The Christian Worldview and Social Work Practice (3 credits)
This course provides students with a comprehensive framework of knowledge, values, and skills necessary for ethical and effective spiritually relevant social work practice. It integrates a contemporary global perspective with critical self-reflection, examining spirituality (specifically the Christian Tradition) as an essential and influential component of a strengths-based approach to social work practice with diverse and/or vulnerable clients. It identifies philosophical presuppositions of current scholarship and motifs in social work practice that are congruent with faith and a Christian worldview. It identifies relevant Biblical presuppositions for social work practice.
Foundations of Social Work Practice and Processes (3 credits)
This course introduces students to a generalist and justice-based frameworks and skills for social work intervention. It highlights contemporary theories for social work practice and processes, knowledge, ethics, values, promotion of social and economic justice, eco-systems, cultural competence, the problem-solving process and development of the client/consumer-worker relationship. It explores the relevance of practice-informed research and research-informed practice in working with diverse populations, organizations and communities. Emphasis is placed on an analysis of power, social stratification, domination/oppression and privilege; the impact systems of domination/oppression have at the micro-, mezzo-, and macro-levels; and how these systems may influence social work practice. Coursework focuses on the intersectionality of identity indices in relation to various forms of domination/oppression (race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, among other indices of identity). Coursework also aims to foster self-awareness and develop mindfulness practices; increase capacity to mitigate oppressive systems in social work agencies and organizations; provide skills for community building within and outside the classroom. Social work skills for anti-oppressive practice are developed through experiential exercises and feedback. Field practice is integrated into classroom content and discussion.
Human Behavior & the Social Environment (3 credits)
This course assumes a developmental life-course and social systems framework in an examination of how environmental and historical influences, current social movements, societal belief systems, social structures, and political processes affect bio-psychosocial aspects of human development and life experience. The course focuses on the application of theories and a scholarly examination of social forces that shape human agency, opportunity, health, and behavior. It also highlights a range of topics related to issues of power, privilege, oppression, identity, and social justice. Such topics include Incarceration and Re-entry, Stigma and Mental Health, Gender and Sexuality, and Global Health.
Social Work Research Methods (3 credits)
This course focuses on research as a scientific and analytic approach to building knowledge for practice and for evaluating service delivery in all areas of Social Work practice. Several theoretical approaches and methodological procedures for social work research are addressed, along with basic statistical procedures and technological developments in quantitative and qualitative research designs. Students will be trained in the formulation of a research problem and question, development of hypotheses based on previous research, selection of relevant research designs, development of sampling strategies, selection of statistical procedures for measurement, data collection procedures, interpretation and presentation of research findings, and identification of implication of research findings. Ethical standards of scientific inquiry are also highlighted with attention to protecting and promoting the well-being of vulnerable and oppressed populations. Students will access, critically evaluate, and appropriately utilize empirical research to inform and evaluate their practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
Data Analysis for Social Work Practice (3 credits)
This course builds on “Social Work Research Methods,” enabling students to become better acquainted with how to evaluate practice. It enhances the analytical skills necessary to assess the validity of research literature, highlights content areas related to quantitative data analysis, includes social work research code of ethics, use of SPSS and preparation of data for entry into SPSS, descriptive statistics, types of distributions, steps in hypothesis testing, inferential statistics, guidelines for test selection, bivariate and multivariate statistical techniques, analysis of qualitative data, and presentation, interpretation and reporting of findings.
Psychopathology and Social Work Practice (3 credits)
This advanced course builds upon the foundational knowledge gained in “Clinical Social Work: Assessment and Diagnosis” by delving deeper into the complexities of psychopathology within the Caribbean context. Students will critically engage with contemporary theories of psychopathology, emphasizing cultural, socio-political, and economic factors unique to the Caribbean. The course will explore the intersection of mental health and social work practice, with a focus on culturally responsive interventions, diagnostic challenges, and ethical considerations in the treatment of mental disorders. Through case studies, scholarly readings, and practical assignments, students will enhance their clinical skills in diagnosing and treating psychopathological disorders while addressing the systemic and structural factors that impact mental health in the Caribbean.
