills associated with generalist practice with individuals, families and groups within the context of organizations and communities. Examines the mission of the social work profession and its value and ethical base, including its commitment to diversity, populations-at-risk and social and economic justice. Strategies for helping client-systems will include preparing for practice; developing mutual working agreements; engaging, assessing and formulating goals; implementing interventions; monitoring and evaluating progress; and terminating services. Emphasizes integration of course content with practicum experience. One of the two foundation practice courses taken the first semester of the first year of practicum placement. Required course for students in the M.S.W. program. Formerly offered as BASC 5391.

Provides a critical analysis of the historical roots of American social welfare policy, the formulation of policy, and the economic and political determinants of contemporary policy development. Examination and analysis of the inter-relationship between social welfare policy, the service delivery systems, and practice implications for private and public agencies and programs. Also includes the examination of international issues in social welfare policy and social service delivery. Students will analyze and apply the results of policy research relevant to social service delivery; understand and demonstrate policy practice skills in regard to economic, political and organizational systems; use them to influence, formulate, and advocate for policy consistent with social work values, and identify financial, organizational, administrative, and planning processes required to deliver social services. Required course for students in the M.S.W. program. Formerly offered as BASC 5350.

Provides an understanding of the basic foundation of social work research. Students will learn to: 1) develop critical thinking and knowledge of the principles and methods of research as tools for evaluating their practice; 2) become acquainted with the process and function of research in the advancement of social work theory, knowledge, and practice; 3) value ethical practices in conducting research with diverse individuals and vulnerable populations; 4) judge the adequacy and value of research findings in social work by the use of generally accepted criteria; 5) incorporate computer-based technology in accessing information; and 6) understand the researcher/evaluator role in social work practice. Formerly offered as BASC 5333.

Development of knowledge, attitudes and skills appropriate to the ongoing critical evaluation of social work practice with systems from diverse populations. Social workers have a responsibility to evaluate their individual practice effectiveness and the effectiveness of interventions used with clients in accord with both the ethical standards articulated in the NASW Code of Ethics as well as the accountability standards required by agencies and other funding sources. Prepares students to integrate evaluation methods into assessment, planning, intervention and evaluation of their professional social work practice. Provides students with the knowledge to develop skills for evaluating practice through the use of evaluation designs. Students will learn to employ these designs and to analyze the data drawn from these designs in order to inform professional practice decision-making. Formerly offered as RSCH 5341.

Variable topics in research methodology that provide advanced skills and knowledge for social work practice. Topics include applied qualitative research, participatory action research, historical methods, and statistics in social work research. Formerly offered as RSCH 5342.

This seminar helps students prepare for and make optimum use of their practicum education experience. Topics include the roles and responsibilities of the student within the agency setting, exploration and development of learning contracts, and the educational assessment of self as a learner in the profession. The seminar is used to identify issues that arise in practicum and ways to deal with them. Required course for students in the M.S.W. program. Formerly offered as FED 5301.

Teaches students basic skills in social work practice with systems of all sizes including individuals, groups, organizations, and communities. This practicum experience course provides the foundation for the development of advanced skills in specific social work methods in advanced practicum experiences. Required course for students in the M.S.W. program. Formerly offered as FED 5351.

This seminar helps students prepare for and make optimum use of their practicum education experience. Areas of seminar content include such topics as the roles and responsibilities of the student within the agency setting, exploration and development of learning contracts, and the educational assessment of self as a learner in the profession. The seminar identifies issues that arise in practicum and ways to deal with them. Required course for students in the M.S.W. program. Formerly offered as FED 5302.

Continues to develop basic skills in social work practice with systems of all sizes, while adding increased emphasis on the students' development of skills in the students' major method. Required course for students in the M.S.W. program. Formerly offered as FED 5302.

This seminar helps students prepare for and make optimum use of their practicum education experience. Topics include the roles and responsibilities of the student within the agency setting, exploration and development of learning contracts, and the educational assessment of self as a learner in the profession. The seminar is used to identify issues that arise in practicum and ways to deal with them. Required course for students in the M.S.W. Program. Formerly offered as FED 5310.

