Advanced Concentration Courses (MSWAC-GS)

Human Behavior in the Social Environment III (HBSE III) introduces students to the theoretical and empirical knowledge base that underlies contemporary concepts of mental health and illness. Students will learn about the methods and criteria used in DSM 5, and the major disorders that most commonly occur during childhood, adulthood and later life. The significance of culture, race, ethnicity, and gender in the diagnostic process is emphasized. In addition, stigma, and bias will be critically examined in keeping with the values and ethics of social work practice and issues of social justice.

The overall objective of this course is to help students deepen and extend their assessment and intervention skills in work with individuals and families who show a range of problems (e.g., mental illness, substance abuse, AIDS, physical illness and disability, domestic violence, rape, and sexual abuse). The impact of diversity and oppression is discussed throughout the course. Students are taught to recognize and resolve ethical and value conflicts, to recognize gaps in service and dysfunctional agency or social policies, to consider strategies for developing resources, and to integrate research thinking and findings into their practice. Formerly titled Clinical Practice with Individuals & Families.

Building on the foundation skills of the first research course, the objective of this course is to apply research concepts and principles to the actual conduct of studies addressing questions relevant to direct practice with individuals, families, and groups. The course prepares students for active roles in practice and program evaluation. An introduction to the use of computers in statistical analysis is included.

This course is designed to help students consolidate their social work identity and to prepare them for entry into the profession. Students are asked to identify and examine ethical and value conflicts and to consider the demands of professional accountability. Collaboration, advocacy, organizational assessment and change, and practice research are stressed. Agency and supervisory practices are considered from the point of view of student, worker, supervisor, and administrator. Selected social policy, service delivery, and professional issues are discussed as is the process of professional growth.

Advanced Social Policy courses examine social problems from the perspective of their impact on individuals, families and communities, focusing on at-risk populations in the context of an urban environment. The course builds on the policy content offered in MSWPF-GS 2003 and links policy to practice and research skills that have been developed. Emphasis is placed on the link between social and economic justice and issues relating to diversity. The first part of the course is an examination of the policy making cycle, inclusive of social problem definition, policy formulation, implementation and critical analysis of policy. A detailed section on evaluation of policies as they affect societal structures, communities, agencies, clients and practitioners is then discussed. Finally, a major section of the course presents strategies for practitioners to influence policies and promote change at the client level, the agency level, the community level and the broader society.

Advanced Social Policy courses examine social problems from the perspective of their impact on individuals, families and communities, focusing on at-risk populations in the context of an urban environment. The course builds on the policy content offered in MSWPF-GS 2003 and links policy to practice and research skills that have been developed. Emphasis is placed on the link between social and economic justice and issues relating to diversity. This course focuses on mental health policies examining the historical context for the delivery of mental health services in the United States, the current policy landscape as it relates to health care reform and the role of funding in shaping services. Adopting a social determinants approach to health and mental health, the course will focus on issues of diversity, inequality, social and economic justice. The first part of the course is an examination of the policy making cycle, inclusive of social problem definition, policy formulation, implementation and critical analysis of policy. A detailed section on evaluation of policies as they affect societal structures, communities, agencies, clients and practitioners is then discussed. Finally, a major section of the course presents strategies for practitioners to influence policies and promote change at the client level, the agency level, the community level and the broader society.

Advanced Social Policy courses examine social problems from the perspective of their impact on individuals, families and communities, focusing on at-risk populations in the context of an urban environment. The course builds on the policy content offered in MSWPF-GS 2003 and links policy to practice and research skills that have been developed. Emphasis is placed on the link between social and economic justice and issues relating to diversity. This course focuses on the nature, scope, and effects of social problems confronting at-risk children, families, and communities in the United States and evaluates the impact of social welfare policies on micro practice with children and families. Recurrent themes throughout the semester will include human rights, social and economic justice, poverty, diversity, disproportionality, inequality, homophobia, racial discrimination, and privilege. The first part of the course is an examination of the policy making cycle, inclusive of social problem definition, policy formulation, implementation and critical analysis of policy. A detailed section on evaluation of policies as they affect societal structures, communities, agencies, clients and practitioners is then discussed. Finally, a major section of the course presents strategies for practitioners to influence policies and promote change at the client level, the agency level, the community level and the broader society.

