INTRODUCTION TO THE FIELD OF SOCIAL WORK

Prerequisites & course information

Requisites: None Course Designation: Core GenEd - Social & Behavioral Science Breadth - Social Science Level - Elementary L&S Credit - L&S Liberal Arts and Science Repeatable for Credit: No Last Taught: Fall 2026 Learning Outcomes: 1. Analyze the functions of the social work profession in American society and its role in promoting social justice and addressing systemic inequalities. Audience: Undergraduate 2. Assess the historical and contemporary dimensions of social welfare, particularly key policies and practices that have shaped the field. Audience: Undergraduate 3. Identify the core values and ethical principles of social work and explain how they guide professional social work practice. Audience: Undergraduate 4. Compare and contrast various social work practice settings, the diverse populations served, the levels of intervention utilized, and the systemic challenges addressed by generalist social work practitioners. Audience: Undergraduate 5. Evaluate the expectations, challenges, and rewards of a career in social work, the professional responsibilities, and articulate a personal commitment to social justice. Audience: Undergraduate Learning Outcomes: 1. Analyze the functions of the social work profession in American society and its role in promoting social justice and addressing systemic inequalities. Audience: Undergraduate 2. Assess the historical and contemporary dimensions of social welfare, particularly key policies and practices that have shaped the field. Audience: Undergraduate 3. Identify the core values and ethical principles of social work and explain how they guide professional social work practice. Audience: Undergraduate 4. Compare and contrast various social work practice settings, the diverse populations served, the levels of intervention utilized, and the systemic challenges addressed by generalist social work practitioners. Audience: Undergraduate 5. Evaluate the expectations, challenges, and rewards of a career in social work, the professional responsibilities, and articulate a personal commitment to social justice. Audience: Undergraduate