Focuses primarily on the student's major method, emphasizing preparation for competent, advanced specialized practice. Required course for students in the Community Organizing, Individuals, Groups and Families, and Policy Practice concentrations. Formerly offered as POPR 5353.

This seminar helps students prepare for and make optimum use of their practicum education experience. Areas of seminar content include such topics as the roles and responsibilities of the student, practicum instructor and faculty advisor, exploration and development of the learning contract, and the educational assessment of self as a learner in the profession. Required course for students in the M.S.W. program. Formerly offered as FED 5311.

Focuses primarily on the student's major method, emphasizing preparation for competent, advanced specialized practice. Required course for students in the Community Organizing, Individuals, Groups and Families, and Policy Practice concentrations. Formerly offered as POPR 5354.

This seminar helps students prepare for and make optimum use of their practicum education experience. Topics include the roles and responsibilities of the student within the agency setting, exploration and development of learning contracts, and the educational assessment of self as a learner in the profession. The seminar is used to identify issues that arise in practicum and ways to deal with them. Required course for students in the M.S.W. program completing a Block Practicum Placement. Formerly offered as FED 5350.

Practicum Extension of hours. Formerly offered as FED 5340.

Practicum Education in Community Organization for well-prepared students who have completed all course requirements except the second year of practicum education and the appropriate method course. Required for students in the M.S.W. program completing a Block Practicum Placement. Formerly offered as CORG 5355.

Practicum education in Individuals, Groups and Families for well-prepared students who have completed all course requirements except the second year of practicum education. Students taking this course will be assigned a final grade of S (satisfactory) or U (unsatisfactory). Formerly offered as IGFP 5355.

Builds on the content covered in SSW 5004, providing more in-depth knowledge and skills related to practice with individuals, groups, and families. The course explores several approaches to social work intervention, as well as practice evaluation and termination. The importance of the helping relationship is emphasized throughout, alongside a focus on anti-oppressive and trauma-informed approaches to practice. Formerly offered as IGFP 5301.

Focuses on advanced practice with individuals, groups, and families. Addresses practice approaches informed by psychodynamic, attachment, and trauma theories, in terms of their implications both for client functioning and for the client-worker relationship. Explores the impact of social identity on engagement and intervention with diverse client systems, as well as several approaches to practice with families. The importance of anti-oppressive practice is emphasized throughout. Formerly offered as IGFP 5302.

Builds upon content in previous IGFP courses about practice with individuals, groups and families within the context of oppression and privilege, while integrating core concepts related to trauma, strengths, resilience, and empowerment. Primary focus on the differential knowledge and skills needed to work effectively in various fields of practice (e.g., health care, schools, and the criminal justice, child protection, substance abuse and mental health systems). Systems of care, interdisciplinary teams, and policies impacting social work within each field of practice, as well as common clinical approaches and other interventions with the populations served in these settings. Formerly offered as IGFP 5303.

Practice course paying equal attention to the values, skills, and knowledge required for social work practice with children, adolescents, and their families. These youth have a range of bio-psychosocial problems related to mental disorders. Students will learn a range of assessment and intervention skills and will become familiar with current psychiatric classification systems, such as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) and the International Classification of Diseases (ICD). Students will demonstrate the ability to access the most recent empirical and practice knowledge, and to develop skills related to work in a variety of mental health settings. Mental disorders will be learned within the context of larger bio-psychosocial systems. Attention is paid to differences based upon such variables as age, gender, ethnicity, race, religion, sexual orientation, and physical ability. Formerly offered as IGFP 5345.

Practice course paying equal attention to the values, skills, and knowledge required for social work practice with adults and older adults who have a range of bio-psychosocial problems related to mental disorders. Students will learn a range of assessment and intervention skills and become familiarized with current psychiatric classification systems, such as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) and the International Classification of Diseases (ICD). Students will demonstrate the ability to access the most recent empirical and practice knowledge and to develop skills related to work in a variety of mental health settings. Mental disorders will be learned within the context of the larger bio-psychosocial system and attention is paid to differences based upon such variables as age, gender, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, and physical ability. Formerly offered as IGFP 5346.

