Social work careers are increasingly more challenging and varied. Social workers must be prepared to change assignments, cases, and tasks regularly and must be able to communicate in a manner that transcends singular agencies or organizations. Effective communication strategies are required for successful professionals and efficient organizations. The practice of professional social work requires accurate and persuasive communication in multiple formats. This required, foundation-level course is designed to introduce students to the major possibilities and constraints of professional writing and other forms of communication as well as survey the career paths available to professional social workers. There is an emphasis on writing for professional settings including case studies, mandated reports, summaries, and professional publication.

This is the first course of a two-part sequence designed to develop an understanding about human behavior and the social environment. This course offers an ecosystems framework and method for understanding human behavior within the context of personal, family, group and community systems. The focus is on a normative development with an emphasis on the strengths perspective. This course supports the values of diversity in society and social justice. Throughout this two quarter sequence, students will be introduced to varied theoretical paradigms for explaining and predicting human behavior so students will be exposed to both complexity and controversy within the field. Using a bio-psycho-social theoretical framework, fundamental concepts and theories are introduced with the life cycle serving as the organizational focus. The course covers the first half of the life span: conception, infancy, childhood, adolescence and young adulthood. It explores these life stages within the contexts of biological, psychological, and social systems. As students will learn, each theoretical paradigm is a social construct, uniquely offering strengths and limitations as well as value biases. Therefore, the development of a critical analytical perspective is crucial in the study of each theory. Students are thus encouraged to develop critical thinking skills as they examine the adequacy of the theories and research that they are taught so that they may appreciate the strengths and limitations of the knowledge that they are acquiring. This course takes into consideration the following factors that influence human behavior: ethnicity, age, culture, race, social class, poverty, gender, sexual orientation, spirituality, genetics, and an urban social environment. These contexts are used to understand the functioning of individual as members of families, groups, communities and larger social organizations, in order to better understand how social workers develop interventions targeting the micro, meso, and macro-systems levels. Special attention is given to the impact of social problems, human diversity, discrimination and oppression on the individual's ability to access community resources in order to reach optimal health and well-being. The goal of this approach is to help social work students develop an understanding and tolerance for variant family constellations, lifestyles, and life choices. Students are encouraged to develop a professional value system that respects difference.

This is the second course of a two-part sequence designed to develop an understanding about human behavior and the social environment. This course offers an ecosystems framework and method for understanding human behavior within the context of personal, family, group and community systems, organizations, and institutions. The focus is on a normative development with an emphasis on the strengths perspective. Using a bio-psycho-social theoretical framework, fundamental concepts and theories are introduced with the life cycle serving as the organizational focus. The course covers the second half of the life span: young adulthood, middle adulthood, later adulthood and end of life. It explores these life stages within the contexts of biological, psychological, and social systems. This course takes into consideration the following factors that influence human behavior: ethnicity, age, culture, race, social class, poverty, gender, sexual orientation, spirituality, genetics, and an urban social environment. These contexts are used to understand the functioning of individual as members of families, groups, communities and larger social organizations, in order to better understand how social workers develop interventions targeting the micro, meso, and macro-systems levels. Special attention is given to the impact of social problems, human diversity, discrimination and oppression on the individual's ability to access community resources in order to reach optimal health and well-being. The goal of this approach is to help social work students develop an understanding and tolerance for variant family constellations, lifestyles, and life choices. Students are encouraged to develop a professional value system that respects difference.

This course presents the conceptual foundations and methods of research needed in order to assist students with integrating research knowledge and professional social work practice. It presents social justice as an overarching paradigm in the study of social work research. MSW 421 presents the conceptual foundations and methods of research in order to assist students with integrating research knowledge with professional social work practice and ethics. This course focuses primarily on the quantitative method but the qualitative method is also covered. The course covers the research process from problem identification through the conceptualization of research questions, sampling, design, measurement, data collection, analysis, and dissemination of findings. Additionally the course pays specific attention to ethics in research and issues of race, class, gender and sexual orientation. As an alternative to the quantitative research method, the course touches briefly on qualitative methods. The course makes use of examples and readings that focus on conducting research with individuals, families, and communities in urban environments. Students engage in a critical analysis of the quantitative research method and consider alternative methods of developing knowledge as it pertains to social work. Additionally, the course provides a basic coverage of data analysis using both the quantitative and qualitative research methods with the goal of developing student's conceptual understanding and ability to critically interpret research findings. .

