This course is designed to provide an introduction to the profession of social work. Course content includes the history and development of the profession; the assumptions which underlie social work goals, functions, and methods; the professional values guiding practice; and description of practice methods. The course also offers the student opportunities to learn about social roles and practice settings. 15 hours of volunteer experience is required of this course.

This course covers the history, value, political and economic conditions which influence the development and provision of social welfare services. Information about inequality, and the major social welfare programs that benefit the disadvantaged, is included. A basic analytic model will be presented to evaluate social welfare policies.

This course examines the bio-psycho-social aspects of human development across the life span. Students will learn and understand the influence of sex, religion, spirituality, socio-cultural contexts, personal and familial values, race, ethnicity, privilege, sexual orientation, class, religion, gender, nationality and immigration can influence human behavior and development. Students will understand how to apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment, person-in-environment, and other multidisciplinary theoretical frameworks as it pertains to the social worker’s ability to critically analyze and conceptualize human growth and development and use as a guide to the generalist practice approach when working with individuals and families. This course supports social work practice competencies with emphasis on assessment and intervention skills and evidence-based practice.