Advanced Social Policy courses examine social problems from the perspective of their impact on individuals, families and communities, focusing on at-risk populations in the context of an urban environment. The course builds on the policy content offered in MSWPF-GS 2003 and links policy to practice and research skills that have been developed. Emphasis is placed on the link between social and economic justice and issues relating to diversity. This course focuses on Restorative Justice, which is a theory and approach that emphasizes repairing the individual or community harm caused by criminal actions rather than focusing on punishment. Emphasis will be placed on current and historical criminal justice policy and alternatives, the history and development of Restorative Justice as an alternative approach to retribution and incarceration, on the cultural influences of those using this approach, and on local, national, and international policies and models. The first part of the course is an examination of the policy making cycle, inclusive of social problem definition, policy formulation, implementation and critical analysis of policy. A detailed section on evaluation of policies as they affect societal structures, communities, agencies, clients and practitioners is then Advanced Social Policy courses examine social problems from the perspective of their impact on individuals, families and communities, focusing on at-risk populations in the context of an urban environment. The course builds on the policy content offered in MSWPF-GS 2003 and links policy to practice and research skills that have been developed. Emphasis is placed on the link between social and economic justice and issues relating to diversity. This course focuses on Restorative Justice, which is a theory and approach that emphasizes repairing the individual or community harm caused by criminal actions rather than focusing on punishment. Emphasis will be placed on current and historical criminal justice policy and alternatives, the history and development of Restorative Justice as an alternative approach to retribution and incarceration, on the cultural influences of those using this approach, and on local, national, and international policies and models. The first part of the course is an examination of the policy making cycle, inclusive of social problem definition, policy formulation, implementation and critical analysis of policy. A detailed section on evaluation of policies as they affect societal structures, communities, agencies, clients and practitioners is then

This advanced concentration course examines urban social problems from the perspective of their impact on individuals, families and communities, focusing on at-risk populations in the context of an urban environment. The course builds on the policy content offered in the Professional Foundation Year and links policy to practice and research skills that have been developed. Emphasis is placed on the link between social and economic justice and issues relating to diversity. The first part of the course is an examination of the policy making cycle, inclusive of social problem definition, policy formulation, implementation and critical analysis of policy. A detailed section on evaluation of policies as they affect societal structures, communities, agencies, clients and practitioners is then discussed. Finally, a major section of the course presents theories related to organizational change and strategies for practitioners to influence policies and promote change at the client level, the agency level, the community level and the broader society. Two major options are provided: (a) students may elect to take SWPP II focusing on a generic perspective and representing a broad array of policies affecting populations at risk (S44.2010), or (b) students may elect to take a SWPP II class that focuses on social welfare policies from a specific field of practice/specific population group, including health, mental health, criminal justice, family violence, or children and families (S44.2011-2015).

Advanced Social Policy courses examine social problems from the perspective of their impact on individuals, families and communities, focusing on at-risk populations in the context of an urban environment. The course builds on the policy content offered in MSWPF-GS 2003 and links policy to practice and research skills that have been developed. Emphasis is placed on the link between social and economic justice and issues relating to diversity. This course focuses on the origins and development of public health policies in the United States as well as the political process surrounding healthcare reform. The health status of Americans will be examined with specific attention to health disparities that exist among different age groups, women, races/ethnicities, class backgrounds, and sexual/gender orientations. The first part of the course is an examination of the policy making cycle, inclusive of social problem definition, policy formulation, implementation and critical analysis of policy. A detailed section on evaluation of policies as they affect societal structures, communities, agencies, clients and practitioners is then discussed. Finally, a major section of the course presents strategies for practitioners to influence policies and promote change at the client level, the agency level, the community level and the broader society.