The course is the second part in a two part series focusing on quantitative and qualitative methods. It continues the presentation of social justice as an overarching paradigm in the study of social work research. As it did with the first course in the sequence, MSW 422 presents the conceptual foundations and methods of research in order to assist students with integrating research knowledge with professional social work practice and ethics. The first half of the course continues the focus on the quantitative method. The second half of the quarter will examine the qualitative methods in more depth. The first part of the course covers clinical single subject designs, program evaluation, and more advanced statistical analysis. Additionally the course revisits content on ethics in research and issues of diversity. The qualitative method section of the course focuses on the fundamental research tasks found in most qualitative inquiries. The course makes use of examples and readings that focus on conducting research with individuals, families, and communities in urban environments. Students engage in a critical analysis of the quantitative and qualitative research methods and consider alternative methods of developing knowledge as it pertains to social work.

All of professional social work practice is grounded in policy knowledge and theory. This foundation-level course is designed to provide students with the entry-level knowledge of social work ethics and values, policy formation and analysis, and practice skills necessary to impact and interpret the rules and regulations surrounding social welfare. Emphasis is placed on understanding political processes at the agency, local, regional and federal level and attention is given to economic considerations as well as the unique role of social welfare policy in regulating the lives of clients, particularly those from historically oppressed groups including women, children, poor people, people of color, people with disabilities, the aged, gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people, people from various ethno-cultural backgrounds, people with diverse religious beliefs, recently arrived immigrants, people for whom English is a second language and others in the urban environment. Content covered in this course includes constructs from United States history, political science, and economics, in addition to social work practices and principles. The course focuses on the analysis of social policies utilizing social work ethics and values. This course is the first of two required social welfare policy courses for MSW degree candidates; the assignments for this course relate to assignments in the second policy course, MSW 432. Students who are admitted into the MSW degree program or who are planning to take both policy courses should store their documents electronically so that they may be retrieved for future review and use.

This is the second of two required Social Welfare Policy Courses in the MSW curriculum. This concentration course focuses on policy practice (including advocacy) skills in agencies and organizations. While including a review of analytical techniques, there is emphasis in this course on the human interactions which shape policy review and implementation. Attention will be paid to the unique position of social workers and social work values in impacting those plans and processes which guide services that are based in agencies and institutions, including government. Building on the work begun in MSW 431 (Social Welfare Policy I), students learn those skills and applications which influence social policy using social work values and ethics as a major lens thru which policy practice is facilitated. Emphasis on social justice and human rights will be facilitated in the course as one key responsibility of (all social work) policy practitioners. As much of the content of the course will center on specific client, agency, and institutional contexts, students will need social work practice experience to ground their observations and work in this course. The course will focus on how laws and regulations are enacted and on skills in communications, lobbying, advising and other forms of influencing policy decision-makers in the interest of social justice.

See schedule for current offerings. Graduate standing required.

This course is the first in a series of three required foundational courses (MSW 481, MSW 482 and MSW 483) designed to equip students with the basic theoretical knowledge, analytical skills, practice skills, and values needed to practice generalist social work with diverse individuals and families in an urban context. The course is grounded in an empowerment model with an emphasis on social justice and the Vincentian values of respect, advocacy, service, and inventiveness. Additionally, the foundation practice sequence gives attention to the importance of diversity within oppressed groups including women, children, poor people, people of color, people with disabilities, the aged, gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people, people from various ethno-cultural backgrounds, people with diverse religious beliefs, recently-arrived immigrants, and people for whom English is a second language. The sequence prepares students for advanced, community practice. The course will explore the implementation of the ecosystems perspective as it applies to a generalist practice. The course will also cover the relationship between professional and personal values, social work ethics, assessment, relationship building, implementing change strategies, and practice evaluation. Experiential exercises and assignments will be utilized to help students apply the practice concepts presented in this course. Students will be asked to share their field experiences in class to link course content to field work. Experiential exercises utilizing role playing and small group work will allow students to practice the skills in a supportive environment. This course is to be taken concurrently with MSW 491 (Foundation Field Education I) and is required of all students enrolled in the first year field sequence.

