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Introduction to Social Welfare and Social Work.
An introduction to Social welfare institutions and the social work profession: its development, knowledge base, value system, and specific areas of direct practice. (3 units, required for SW minor.)
Aging and Society
For course description, see GERO 107
Foundations of Generalist Practice
Introduction to the history, mission, values, skills and knowledge base of generalist social work practice within a transcultural perspective. Focus on social work practice with emphasis on those populations at-risk who are disenfranchised and marginalized. (3 units)
Generalist Social Work Practice I
Knowledge, values and skills for generalist social work practice utilizing problem-solving methods with systems of all sizes. Focus on developing professional relationships, defining issues, communication skills, collecting data and assessing individuals from diverse backgrounds interacting with their environments. (3 units. Prereq: ScWk 110, 120, 130. Corequisite: 141. Open to Social Work Majors only)
Generalist Practice II
Knowledge, values and skills for generalist social work practice with emphasis families, groups, organizations and communities. Focus on transactions to optimize social well-being and empowerment of individuals, families, and communities utilizing strengths and transcultural perspectives. (Students must pass ScWk 111 with a "C" or better to move on to ScWK 112. Coreq: ScWk 142. Open to Social Work majors only.)
Social Welfare Institutions and Policies I
Developmet of social work as a profession, including mission, values, and ethics. Development and changes in the philosophy, legislative base and structures for social services as these affect social and economic justice and impact health and well-being. (3 units) Prerequisite: Junior standing.
Social Welfare Institutions and Policies II
Methodology and frameworks for analyzing social policy and understanding institutional discrimination, particularly related to populations-at-risk and other disenfranchised groups. Political and organizational processes to influence policy development. (3 units. Prereq: ScWk 120)
Human Behavior and the Social Environment I
Theories and knowledge of bio-psycho-social development from birth to old age. The dynamics of interacting social systems and culture on human development. Human diversity and populations-at-risk emphasized. (3 units. Prereq: Junior standing)
Human Behavior and the Social Environment II
Theories and knowledge about groups, organizations and communities from a systems perspective. The impact of discrimination, economic deprivation and oppression on populations-at-risk. Emphasis on the promotion of optimal health and well-being. (3 units. Prereq: ScWk 130)
Introduction to Field Practicum
Volunteer experience with a community service organization that will provide the student with exposure to clients/client systems prior to Field Practicum 1. Six to eight hours weekly in community based agencies and on-campus seminars. (3 units)
Field Practicum I
Generalist Social Work Practice with individuals, families, and communities from a transcultural perspective in an agency under supervision. Sixteen hours per week required in placement. (4 units. CR/NC grading. Prereq: ScWk 110, 120, 130, & 140; Corequisite: ScWk 111)
Field Practicum II
Generalist Social Work Practice in an agency setting continued. Emphasis is on individuals, small groups and communities from a transcultural perspective. Sixteen hours per week required in placement. (4 units.) CR/NC Prereq: ScWk 111, 141; Corequisite: ScWk 112
Community Field Practicum.
Assignment to various community projects, programs, or agencies with emphasis on children and youth on group development and empowerment. Data collection, problem identification, and community analysis to identify resources for problem resolution. (1-4 units)
Introduction to Research Methods
Scientific and analytic approaches to building knowledge for social work practice, including ethical issues in social research. Evaluation of service delivery systems using qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. (3 units. Prereq: ScWk 110, ScWk 120, ScWk 130. Pre/Corequisite: Stat 95.)
Social Work Senior Seminar
An integrative capstone seminar reviewing current trends, problems and issues confronting the profession. Developments and challenges in California and in the country for BA level generalist practitioners evaluated in light of the student’s own personal and professional goals. (3 units. Prereq/Coreq: ScWK 175; must be taken concurrently with ScWK 112 and ScWK 142; or taken in the semester immediately following completion of ScWK 142, and all other social work courses must have been completed. graduating senior status. Open to Social Work majors only.)
Individual Studies
Individual work on special topics by arrangement with a faculty member. Social Work majors only. (CR/NC grading. Repeatable for credit. 1-4 units.)
Social Work with Families
Exploration of various family forms, cultural factors, and dynamics influencing family interaction with agencies and community. Practice strategies include assessment, defining strengths, and focusing on interventions to promote health and well-being. (3 units. An elective)
Social Services for Children and Youth
Policies, programs, and methods utilized in providing services to children and their families. Child and youth behavior analyzed in relation to interaction with family, peers, schools, community and other institutions. Impact of service structures on individuals from diverse backgrounds considered. (3 units. An elective.)
Alcoholism, Substance Abuse and the Family.
An overview of alcohol and substance use and abuse. Effects on client systems, particularly families and children. Identification of symptoms and addictive behaviors, strengths and limitations of interventions reviewed with a special focus on oppressed and marginalized populations. (3 units. An elective.)
