SW 421A Social Work Practice
This yearlong course will focus on the action, reflection, and skills of generalist social work practice. We will consider the basic processes of social work practice: engagement, assessment, contracting, intervention, evaluation, and termination, and their application to a wide range of issues and problems. We will look at various levels of intervention (intrapsychically, interpersonally, and inter-systemically), various practice settings, social work practice roles, and theoretical perspectives. (3 credits per semester)
In the first term, particular attention is given to the multidimensional approach to assessment and intervention, interviewing skills, the development of the professional identity of the social worker, and the professional relationship with the client(s)/client systems. Generalist social work practice is rooted in the ecological/ecosystems framework. Theories of empowerment and strengths-based perspectives are emphasized. Social work practice as framed and contextualized by professional codes of ethics, legal precedence, agency, and organizational dynamics, neighborhoods, and communities will be studied and analyzed.
In the second term, we will continue to deepen our knowledge and skills in assessment and intervention, the differential use of self, and specific approaches to practice with particular populations. Additional practice approaches will be introduced—psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, solution-focused, narrative, and collaborative approaches with multi-stressed families—which incorporate a solution-focused modality and narrative perspective. We will explore the use of evidence-based (or informed) practice. Ways of evaluating practice and using the professional literature as an aid to practice choices will also be discussed.
While all sections of the course share a common outline for the syllabus, books, readings, and written assignments, each professor will shape their section to meet the specific needs of the classroom. Instructors will use a variety of mini-lectures, role-play, case presentations, process recordings, videos, and standardized cases to demonstrate different models and see the ways that different social and behavioral theories lead to particular ways of intervening. Given the changing demographics of U.S. society, there is a particular emphasis on cross-cultural understanding and on working with clients across the age spectrum.
Corequisite
Taken concurrently with
SW 446A.