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.

Focuses on the policies and programs that affect women and children, in particular income supports, maternal and child health, housing, domestic violence, foster care and adoption, and parenting and child maltreatment. Special attention will be paid to the legal rights of women and children, especially those who are immigrants, have disabilities, or are members of minority groups. Required course for Substantive Area: Focused Area of Study on Social Work with Women and Children in Families.

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.

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 Puerto Rican/Latino/a Studies Social Work; Elective course for Substantive Area: Focused Area of Study on International Issues in Social Work.

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.

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. Required course for Substantive Area: Focused Area of Study on International Issues in Social Work; Elective course for Substantive Area: Focused Area of Study on Urban Issues in Social Work.

Evolution and current state of development of social welfare in the "Second World," a designation that applies to those countries that were part of the Soviet Union or Warsaw Pact. Discussion of a framework for policy analysis and comparative international social welfare policy analysis using selected health, welfare and employment policies as illustrations of current social welfare policy in Armenia and other "Second World" countries. Course will be jointly taught by Dr. Nancy A. Humphreys and Dr. Ludmilla Haroutunian involving a group of UConn M.S.W. students and Armenian graduate students using WebCT technology. Elective course for Substantive Area: Focused Area of Study in International Social Work.

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.

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. Required course for Substantive Area: Focused Area of Study on Urban Issues in Social Work; Elective course for Substantive Area: Focused Area of Study on International Issues in Social Work.

Exploration of the world of elected politics as a legitimate field of social work practice. Social workers are currently playing many roles in this area including, serving as volunteer and paid staff in political campaigns at the local, state and federal level; as paid staff of elected politicians; in politically appointed positions; and as elected politicians. Practical realities of each of these positions. Students are required to attend the annual Campaign School sponsored by the Institute for the Advancement of Political Social Work Practice. Elective course for Substantive Area: Focused Area of Study on Urban Issues in Social Work.

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.