Provides a theoretical base and group work practice skills for working with populations who have been diagnosed with a clinical condition(s). Focus on understanding how to use a strength-based, recovery oriented therapeutic group to foster the social and emotional growth that will promote optimal functioning and prevent relapse in persons with clinical conditions. Biological, behavioral, cognitive-behavioral and psychodynamic theories will be used to understand factors that contribute to clinical conditions and to develop the type of therapeutic group that responds to the social and emotional needs of the members of the group. Focus will be on diverse settings (inpatient, outpatient, prison, residential halfway houses) where clients with clinical conditions are served in open-ended and closed groups. DSM V will be used to develop diagnostic skills and understanding. Formerly offered as IGFP 5342.

A theoretical and evidence-based perspective on engaging, involving and supporting families to meet the needs of family members with clinical conditions. Content will include assessment of and family-centered interventions for various types of clinical conditions and family interaction issues, using the DSM-5 and family-centered theories to understand family risks and resiliencies that affect clinical conditions in individuals. Emphasizes strengths-based and family-centered approaches to ethical social work practice with families. Included in the content will be online and in-class discussions to assist students in developing knowledge of and respect for cultural differences and differences in family formations, such as single parent families, families across the life cycle, adoptive families, families affected by immigration/displacement, multi-generational families and LGBTQI+ families. Lectures, online discussion, small group activities and case-based approaches to learning, using a wide range of family types are part of this learning strategy. Formerly offered as IGFP 5343.

Required of all students in the Advanced Standing Program in the Individuals, Groups and Families Concentration. Builds on knowledge gained and intervention skills developed from students' BSW course work and field work. Students will have an opportunity to identify, practice, and analyze a range of assessment intervention skills. Formerly offered as IGFP 5340.

Contemporary and historical overview of how the macro practice methods independently and collectively can be leveraged for social change. Provides a foundation for addressing ethical obligations and challenges in macro practice, with particular focus on historically oppressed populations. In addition, students will gain an understanding of the role of leadership and use of power in community organizations and policy and practice. Formerly offered as CORG 5300 and POPR 5300.

Fundamentals of social work policy practice include phases of policy practice; analytical and interactional skills; the conscious use of self; as well as persistence, creativity, and pragmatism in pursuit of policy change. The course emphasizes the use of policy practice to foster justice through an anti-oppressive lens and implement and evaluate effective social service policies and programs. Required course for students in the Policy Practice concentration. Formerly offered as POPR 5301.

This course integrates theory, history, and community organizing practice. Students will critically engage with the history of community organizing through a critical framework. The course highlights the importance of theories of power and social change, critical frameworks, and transformative change models to explore models of organizing, community and coalition building, and thinking strategically to achieve short- and long-term goals. The importance of relationship building and attention to process tasks and goal achievement are also covered. The course culminates with examples of transformative community organizing, their ties to social movement theory and practice, and implications for structural social change and community social work. Formerly offered as CORG 5301.

Covers a broad range of knowledge and skills needed to develop sound program proposals and to plan, manage, and evaluate social programs. These include assessing social and community needs; setting goals within the context of strategic plans; writing measurable objectives; designing program implementation and evaluation strategies, developing a program budget, and identifying funding sources. Addresses value and ethical issues in program development, as well as constraints and opportunities that support or constrain program planning. Required course for students in the Community Organization and Policy Practice concentrations. The pre and co-requisites for this course differ for each of these concentrations. Refer to the Student Handbook for pre and co-requisite details. Formerly offered as CORG 5310 and POPR 5310.

This advanced practice course provides students with tools to engage as a community organizer in a grassroots context by exploring approaches to community organizing, and utilizing skills such as power analysis, strategy development, and leadership development. The class draws on the rich history of organizing from Black communities, Indigenous communities, communities of color, queer and trans communities, and many other historically marginalized groups who have engaged in organizing to promote progressive social change. Formerly offered as CORG 5370.