This course is designed to support students in their Foundation Year of Field Education, and to complement the Foundation Year Sequence. Students will be provided with the opportunity to apply the beginning skills and knowledge needed to professionally aid individuals and families using the bio-psycho-social model and the empowerment approach, and introduce key components of field work and working with community organizations and social service agencies. This course is the first of three field education courses which are required of all MSW degree students. Students enrolled in this course must also be concurrently enrolled in MSW 481. (Foundation Practice I). The foundation field education course also requires working in an approved field placement for 160 agency contact hours during the autumn quarter. Students should be mindful that they need to complete a minimum of 540 hours during the academic year. The course will meet several times during the autumn quarter. Issues related to practice will be discussed, including ethics, networking with community organizations, diversity, and supervision. Social work is practiced in agencies and organizations that work directly with people. Students in this course are placed in human service organizations or agencies where they will develop skills in interviewing, data collection, problem identification, and formulating goals with clients within the context of professional social work values and ethics and the auspices of the agency in which the student is based. Students are required to develop an understanding of the agency's history and purposes, its programs and services, and its role in the greater urban community. Students must always be able to demonstrate a professional awareness of self in working with clients as well as an understanding of human diversity as it relates to working with clients and working towards restorative and social justice. The course provides students the opportunity to explore a range of concepts that support the learning objectives of the Foundation course sequence, and include: o Exposure of students to a wide range of practice situations o Provide opportunities for discussion of field related issues o Provide opportunities for trouble shooting and problem solving of pragmatic and procedural aspects of field instruction o Provide a forum for the development of the 'professional self' and skills necessary to participate in professional consultation The process for field placement and supporting policies are further articulated in the student handbook and the field education manual. Each student is required to submit a learning contract specific to their placement agency each quarter. The learning contract should include learning activities which can reasonably be accomplished within the academic quarter and which reflect both student and program learning needs. Concurrent enrollment in MSW 481 and confirmation of field placement for current academic year required.

This course is the second in a series of three required foundational courses (MSW 481, MSW 482 and MSW 483) designed to equip students with the basic theoretical knowledge, analytical skills, practice skills, and values needed to practice generalist social work with groups in an urban context. The course will emphasize the development, implementation, and evaluation of various forms of therapeutic groups along with some content on organizational task groups. Task groups will be covered more thoroughly in MSW 483. Additionally, the foundation practice sequence gives attention to the importance of diversity within oppressed groups including women, children, poor people, people of color, people with disabilities, the aged, gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people, people from various ethno-cultural backgrounds, people with diverse religious beliefs, recently-arrived immigrants, and people for whom English is a second language. The sequence prepares students for advanced, community practice. Course instruction will emphasize didactic lecture, but group-simulation experiential exercises will also be an important part of presenting the content. Students will also be required to conduct an analysis and presentation of a group experience from their internship. The course is grounded in an empowerment model with an emphasis on social justice and the Vincentian values of respect, advocacy, service, and inventiveness. This course is to be taken concurrently with MSW 492 (Foundation Field Education II) and is required of all students enrolled in the first year field sequence.

