Theories for Multilevel Practice

2 credits · Graduate

This course examines the foundations of social work practice theories and strategies for connecting theory and practice. It provides an overview of the impact of the social environment, the impact of the “ecology” of human behavior and the way social institutions and practices provide structure over the life course. Practice implications are explored in terms of assessing client social and psychological needs. The course covers biophysical perspectives, crisis and intervention, cognitive-behavioral theories, systems/ecological frameworks, social psychological theories, social constructionism, humanism and existentialism, critical race and conflict theories, multilevel practice theories, and examination of individual and group differences.