This capstone course fosters integration of knowledge, values, and skills to advance policy work at local, state, and federal levels. Students will be expected to demonstrate an ability to synthesize and critically evaluate their policy practice skills; identify personal and professional values; assess political contexts; and develop policy goals that advance equitable access and outcomes. Students build professional practice portfolios and engage in career planning. Required course for students in the Policy Practice concentration. Formerly offered as POPR 5302.

Builds on the concepts and interventions introduced in the Foundation for Macro Practice course. Political decision-making groups, including executive, legislative, judicial and private agency decision-making. The ways macro practitioners use power and political analysis is discussed. Emphasis is on the design, implementation and evaluation of a political advocacy strategy to improve the life situations of populations at risk, such as lobbying, preparing and delivering testimony to a public policy making group and forming and maintaining coalitions. Ethical requirements and dilemmas in doing political advocacy are integrated throughout the course. Required course for students in both the Community Organization and the Policy Practice concentrations. The co-requisites for this course differ for each of these concentrations. Formerly offered as CORG 5312 and POPR 5312.

Focuses on gaining knowledge and skills in the elements of program planning and proposal writing, and includes application of these through development of a program proposal for funding. The skills laboratory will provide an additional opportunity for students to apply knowledge and skills through a proposal review and evaluation exercise. The exercise will be conducted on the last day of the course after the students' final projects have been submitted. The instructor will choose one final project for the purposes of the review exercise with the student's name removed. (Note: more than one proposal can be selected offering an opportunity for ranking them in the exercise.) Required course for students in the Advanced Standing Option in the Community Organization and Policy Practice Concentrations and must be taken in the summer prior to the beginning of full time study for the M.S.W. degree. Formerly offered as POPR 5340.

Exposes students to several nationally acclaimed Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) treatment programs for families that are widely practiced. Students are introduced to competencies associated with EBP and an overview of several empirically supported therapy programs that are designed to address psychiatric, behavioral and/or substance abuse concerns in children and adolescents including Multisystem Therapy (MST), Multidimensional Family Therapy (MDFT), Intensive Home Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Services (IICAPS), Functional Family Therapy (FFT) and Brief Strategic Family Therapy (BSFT). Case presentations from local providers of these models and testimonials from families. Formerly offered as DSEL 5310.

Meets state requirements for school work certification, approved by the Bureau of Certification and Professional Development. The practice of social work in schools requires that the social worker possess knowledge and skills to provide social work services for students with educational impairments and their families. To provide such service, the social worker must be able to engage in effective partnerships with parents and other multi-disciplinary team members and possess a repertoire of interventions appropriate for this population. Presents and discusses controversies and issues relative to labeling and testing procedures, such as the impact of racial and ethnic differences. Covers six areas of impairment as designated by law (Emotionally Impaired, Mentally Impaired, Learning Disabled, Autistic Impaired, Physically and Otherwise Health Impaired, and Speech and Language Impaired). Stimulates further study in impairment areas and lays a basic knowledge and skill foundation of social work services appropriate for these populations. Formerly offered as DSEL 5320.

Examines the special issues and problems in dealing with alcohol and drug abuse. Focuses on: developing a conceptual framework of drug abuse and addiction; major classifications of drugs; examining high risk populations with an emphasis on their unique problems and needs; integrating knowledge with practice by giving careful consideration to treatment issues such as identification, assessment, referral, therapeutic strategies, treatment modalities and settings; providing information on the role of federal, state, and voluntary organizations which impact on prevention, education and treatment programs. Elective course for Substantive Area: Focused Area of Study on Health and Wellness. Formerly offered as HBEL 5300.

Builds upon SSW 5403, an overview of the various classes of drugs and the acute and chronic effects of drugs on human behavior and the body. Focuses on traditional and new intervention techniques that could be applied to social work practice. Provides knowledge of clinical applications and the empirical validation of effectiveness of major intervention strategies used in treatment of addictions. Elective course for Substantive Area: Focused Area of Study on Health and Wellness. Formerly offered as HBEL 5301.