Social Policy and Services: History and Values
History of social welfare and social work with emphasis on diverse populations, particularly Latinos, African Americans, and Asian Americans. Social policy and social work values in relation to practice issues and social services. (3 units.)
Social Policy Analysis
Frameworks for analyzing social policies using principles of social and economic justice. The role of policy in helping or deterring people in attaining well-being. Focus on diverse populations and populations-at-risk. (3 units. Prerequisite: ScWk 202.)
Human Behavior in the Social Environment I
Systems theory and the ecological model presented with transcultural perspectives from infancy through the end of adult life cycle. Emphasizes behavior of individuals and families, especially Latinos, African Americans, Asian Americans and other diverse and oppressed populations. (3 units.)
Human Behavior in the Social Environment II
Systems theory and the ecological model presented with transcultural perspectives. Emphasizes behavior in groups, communities, and organizations with a focus on Latinos, African Americans, Asian Americans and other diverse and oppressed populations. (3 units. Prerequisite: ScWk 212.)
Transcultural Generalist Practice I
Transcultural generalist practice with client systems, particularly individuals and families, at micro, mezzo and macro levels. Assessment, planning and implementing interventions within a professional relationship, utilizing a strengths perspective, focusing on Latinos, African Americans and Asian Americans and other diverse populations. (3 units. Must be taken concurrently with ScWk 230.)
Transcultural Generalist Practice II
Transcultural generalist practice with client systems, particularly groups, organizations and communities to enhance well-being. Approaches and skills to ameliorate conditions affecting people adversely, particularly those of diverse backgrounds and fields of practice. Emphasis on promoting social and economic justice. (3 units. Prerequisite: ScWk 220 and 230. Must be taken concurrently with ScWk 231.)
Transcultural Multi-Systems Practice I: Family Systems Focus
Transcultural multi-systems practice with an emphasis on family systems, diverse cultural patterns and varying family forms. Assessment of multi-systems interactions of communities and organizations with a focus on enhancing the health and well-being of marginalized populations and populations-at-risk. (3 units. Prerequisites: ScWk 220 and 221. Must be taken concurrently with ScWk 232. Preference given to students in advanced year.)
Transcultural Multi-Systems Practice II: Community Systems Focus
Methods of community intervention at multiple levels focused on empowerment and developing the strengths of diverse groups, particularly Latino, African American, Asian American and other oppressed and marginalized populations. Includes community social work, assessment and interventions. (3 units. Prerequisites: ScWk 220 and 221. Must be taken concurrently with ScWk 232. Preference given to students in advanced year.)
Multi-Systems Practice: A Spanish/English Framework
Analysis of cultural relevant services to linguistic minority Spanish-speaking population from a transcultural generalist perspective. Skills to include Spanish language interventions appropriate for cultural access, appropriate assessment, individual, family, and group interventions, and advocacy for clients systems at all levels. (3 units. Prerequisite: Pass preliminary Spanish language competency exam.)
Social Work Practicum I
Development of transcultural practice skills with families, groups, and individuals in their social contexts. Emphasis on developing professional roles and relationships, applying multi-systems assessment and interventions, particularly with Latino, African American, and Asian American clients/client systems. (4 units. CR/NC. Co-requisite: ScWk 220.)
Social Work Practicum II
Development of skills to differentially assess the strengths and capacities of interacting individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities. Application, termination and evaluation of problem-solving interventions from a transcultural generalist practice perspective.
(4 units. CR/NC. Prerequisite: ScWk 230. Co-requisite: ScWk 221.)
Social Work Practicum III
Development of multi-systems practice skills with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities from a transcultural multi-systems perspective emphasizing family, community and policy practice. Development of skill to use self effectively with diverse clients, colleagues and community members from various backgrounds. (5 units. CR/NC. Prerequisite: ScWk 231. Co-requisites: ScWk 222 and 223.)
Social Work Practicum IV
Development of transcultural multi-systems practice skills in a field of practice: aging, children, youth, and families, health/mental health, or education. Developing culturally competent skills to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate interventions from transcultural and strengths perspectives to address family and community well-being. (5 units. CR/NC. Prerequisite: ScWk 232.)
Research Methods and Design
Scientific method and problems of knowledge. Basic concepts and models of research methodology, qualitative research, program and practice evaluation in social work. Critical analysis of existing research on diverse and oppressed populations. (3 units. ScWk 240 also serves as an evaluative course to pass the university’s Professional Writing Competency policy.)
Research Methods, Data Analysis and Evaluation
Basic concepts and models for research methodology applied to the analysis of data in social work. Emphasis on quantitative analysis, using statistics software. Qualitative research is also incorporated. (3 units. Prerequisite: ScWk 240.)
Management in Human Services
The organization and continuous operation of service delivery systems including the functions of management, decision-making, communication, authority, delegation, planning, and staffing. (3 units. An elective.)