This course is designed to support students in their Foundation Year of Field Education, and to complement the Foundation Year Sequence. Students will be provided with the opportunity to apply the beginning skills and knowledge needed to professionally aid individuals and families using the bio-psycho-social model and the empowerment approach, and introduce key components of field work and working with community organizations and social service agencies. This course is the second of three field education courses which are required of all MSW degree students. Students enrolled in this course must also be concurrently enrolled in MSW 482. (Foundation Practice II). The foundation field education course also requires interning in an approved field placement for at least 180 agency contact hours during the winter quarter. Students should have completed at least 180 hours at their internship prior to the start of the winter quarter and must complete a minimum of 540 internship hours during the academic year. The course will meet several times during the winter quarter. Issues related to practice will be discussed, including ethics, networking with community organizations, diversity, and supervision. Social work is practiced in agencies and organizations that work directly with people. Students in this course are placed in human service organizations or agencies where they will develop skills in interviewing, data collection, problem identification, and formulating goals with clients within the context of professional social work values and ethics and the auspices of the agency in which the student is based. Students are required to develop an understanding of the agency's history and purposes, its programs and services, and its role in the greater urban community. Students must always be able to demonstrate a professional awareness of self in working with clients as well as an understanding of human diversity as it relates to working with clients and working towards restorative and social justice. The course provides students the opportunity to explore a range of concepts that support the learning objectives of the Foundation course sequence, and include: o Exposure of students to a wide range of practice situations o Provide opportunities for discussion of field related issues o Provide opportunities for trouble shooting and problem solving of pragmatic and procedural aspects of field instruction o Provide a forum for the development of the 'professional self' and skills necessary to participate in professional consultation The process for field placement and supporting policies are further articulated in the student handbook and the field education manual. Each student is required to submit a learning contract specific to their placement agency each quarter. The learning contract includes learning activities which can reasonably be accomplished within the academic quarter and which reflect both student and program learning needs. Concurrent enrollment in MSW 482 and confirmation of field placement for current academic year required

This course is the third in a series of three required foundational courses (MSW 481, MSW 482 and MSW 483) designed to equip students with the basic theoretical knowledge, analytical skills, practice skills, and values needed to practice generalist social work within communities and organizations. Specifically, this course introduces skills associated with task groups which serve to meet client needs in communities and organizations. The course is grounded in the empowerment model with an emphasis on social justice and the Vincentian values of respect, advocacy, service, and inventiveness. Additionally, the foundation practice sequence gives attention to the importance of diversity within oppressed groups including women, children, poor people, people of color, people with disabilities, the aged, gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered people; people from various ethno-cultural backgrounds, people with diverse religious beliefs, recently-arrived immigrants, and people for whom English is a second language. The sequence prepares students for advanced, community practice. This course is to be taken concurrently with MSW 493 (Foundation Field Education III) and is required of all students enrolled in the first year field sequence.

This course is designed to support students in their Foundation Year of Field Education, and to complement the Foundation Year Sequence. Students will be provided with the opportunity to apply the beginning skills and knowledge needed to professionally aid individuals, families, and groups using the bio-psycho-social model and the empowerment approach, and introduce key components of field work and working with community organizations and social service agencies. This course is the third of three foundation field education courses which are required of all MSW degree students. Students enrolled in this course must also be concurrently enrolled in MSW 483. (Foundation Practice III). The foundation field education course requires working in an approved field placement for at least 180 agency contact hours during the spring quarter. Students must complete a total of 540 hours by the end of spring quarter. The student will also be required to actively participate in a meeting with the Field Instructor and the Field Liaison at the end of the quarter to discuss the student's progress and quarterly evaluation. The course will meet several times during the spring quarter. Issues related to practice will be discussed, including ethics, networking with community organizations, diversity, and supervision. Social work is practiced in agencies and organizations that work directly with people. Students in this course are placed in human service organizations or agencies where they will develop skills in interviewing, data collection, problem identification, and formulating goals with clients within the context of professional social work values and ethics and the auspices of the agency in which the student is based. Students are required to develop an understanding of the agency's history and purposes, its programs and services, and its role in the greater urban community. Students must always be able to demonstrate a professional awareness of self in working with clients as well as an understanding of human diversity as it relates to working with clients and working towards restorative and social justice. The course provides students the opportunity to explore a range of concepts that support the learning objectives of the Foundation course sequence, and include: o Exposure of students to a wide range of practice situations o Provide opportunities for discussion of field related issues o Provide opportunities for trouble shooting and problem solving of pragmatic and procedural aspects of field instruction o Provide a forum for the development of the 'professional self' and skills necessary to participate in professional consultation The process for field placement and supporting policies are further articulated in the field education manual. Each student is required to submit a learning contract specific to their placement agency each quarter. The learning contract should include learning activities which can reasonably be accomplished within the academic quarter and which reflect both student and program learning needs. Concurrent enrollment in MSW 483 and continuation in field placement for current academic year required.