Considers the Black Experience from historical, social, political, and economic perspectives. Addresses the evolution of male/female roles and relationships, the genesis of Black family patterns, and the consequences for social work practice. Examines the impact of poverty and discrimination in a context of international and national cultural factors. Formerly offered as HBEL 5327.

This course explores the historical and contemporary experiences of Puerto Rican and Hispanic/Latino communities in the United States within the context of social work practice. It examines the cultural, racial, ethnic, and linguistic diversity within Hispanic and Latino populations and their relevance to ethical and effective service delivery. Special attention is given to culturally responsive, anti-oppressive, and strengths-based approaches in social work. Topics include the U.S. occupation and political status of Puerto Rico, industrialization and economic development, and the migration experiences of Puerto Rican and other Hispanic/Latino groups. Students will analyze both the significant contributions of Puerto Rican and Hispanic/Latino communities to the development of human services and the structural barriers these communities continue to face. Formerly offered as HBEL 5328.

This course prepares M.S.W. students for social work practice with clients, along the lifespan, who are experiencing grief as a result of death, illness, disability, loss of home, loss of country of origin, divorce, foster care, and other more symbolic losses. Special consideration for the myriad losses due to the COVID pandemic will be included throughout the course. Theories of attachment and loss are used as a framework for assessing grief reactions in clients in different developmental stages. Special emphasis in this course will also focus on rituals and theories of loss and grief from a world-cultural perspective. Therapeutic interventions are examined and applied through case discussions and experimental exercises that will incorporate a multi-cultural understanding of grief and loss. The use of teletherapy will be explored in general and specifically to grief and loss. Throughout the course, students will examine their own natural reactions and fears regarding loss and grief to increase their awareness of various means of the self-care necessary to successfully work in the field of social work where loss and grief are ever-present clinical themes. Formerly offered as HBEL 5352.

Considers the societal aspects of aging, including the social psychological concomitants of adjustments, changing roles, and systems of social relationships. Includes an overview of the economic aspects of aging and the service delivery system. Elective course for Substantive Area: Focused Area of Study on Health and Wellness. Formerly offered as HBEL 5357.

This course utilizes liberation, justice, and equity-focused frameworks to address key historical and contemporary contexts facing people with marginalized sexualities and genders (e.g. lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, asexual, pansexual, two-spirit, etc.;LGBTQIA2S+). Integrating an understanding of history, theory, policy, community organizing, advocacy, and clinical practice, the course centers social work ethics and values while creating space to engage across levels of practice and disciplines to enhance transdisciplinary skills. Formerly offered as HBEL 5370.

Primarily for students with some practice experience in family and children's services, examines the phenomena of child abuse and neglect and societal and professional responses aimed at their prevention and treatment. It is presented in the context of ecologically oriented, family-centered child welfare policy and practice. Formerly offered as HBEL 5381.

This course is designed to introduce students to current issues confronting providers of mental health and addiction services and consumers of these services as we enter the 21st Century. Philosophies about people with mental health, addiction and co-occurring disorders are changing in response to the developing knowledge base and the rise of consumer movements. Specific emphasis on the growing need for broad based multicultural service systems for consumers will be fostered. Issues of poverty and the "severely and predominantly mentally ill" will be discussed. Elective course for Substantive Area: Focused Area of Study on Health and Wellness. Formerly offered as HBEL 5393.

This course examines gender issues, social and cultural assumptions about women, and the socialization practices that continue them. Topics include major social forces and ideologies, such as oppression, patriarchy, sexism, feminism, and intersectionality, as well as psychological theories about gender. The course also addresses feminist perspectives on social work practice with women related to such issues as sexual and intimate partner violence, reproductive issues and women’s health, and body image. Formerly offered as SWEL 5315.

