Introduction to social work, social welfare and social justice; explores the ethics, values and goals of social welfare and justice. Examines historic, contemporary and global social issues and social change practices. Service Learning links the experiential to the theoretical.

Develop practical skills to engage across differences and to advocate for those who are marginalized due to their social identities. Understanding and embracing diversity is essential for personal and professional growth, effective communication, and fostering inclusive communities in today’s interconnected world. Acquire knowledge, skills and perspectives necessary to appreciate, respect and celebrate differences across various dimensions of identity including race/ethnicity, religion, socioeconomic status, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation and abilities and disabilities.

Raise awareness of racial injustices and advocating for equality are integral to the fields of social welfare and justice. Take a deep dive into the history of racism and racial inequities in the U.S. Raise your consciousness by learning about systemic racism, challenging stereotypes, and exploring hidden and implicit bias. Engage in a variety of activities and discussions that bring to light how race/racism impacts all aspects of life.

An in-depth examination of historic and contemporary immigration to the U.S., especially in relationship to the American economy, ideas about race and cultural pluralism. The effects of immigration law and social policies on the socio-economic mobility and well-being of immigrant families are examined.

Provides foundation in the study of human behavior based on content and concepts used by social workers as helping professionals, theories and research from social science and life experience. Includes biological, psychological and social changes of individuals across the life span, and how each life course is also shaped by diversity of time, gender, race, ethnicity, social class and other dimensions. Social justice challenges to healthy development, such as the impact of poverty, discrimination and violence, are also examined.

Introduction to Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) as an interdisciplinary field developed to resolve conflict, improve communication and promote reconciliation. Theory and practice of engaging in difficult conversations, mediating interpersonal conflict and conducting restorative justice circles through active learning assignments. Direct application of examples from court affiliated programs. Limits and potential of forgiveness.

Teaches basic leadership and organizing skills. Designed to be interactive and experiential, with role-plays, case studies and self-evaluations.

Examines the history, importance and practice of public policy and social services in supporting social welfare and achieving social justice in the United States. Provides a framework for policy analysis and critical assessment in such areas as health, housing, food, employment and the needs of vulnerable populations. Includes social work and other advocacy roles in policy work.

Increase understanding of the experiences and issues faced by children with incarcerated parents focusing on the racial, ethnic and socioeconomically disadvantaged and disenfranchised populations. Evaluate appropriate evidence-based practices, strategies and policies. Identify and evaluate evidence-based practices and policies that positively impact children with incarcerated parents. Develop legislative and advocacy strategies to promote these practices and policy change. Emphasis on collaborative learning.

Introduction to practice skills with individuals and families. Students develop skills in supportive listening, interviewing and establishing and maintaining professional relationships. Specific strategies for working with families are developed. Classroom labs are linked to service learning.

Learn frameworks and skills for understanding types, history, and impact of trauma on individuals, family and community. Acquire understanding of trauma and posttraumatic stress disorder in adults and children, and how it impacts learning, behavior, brain and the body. Trauma-informed care promotes a culture of safety, empowerment and healing. Gain knowledge of tools to foster resiliency, influence practice in relationships and increase awareness of self.

Explores the history of victim services, the effects of victimization on individuals, families, and communities, the development of policies and the services available to victims within and external to the criminal justice system. Specialized topics may include family violence, workplace violence, public tragedy, violent crime, and white collar crime.

Introduction to family practice, primarily examining communication and structural models. Various theories of family intervention. Exploration of the process from initial problem assessment through intervention planning, implementation, evaluation, and termination. Simulations, role play and other classroom exercises help students understand how theories and techniques are applied in practice.

Review various theoretical and historical perspectives on injustice and oppression, within the context of social change strategies. Examination of traditional and nontraditional social action strategies, including community organizing/development. Learn agency and legislative advocacy skills with a specific focus on victim advocacy and at-risk populations. Analyze values and ethical perspectives related to social change.

Examines the social, economic and political conditions of Arabs and Muslims living in diaspora in the West through four analytic lenses: race, gender, national security and Islamophobia. Subject matter is examined using scholarly publications, policy reports, and films.