This course is required for all Advanced Standing students and may be taken as an elective (with its co-requisite course, MSW 494) with permission of the Instructor. This course must be taken with MSW 494. This course is designed to equip students with the basic theoretical knowledge, analytical skills, practice skills, and values needed to prepare for advanced, community practice in social work. The course is grounded in the empowerment model with an emphasis on social justice and other Vincentian values. Additionally, it gives particular attention to the importance of diversity, including race/ethnicity, gender, economic class, disability, and sexual orientation in the context of social work macro practice. This course is to be taken concurrently with MSW 494 (Advanced Standing Foundation Field Education).

This field education course is required for all Advanced Standing students and may be taken as an elective (with its co-requisite course, MSW 484) with permission of the Instructor. The course must be taken with MSW 484. This course also requires enrollment in an approved field agency placement for the entire summer session. Students are required to complete a minimum of 150 contact hours at the agency. This course is designed to assist students with processing the many theoretical, analytical, and practice skills needed to prepare for community practice, an advanced approach to social work. This course is to be taken concurrently with MSW 484 (Advanced Foundation Practice).

(1 to 4 Credit Hours) Individually-supervised learning experience, usually involving extensive research and written analysis.

Administrator and staff of social programs have experienced continued pressure to document the effectiveness of community-based programs. Public agencies, private funders and other external organizations now routinely require program evaluation as part of the funding package. Additionally, agency administrators and staff want to know if their programs are effectively helping their clients. These internal and external demands now make it essential that social workers are skilled in developing, implementing and utilizing program evaluation. This course offers a comprehensive overview of how program evaluation fits in today's social service environment. It presents social justice as an overarching paradigm in the study of program evaluation. The course will cover three methods of program evaluation: needs assessments, outcome evaluations, and process evaluations. The course will also cover the history of evaluation and ethical considerations related to race, ethnicity and sexual orientation. The course also emphasizes the role of program evaluation with community-based organizations that exist in an urban context. Practical issues related to organizational mission, staff resistance, resource demands and evaluation ethics will be covered in order to offer a reality-based perspective on conducting program evaluation. The course is grounded in the Vincentian values of respect, advocacy, service, and inventiveness.

This two-part course series introduces students to creating, implementing and adjusting budgets within agencies and programs which serve people. This course is the first of two required courses in fund development for MSW students and is taken either concurrently with MSW 582 (Community Practice II) or before advanced field education. MSW 521 emphasizes budget preparation and fund acquisition while MSW 522 focuses on fund distribution. Successful completion of MSW 501 (Program Evaluation) is required for enrollment in this course, as is the successful completion of the MSW research sequence (MSW 421 & 422). This course introduces students to budgetary operations and the ethical, value-based planning and decision-making processes by which social workers must implement fiscal and administrative decisions. This course also prepares students for MSW 522 (Fund Development & Management II) in which students will practice skills in program marketing and fundraising (including grant-writing).

Building upon concepts introduced in MSW 521 (Fund Development and Management I), this course is the second of two required courses in fund development for students in the MSW program. MSW 522 focuses on fund distribution and control. This course also reviews principles of marketing and fund raising in programs and agencies within the context of social services. Attention is given to program development and fundraising which includes grant writing. This course is taken either concurrently with or prior to MSW 583 (Community Practice III). This course continues review of many topics introduced in MSW 521. MSW 522 will also introduce topics such as budgetary control, allocation, monitoring, and preparation for audits. Students are also introduced to topics such as purchase of services and fees for services.