Examines laws, policies, and programs that address gender and family, with a focus on diverse families, including children, youth, elders, across a range of legal and policy domains. Topics may include anti-poverty programs; domestic, interpersonal, and gender-based violence; foster care and adoption; health and reproductive health; sexuality and gender-related laws and policies; immigration; environment; and education. Explores intersectional, feminist, anti-racist, and human rights-based approaches to organizing and policy advocacy at local, state, federal, and international levels. Formerly offered as SWEL 5317.

Incorporates the new National Child Traumatic Stress Network core curriculum on child trauma (CCCT). The course conveys the crucial evidence-based concepts, components, and skills designed by the NCTSN to strengthen competency in assessment, referral, and treatment. Formerly offered as SWEL 5318.

International relief, reconstruction and development -- theories and practice strategies to attack poverty and improve human well-being. Among the topics covered will be: building local capacity, developing local partnerships, use of appropriate technology to create sustainability, multi-sectoral work, cultural relevance, ensuring gender sensitive programming, understanding and working with local and national structures, funding streams, and international partnerships. Elective course for Substantive Area: Focused Area of Study on International Social Work. Formerly offered as SWEL 5345.

Cross-national, comparative approach to selected topics in international social problems and social welfare. Consideration of the problem of developing nations and modernization and urbanization as worldwide processes; the role of international organizations; the role of social work in international issues; and the implications of cross-national study for practice. Elective course for Substantive Area: Focused Area of Study on International Issues in Social Work. Formerly offered as SWEL 5348.

This course presents comparative policy analysis using examples from Armenia, Connecticut and the broader United States utilizing the Gilbert and Terrell framework for policy analysis, as well as other models appropriate to international comparative policy analysis. Enrollment Requirements: Open to students in both the MSW program and the STEP program. Elective course for Substantive Area: Focused Area of Study in International Issues in Social Work. Formerly offered as SWEL 5350.

The relationship of social work and the labor movement with particular attention to the labor movement under new leadership and with new direction. Organized around four themes: 1) Common roots of labor and social work, 2) Social workers as union members, 3) Social workers as union organizers and 4) The labor movement as a social movement. Formerly offered as SWEL 5360.

Urban problems and policy issues as well as social work practice issues in urban settings. Connecticut cities are used to explore the effectiveness of current policies and consider the need for policy change. Current social and economic needs of urban populations and the political environment are also considered. Formerly offered as SWEL 5377.

This course takes a closer look at the world of electoral politics, including the importance of representation and participation in all aspects of democracy to advance social, economic, racial, and environmental justice goals. Students will examine how election laws and policies, democratic norms, political parties, and access to information work to oppress or promote political participation as well as the important connection between healthy democracies and community outcomes. students are required to attend the nonpartisan Campaign School for Social Workers sponsored by the Humphreys Institute for Political Social Work, a two-day workshop on leadership and campaigns. Formerly offered as SWEL 5380.

Theoretical, conceptual, and practical foundation for social workers to engage in a human rights-based approach to social work. Students will gain an understanding of the international human rights system, social work's contribution to achieving human rights, and how international human rights principles can be applied to social work practice. We will use a number of cases from varied countries, including the United States, to examine how social workers can both advocate for and respect human rights in their work. Formerly offered as SWEL 5385.

This course addresses the macro, mezzo and micro contexts and factors that influence the lived experiences of individuals and families navigating health care systems. Macro content addresses the implications of health disparities and the social determinants of health, and theoretical frameworks for understanding disability, on social work practice – inviting students to consider their role in advancing health equity and disability justice as direct practitioners. Mezzo content evaluates the challenges and benefits of interprofessional collaborative practice and examines the dynamic role of social workers in health care and other interprofessional settings. Micro content explores the lived experiences of individuals managing chronic illness and/or disability, as well as individuals and families facing acute medical crises and/or life-threatening illness. The foundational components of the liberation health model of social work practice are introduced and evaluated. The course moves from theory to application, addressing strategies for applying the liberation health model to social work practice in health and mental health care settings. Formerly offered as SWEL 5390.