Knowledge of the historical and statutory basis for child welfare practice. Examine all components of the current child welfare system and its federal mandates. Learn about and discuss issues of child maltreatment/abuse, the rights of children and parents and the significance of family in a system with the authority of the government to intervene and/or remove children. Learn about and discuss theories of practice, family systems and the policies that affect practice in child welfare.

Provides an overview of issues lying at the intersection of the social work and the legal professions. Principles of collaboration between these professions and selected concepts and principles related to the establishment and enforcement of legal and social provisions for the protection of children, adults and the family are emphasized. Presents theoretical knowledge and background material, with opportunities to critically analyze social welfare and legal issues.

Field experience in a community social service agency for the purpose of furthering the student's integration of theory and practice in a professional setting. Placement is for a minimum of 140 hours per term under the supervision of agency personnel, and includes a weekly seminar with the internship coordinator. S/U grade assessment. Limited enrollment.

Students strengthen their skills in interviewing, data collection, problem appraisal, and the development of contracts for planned change. Competence is developed in carrying out contract plans, evaluating results, renegotiating contracts and terminating contracts. Working with families and groups is further examined.

An in-depth examination of ethical issues and special challenges that characterize the fields of social work, social welfare and social justice. Explores value dilemmas, stresses and frustrations that may confront professionals in theses fields.

Analyzes sociologically a range of historic and contemporary faith-based movements through the lens of social movement theory. Examines variations in goals, framing, strategies, mobilization, engagement of symbols and movement cultures as they are recorded in movement literature, oral histories, archives, films and scholarly studies.

Critical examination of intervention claims to "do good" through governmental, nongovernmental and volunteer efforts in global aid and humanitarianism. Explores ethical and practical dilemmas in solving internationally identified social problems, such as child soldiers, sex trafficking and global hunger. Examines how aid and humanitarian systems can be part of the problem rather than the solution, and tensions between rights-based approaches and cultural humility. Addresses cross-cultural and power dynamics of professional and volunteer work.

A lecture course on special areas and themes. Specific topics will be designated in the Schedule of Classes.

Read, discuss and apply social welfare research under the direction of a Social Welfare and Justice faculty mentor. Review the literature on an assigned or negotiated topic and propose a specific research project. A maximum of six credits of SOWJ 4956, 4995 and 4999 combined may be counted as electives toward the minimum requirements of the major and a maximum of three credits of SOWJ 4956, 4995 and 4999 may be counted as electives toward the minimum requirements for the minor.

Continuation of the internship experience (SOWJ 3986). Placement is for a minimum of 140 hours per term of supervised practice at the same agency as the previous term and includes a weekly seminar. S/U grade assessment. Limited enrollment.

Faculty-supervised, independent study/research of a specific area or topic in Social Welfare and Justice.

SOWJ majors with a quality point average of 3.000 or higher may write a thesis under the direction of an adviser.

Students strengthen their skills in interviewing, data collection, problem appraisal, and the development of contracts for planned change. Competence is developed in carrying out contract plans, evaluating results, renegotiating contracts and terminating contracts. Working with families and groups is further examined.

An in-depth examination of ethical issues and special challenges that characterize the fields of social work, social welfare and social justice. Explores value dilemmas, stresses and frustrations that may confront professionals in theses fields.

Analyzes sociologically a range of historic and contemporary faith-based movements through the lens of social movement theory. Examines variations in goals, framing, strategies, mobilization, engagement of symbols and movement cultures as they are recorded in movement literature, oral histories, archives, films and scholarly studies.

Critical examination of intervention claims to "do good" through governmental, nongovernmental and volunteer efforts in global aid and humanitarianism. Explores ethical and practical dilemmas in solving internationally identified social problems, such as child soldiers, sex trafficking and global hunger. Examines how aid and humanitarian systems can be part of the problem rather than the solution, and tensions between rights-based approaches and cultural humility. Addresses cross-cultural and power dynamics of professional and volunteer work.

Special areas and themes. Specific topics will be designated in the Schedule of Classes.