Using select theoretical approaches, including empowerment practice, this course equips students with the advanced skills and knowledge needed to practice in community-serving agencies and organizations. The emphasis in this course, which represents the first of three consecutive, required (advanced) practice courses, is on leadership and management of human service organizations. This course introduces students to the knowledge, skills and professional values essential to leadership of community-based or community-serving programs and organizations. This course covers leadership theories, styles, and techniques; supervision and facilitation; and the critical role(s) leadership play(s) in agency and program administration. Special attention is paid to the unique considerations of people with diverse backgrounds (and representatives of other marginalized groups) in leadership positions as well as working towards the promotion of social and economic justice. It is required that this course be taken concurrently with MSW 591 (Advanced Field Education I).

This three-part course is the final, advanced field education sequence which requires concurrent enrollment in MSW 581 (and 582, 583 in subsequent academic quarters). This course also requires enrollment in an approved field agency placement for the entire academic year, where students are required to complete a minimum of 180 contact hours at the agency during the autumn quarter. Students should keep in mind that they must complete 580 hours during the academic year. This course is designed to assist students in processing the many theoretical, analytical, and practice skills needed to practice advanced social work in community settings. Attention is also paid to the unique considerations of women and representatives of other historically- marginalized groups in organizational leadership roles through required

Using select theoretical approaches, this course equips students with the advanced skills and knowledge needed to practice in community-serving agencies and organizations. The emphasis in this course, which represents the second of three consecutive, required (advanced) practice courses, is on program planning. This course introduces students to the skills and knowledge needed to plan and design programs in community-based, people-serving organizations, starting with problem analysis and needs assessment. Related topics such as understanding the multiple dimensions of social problems, operationalizing concerns, and the importance of collaboration and addressing diverse groups? needs within a community practice framework are also addressed. Measures for accountability and effectiveness, especially for professional social workers, are also addressed. Attention is also given to the needs of historically-marginalized groups and planning for full social and economic justice. It is required that this course be taken concurrently with MSW 592 (Advanced Field Education II).

This course is the second in the final, three-part, advanced field education sequence, and requires concurrent enrollment in MSW 582 as well as successful completion of MSW 581 and MSW 591. This course also requires enrollment in an approved field agency placement for the entire academic year where students are required to complete a minimum of 580 hours over the academic year. Typically, students in MSW 592 are expected to complete a minimum of 190 contact hours at the agency during the Winter Quarter. This course is designed to assist students in processing the many theoretical, analytical, and practice skills needed to practice advanced social work in community settings. Attention is also paid to the unique considerations of women and representatives of other historically-marginalized groups in organizational leadership roles through required learning objectives and tasks.

Using select theoretical approaches, this course equips students with the advanced skills and knowledge needed to practice in community-serving agencies and organizations. The emphasis in this course, which represents the final of three consecutive, required (advanced) practice courses is on resource development and marketing. This course continues facilitation in planning and designing programs in community-based or community-serving organizations while also providing students with opportunities to integrate fund development, program evaluation, and effective stewardship of resources to leverage lasting social change, especially on behalf of historically-oppressed communities. Additional related topics include analysis of organizational change, partnerships, strategic planning, and quality assurance. It is required that this course be taken concurrently with MSW 593 (Advanced Field Education III).

This course is the third in the final, three-part, advanced field education sequence and requires concurrent enrollment in MSW 583 (and successful completion of MSW 582 and MSW 592). This course also requires enrollment in an approved field agency placement for the entire academic year, where students are required to complete a minimum of 580 contact hours at the agency during the academic year. This course is designed to assist students in processing the many theoretical, analytical, and practice skills needed to practice advanced social work in community settings. Attention is also paid to the unique considerations of women and representatives of other historically- marginalized groups in organizational leadership roles through required learning objectives and tasks.