Facilitates students’ acquisition of the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to effectively use 12 common trauma-informed practice elements in interventions for and the treatment of traumatized children and their families. Highlights consideration of the impact of trauma, intervention objectives, and the practice elements needed to accomplish the intervention objectives. Taught using an inquiry-based learning (IBL) pedagogy to enhance students’ engagement and learning using full-length cases that exemplify the diverse clients a clinician might encounter in practice.

Grounded in the lineage of engaged mindfulness, in this experiential course students will gain skills in developing a strong foundation of trauma-informed mindfulness practice (e.g., mindfulness of breath, sounds, body, self-compassion). Building on this, students also will learn and develop practical skills of relational mindfulness in interactions with others, including nonviolent communication. Finally, we will explore mindfulness as a support for engagement in the world, including mindfulness of interconnection, power, identity and agency. Throughout, we will draw on journal work, reflective listening, play, and group processes – in addition to readings, short lectures, and small group discussions – to support personal growth and community building – all essential tools in social workers’ engagement with individuals, families, communities, and organizations.

Combines academic study with travel to examine social work and social welfare in other systems. Addresses the impact of social, economic and political systems on social welfare and social work; a cross-national examination of the profession; and cross-cultural understanding. Elective course for Substantive Area: Focused Area of Study on International Issues in Social Work. Formerly offered as SWEL 5333.

Focuses on the Holocaust and its many implications for social work students. The course traces the rise of the Nazi totalitarian state resulting from defeat after World War I, the world wide depression of the 1930's and Hitler's targeting of Jews in Germany and eventually Europe-wide. The lessons for social workers will be drawn from these experiences. The integration of this material by students into other courses is encouraged. Formerly offered as HBEL 5386.

Introduces new and innovative material into the curriculum on an experimental basis. Any special topics course may be offered only twice and may not duplicate content already available in the regular curriculum. Any instructor offering a special topics course must submit the title and a brief statement of focus of the course to the Registrar for inclusion in the course registration schedule. A student may apply up to eight credits of Independent Study and Special Topics in Social Work (combined) toward the M.S.W. degree. Formerly offered as SPTP 5318.

Special social work topics not included in the curriculum may be the subject of an Independent Study. A proposal to do an independent study must be presented no later than the second session of the semester in which the course is to be completed and be approved by the Director of Student Services. A maximum of three independent study courses or nine credits may be applied toward degree requirements. Formerly known as IS 5394.

Special Social Work topics not included in the Social Work Doctoral Program curriculum may be the subject of an Independent Study. A proposal must be presented and approved by the Student's advisor and Doctoral Director.

This course covers the conceptualization, development, and application of social work theories and major theoretical paradigms; and will provide the foundation for understanding and critiquing how knowledge systems are developed and reproduced and introduce students to different ways of knowing. Philosophical, theoretical, and empirical underpinnings of different social work-relevant theories will be studied with an emphasis on understanding and critically analyzing the philosophical assumptions and scientific basis of various theories.

Logic and methods of scientific inquiry in the social sciences, with specific emphasis on issues relevant to social work research and practice. Philosophical assumptions, historical and cultural contexts, and ethical dilemmas that drive and inform the selection, structure and application of alternative research designs. Experimental, quasi-experimental and non-experimental design options will be considered. Inductive and deductive processes, hypothesis testing, probability and sampling, and analytic procedures appropriate to the different design options will be examined. Attention to using research to promote human rights and social justice will be explored.

Builds upon the foundation laid by SSW 6410; particularly by looking at the ways that survey design and survey data collection support the development of quasi-experimental research designs. Provides the skills necessary to conduct self-administered surveys to meet the goals of social work practice and research. Surveys as tools for assessing needs, monitoring program activities, measuring outcomes, and assessing attitudes. Students will learn about automated software tools for survey construction such as Qualtrics and Survey Monkey. In-depth exploration of the techniques of program evaluation and explores the role of survey research in program evaluation design and implementation.