Psychopharmacology for Social Work Practice (3 credits)
This course, taken after “Psychopathology and Social Work Practice,” provides the social work student with knowledge about psychopharmacology. It allows students to enhance their basic understanding of the study of and use of medications to treat psychiatric disorders. The course reviews the historical, political, and ethical context of psychotropic medications in social work practice and provides a basic overview of neuroscience, pharmacology and psychopharmacology. Contemporary social work roles in medication management are debated and necessary skills for effective collaboration with clients, families and other mental health practitioners on medication-related issues are provided.
Evaluating Programs and Social Work Practice with Individuals, Families, and Groups (3 credits)
This course builds on knowledge and skills of the core research courses, “Research Methods for Social Workers” and “Data Analysis for Social Workers.” It focuses on writing measurable goals and objectives that can be evaluated once implemented. It examines theories about and methods for assessing the success of implemented treatment plans of clients. It also highlights various evaluation designs, types of measurement, measurement instruments and data analysis tools. Students will perform actual programme and treatment evaluations, beginning with a needs-assessment and measurable programme and treatment objectives. They will acquire skills that allow for the evaluation of non-profit organizations’ and client services. They will also explore outcome evaluations, determining if interventions, implementation methods are effective and efficient. They will use valuable tools to gauge client needs and treatment progress and provide funding sources and other stakeholders with evidence of the effectiveness and efficiency of the work of social services.
Research & Programme Grant Writing (3 credits)
This course focuses on the knowledge and skills for research and programme conceptualizing, strategic planning and grant proposal writing for resource development. It examines various types and methods for developing different models of social work entrepreneurship and resource development. It focuses on the research, prospect identification and approval process of foundation and government grant sources. It provides students with the experience of writing actual grant applications on behalf of local non-profit organizations. By writing and reviewing proposals, students will develop the attitude, fortitude and competence to write competitive grant proposals. They will gain experience in writing such typical grant components as a statement of need/rationale, implementation strategies, outcomes, personnel, evaluation, budget, attachments, and an executive summary. Students will also learn about donor relations and event planning to assist selected organizations in raising funds to implement desired programs and community projects. Students will learn the art of budgeting, budget analysis and financial management, evaluating programme effectiveness, engaging in critical analysis of internal and external factors that impact organizational capacity building, designing comprehensive multi-level income streams, and analyzing roles and role development of staff, boards, alliances/coalitions, and stakeholders.
Social Work Practice with Individuals, Families and Groups (3 credits)
This course deepens an understanding of concepts and principles introduced in Foundations of Social Work Practice and Processes, with emphasis on the assessment phase of the problem-solving process in direct practice. Field education experiences and theoretical concepts are integrated with focus on understanding and application of interviewing skills, values and ethics, ecological and strength-based approaches, and goal setting and termination. Interventive strategies, techniques and evaluation procedures are used in serving individuals, families and groups.
Field Education Practicum I/Seminar – 6 credits (First Summer)
This is the first of two required Field Education Practicum courses in the sixty (60) credit hour degree programme. It focuses on the integration of foundation knowledge and practice skills for a generalist social worker. Students are required to complete 600 clock hours, including forty-five (45) hours for Field Practicum orientation and integrative seminar and 555 hours in an assigned Field Practicum agency setting.
Field Education Practicum II/Seminar – 6 credits (Second Summer)
This is the second Field Education Practicum courses in the sixty (60) credit hour degree programme. It focuses on the integration of foundation knowledge and practice skills in a chosen Practice Method concentration and Field of practice specialization. Students are required to complete 600 clock hours, including forty-five (45) hours for Field Practicum orientation and integrative seminar and 555 hours in an assigned Field Practicum agency setting.
Social Welfare Policy and Social Justice (3 credits)
This course provides a review of social legislation affecting disadvantaged persons. It reviews the history, mission, philosophy, and evolution of social welfare policies and services that form the foundation of social welfare, specifically in relation to poverty and the needs of oppressed and marginalized populations. It emphasizes policy analysis, values, and advocacy through a study of social policy history; developing, implementation, evaluation and influence on social and economic justice. It also reviews the work of social welfare pioneers and executives, their efforts to advocate and influence change of social welfare policies and services, and their influence on contemporary programs and services in select Fields of Practice.