Supervision and Consultation
Focuses on the knowledge and skill base of the social worker in supervision and consultation. Identification and analysis of the functions of the social worker as supervisor and consultant. (3 units. An elective.)
Policy Practice in Aging
Critical analysis of the impact of policies on older adults and their families, particularly those who are Latino, African American, and Asian American and other diverse and oppressed populations. Assessment of organizations and policy implementation. Development of strategies to promote well-being and social change. (3 units. Prerequisite: ScWk 204. Preference given to students in advanced year.)
Social Work with Aging Populations
Knowledge and skill development for transcultural multi-systems perspective in aging settings. Emphasis on Latino, African American, Asian American and other diverse and oppressed populations. Conceptual frameworks for practice at micro, mezzo, and macro levels. (3 units. An elective. Prerequisites: ScWk 220 and 221. Preference given to students in advanced year.)
Policy Practice in Child and Family Welfare
Critical analysis of the impact of social policies on children and families, particularly those who are Latinos, African Americans, and Asian Americans and other diverse and oppressed populations. Assessment of organizational structure and policy implementation. Development of strategies to promote well-being and social change. (3 units. Prerequisite: ScWk 204. Preference given to students in advanced year.)
Social Work Practice with Children
Skills and knowledge in working with high-risk children and families from a transcultural multi-systems perspective. Focus on understanding of child and family development as well as assessment and intervention at various levels in a transcultural context. (3 units. An elective. Prerequisite: ScWk 220 and 221. Preference given to students in advanced year.)
Social Work Practice with Adolescents
Skills and knowledge in working with diverse populations of high-risk adolescents from a transcultural multi-systems perspective. Focus on understanding adolescent and family development as well as assessments and interventions at various levels in a transcultural context. (3 units. An elective. Prerequisite: ScWk 220 and 221. Preference given to students in advanced year.)
Social Work and the Law
Analytical skills to understand the legal system, its functions, organization, jurisdiction and case processing methods. An examination of the legal environment of social work practice in selected settings: domestic violence, child abuse and neglect, sexual abuse and education. (3 units. An elective. Required for Title IV-E and PPSC Students. Preference given to students in advanced year.)
Policy Practice in Schools
Critical analysis of the impact of educational policies on students and parents, particularly those who are Latino, African American, or Asian American and other diverse and oppressed populations. Assessment of policy implementation and schools as organizations. Development of strategies to promote well-being and social change. (3 units. Prerequisite: ScWk 204. Preference given to students in advanced year.)
Social Work in Educational Settings
Knowledge and skill development for transcultural multi-systems perspective in school settings. Roles, responsibilities and functions of social workers in education. Emphasis on schools as community service agencies to meet the needs of culturally diverse student populations and families. (3 units. Prerequisite: ScWk 220 and 221. Preference given to students in advanced year.)
Policy Practice in Health/Mental Health
Critical analysis of the impact of health/mental health policies on populations-at-risk, particularly those who are Latino, African American, and Asian American. Assessment of organizations and policy implementation. Development of strategies to promote well-being and social change. (3 units. Prerequisite: ScWk 204. Preference given to students in advanced year.)
Social Work in Health/Mental Health
Knowledge and skill development for multi-systems practice in health/mental health settings. Emphasis on Latino, African American, and Asian American clients/client systems interacting with service delivery systems. Conceptual frameworks for practice at micro, mezzo and macro levels. (3 units. Prerequisite: ScWk 220 and 221. Preference given to students in advanced year.)
Psychopharmacology for Social Workers
Historical trends and specific transcultural and lifespan issues of psychotropic medications, alcohol and drug use are presented. Psychotherapeutic drugs and the pharmacology basis of medicines for psychiatric disorders and evidence-based treatment interventions for substance abuse will be discussed. (3 units. An elective. Required for MHIP Students.)
Social Work and Social Problems
Examination of selected social problems related to the direct practice of social work that focuses on in-depth knowledge of the problems and of the required direct practice skills and techniques. (3 units. An elective.)
Multi-Systems Practice in Substance Abuse
An in-depth examination of major clinical issues in work with alcoholics and families. Analysis of major treatment methods including individual therapy, education, group therapy and conjoint family therapy with an exploration of socio-cultural variables as they affect assessment and treatment. (1 to 3 units. An elective.)
Special Study
Planning and implementation of research practica emphasizing culturally appropriate measures and design strategies. Students produce a professionally written evaluation study demonstrating understanding of the knowledge base underlying social work interventions. (1 to 3 units. CR/NC. Prerequisites: ScWk 240 and 242.)
Master’s Thesis
Prerequisite: Admission to candidacy for the Master’s degree in Social Work, and approval of the School’s Research Committee. (1 to 3 units. CR/NC. Prerequisites: ScWk 240 and 242.)
*** Note that not all electives are offered each year, and under-enrollment may result in the unavailability of certain courses.
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