Builds upon an introductory level of statistical knowledge and assumes that students have completed an introductory statistics course, including experiences with data analyses that involve computer interactions (SPSS). Develops an understanding of the general linear model (GLM). Once students gain a solid understanding of GLM, students can extend their knowledge to a variety of more complex statistical tests. Selection and application of appropriate statistical procedures to answer research questions or test hypotheses in social work research, and involves the extensive use of available statistical packages. While the course emphasizes the understanding of statistical testing, interpretation and written presentation of statistical results, knowledge of the mathematical formulae and assumptions underlying each statistical procedure may be required and are discussed in class.

Building upon SSW 6412, focuses on the selection and application of appropriate statistical procedures to answer research questions or test hypotheses in social work research. Data reduction methods and analyses of discrete or categorical data and involves the extensive use of available statistical packages. While the course emphasizes the understanding of statistical testing, interpretation and written presentation of statistical results, knowledge of the mathematical formulae and assumptions underlying each statistical procedure may be required, and these are discussed in class.

Philosophical underpinnings, history, techniques and relevance to social work research of qualitative inquiry traditions such as biography, phenomenology, grounded theory, ethnography and case study methods. Although many of these techniques are also useful in social work practice, this course will focus on the use of qualitative methods for the purpose of expansion of the knowledge base of the profession. As such the course will emphasize techniques, standards of quality, verification, and other indicators of rigor as well as value an ethical issues. After completing this course students will be able to describe various approaches, set up research protocols, utilize qualitative data analysis software (e.g. NVivo), describe quality control techniques and specify standards for report writing.

Advanced content on variable topics in social work research. Offers advanced conceptual understanding of skills used in complex research design, measurement, and or/analysis. Topics may include mixed methods research, advanced translational research, advanced quantitative analysis, advanced qualitative analysis, or other specialized research methods critical to the field of social work.

Develops critical and historical understanding of social work knowledge, values and interventions. Social, economic, political and intellectual forces that influence the development of social welfare and professional social work. The role that conflicting ideologies and commitments in alleviating stress and suffering. Development and history of social work in the context of changing social, economic, political and intellectual environments.

Focuses on the concepts, methods, and practices of analysis of social welfare policies designed to address social problems in the United States. Students are expected to apply social science research training and critical thinking skills to study the ideological and socioeconomic contextual backgrounds of social problems, social policies, and policy analyses and evaluate various alternatives to problem definitions, policy strategies, and types of policy analysis. Helps students develop advanced skills in analyzing and critiquing social welfare policies and programs, making recommendations for change, and effectively communicating the results of their work.

This course builds upon SSW 6414: Research V: Qualitative Research Methods and continues with qualitative methods, participant data collection, analysis, and dissemination. Students will develop in depth knowledge and experience in one methodology and approach through an applied project that builds from SSW 6414. Students will analyze and interpret qualitative data and learn how to contextualize it in the global context. Students will be coding, using qualitative software and exposed to new technologies, and best practices in writing and dissemination of qualitative data.

Helps students understand the theoretical and empirical frameworks about human behavior and the social environment upon which contemporary best practices are built. The theories and frameworks examined include cognitive, behavioral/social learning, psychodynamic, family systems and other related concepts. Explores the major, past and present, social casework and group work practice models from historical, theoretical and empirical perspectives. Current practice approaches/models from related fields empirically shown to be most effective or promising are examined.

Provides substantive knowledge from social science disciplines that inform macro practice with large systems and fields of macro practice (community organization, administration and policy practice). It is expected that students demonstrate competence in understanding the development and application of major social science theoretical models relevant to macro practice and with the empirical evidence that supports these theories. Ethical implications for social work of knowledge developed by disciplines with different value bases are considered. Explores the evolution and development of macro practice in the United States with an emphasis on the use of methods of community organization and policy practice in social work. These distinct methods, as well as different practice models associated with them, will be considered in the context of the social work profession and practice.

This three-credit course, offered in the fall semester following completion of the Comprehensive Examination, is designed to prepare students for the multiple roles of social work educators. The course explores historical and contemporary pedagogical theories, approaches and strategies within a social justice framework. Students will have opportunities to observe master teachers, develop guest lectures, and/or provide faculty liaison to the field. Students will develop teaching philosophy statements for their job search portfolios.