Social Work Minor

An introduction to the knowledge, values, ethics, skills, systems, and settings of generalist social work practice. A historic overview of political, economical, and cultural factors that influence the profession. This course is a prerequisite for all other courses in Social Work. (3 Units)

This course provides foundational knowledge and skills of generalist social work practice, while exploring social work history, theory, ethics, problem solving, and diversity in social work practice with individual client systems. Prerequisite: SWK300 (3 Units)

This foundation course provides an overview of the history of case management and provides an in-depth analysis of case management from a strengths perspective. Client engagement, assessment, intervention, advocacy, evaluation, and termination are addressed in depth on micro through macro levels. (3 Units)

This course addresses what it means to be marginalized and presents information on the history and current status of various vulnerable populations domestically and globally. The course explores the importance of cultural competence in engaging, assessing, and intervening with client systems. (3 Units)

This course is a survey of substance use disorders, treatment, and recovery models, including a historical and contemporary understanding of addiction, and its impact on individuals, families, and society. Prerequisite: SWK300 (3 Units)

This course will introduce students to the definition of trauma, the prevalence of children experiencing trauma locally, nationally and globally, as well as the physical, emotional, cognitive, social and spiritual impact trauma can have on children and adolescents. The concepts of trauma informed practice, resilience, and evidence based practices with children experiencing trauma are key components of the course. The role of social workers in working with children experiencing trauma locally, nationally and globally is also a key feature of the course. Although trauma is broadly defined, the course will focus mainly on abuse and neglect, violence, natural disasters, war, and medical trauma. (3 Units)

This course is an introduction to the role of spirituality, religion, and secularism in micro, mezzo, and macro social work practice. Students will examine their own personal values, morals, spirituality, religious, and secular traditions and reconcile any differences between these personal values and professional, ethical practice with diverse clients. Prerequisite: SWK300 (3 Units)

Students learn about the critical role of social workers in health care settings using bio-psycho-social-spiritual assessments and interventions to assist health practitioners, patients, and their families in addressing medical concerns, social determinants of health, and the social-cultural meanings ascribed to illness. Prerequisite: (BEH250,SWK300) (3 Units)

This course examines the social welfare policies, programs, and services to families and children, historically known as "child welfare services". It explores major issues facing children, youth and families, critically examining the assumptions, values, and philosophical perspectives underlying the social policies that shape child welfare. Prerequisite: SWK300 (3 Units)

This foundation course explores the theories, themes, and issues concerning the interaction among individuals as they grow, change, and develop over the lifespan and the impact of their social context on their development. (3 Units)