Advanced Social Policy courses examine social problems from the perspective of their impact on individuals, families and communities, focusing on at-risk populations in the context of an urban environment. The course builds on the policy content offered in MSWPF-GS 2003 and links policy to practice and research skills that have been developed. Emphasis is placed on the link between social and economic justice and issues relating to diversity. This course critically examines federal, state, and international policies for regulating substances, the social forces that drive the formulation of these policies, and the impact of these policies on the general population and disadvantaged populations. The course provides knowledge and skills to understand how addiction services and programs are organized, resourced and delivered, and emphasizes the need for collaboration and coordination between substance use and other behavioral health and primary care systems. The first part of the course is an examination of the policy making cycle, inclusive of social problem definition, policy formulation, implementation and critical analysis of policy. A detailed section on evaluation of policies as they affect societal structures, communities, agencies, clients and practitioners is then discussed. Finally, a major section of the course presents strategies for practitioners to influence policies and promote change at the client level, the agency level, the community level and the broader society.

Advanced Social Policy courses examine social problems from the perspective of their impact on individuals, families and communities, focusing on at-risk populations in the context of an urban environment. The course builds on the policy content offered in MSWPF-GS 2003 and links policy to practice and research skills that have been developed. Emphasis is placed on the link between social and economic justice and issues relating to diversity. This course focuses on policies and programs for older adults, including the multiple constituencies involved in and affected by them. The course covers the history of aging policy in the United States including; processes of policy development, implementation and analysis; and the current status of the aging network, income security, health, employment, housing and long-term care policies and programs. The first part of the course is an examination of the policy making cycle, inclusive of social problem definition, policy formulation, implementation and critical analysis of policy. A detailed section on evaluation of policies as they affect societal structures, communities, agencies, clients and practitioners is then discussed. Finally, a major section of the course presents strategies for practitioners to influence policies and promote change at the client level, the agency level, the community level and the broader society.

Advanced Social Policy courses examine social problems from the perspective of their impact on individuals, families and communities, focusing on at-risk populations in the context of an urban environment. The course builds on the policy content offered in MSWPF-GS 2003 and links policy to practice and research skills that have been developed. Emphasis is placed on the link between social and economic justice and issues relating to diversity. This course will focus on current issues and policies related to immigrants and refugees in global comparative perspective, with necessary historical overview and with focus on the U.S. immigration. The course will cover relevant policies related to changing migration flows, expanding ethnic and economic diversity of immigrants, immigrant women, unauthorized immigrants, transnationalism and development and second generation/children of immigrants. The first part of the course is an examination of the policy making cycle, inclusive of social problem definition, policy formulation, implementation and critical analysis of policy. A detailed section on evaluation of policies as they affect societal structures, communities, agencies, clients and practitioners is then discussed. Finally, a major section of the course presents strategies for practitioners to influence policies and promote change at the client level, the agency level, the community level and the broader society.

This course will introduce students to the overarching framework of international social policy and development with comparative references to developing and developed regions of the world. Emphasis will be on the identification of social, economic and political issues that impact those most vulnerable and disadvantaged by poverty, gender, age, disability, religion or ethnicity; and will explore the development and implementation of public and private global responses. Social policies, interventions, and solutions will be analyzed highlighting critical areas of poverty, human rights of children, gender issues including violence against women and trafficking, health including mental health, HIV/AIDS and non-communicable diseases, migration, and complex emergencies including conflicts, climate change and natural disasters.

This advanced concentration course examines urban social problems from the perspective of their impact on individuals, families and communities, focusing on at-risk populations in the context of an urban environment. The course builds on the policy content offered in the Professional Foundation Year and links policy to practice and research skills that have been developed. Emphasis is placed on the link between social and economic justice and issues relating to diversity. The first part of the course is an examination of the policy making cycle, inclusive of social problem definition, policy formulation, implementation and critical analysis of policy. A detailed section on evaluation of policies as they affect societal structures, communities, agencies, clients and practitioners is then discussed. Finally, a major section of the course presents theories related to organizational change and strategies for practitioners to influence policies and promote change at the client level, the agency level, the community level and the broader society.

This advanced concentration course examines urban social problems from the perspective of their impact on individuals, families and communities, focusing on at-risk populations in the context of an urban environment. The course builds on the policy content offered in the Professional Foundation Year and links policy to practice and research skills that have been developed. Emphasis is placed on the link between social and economic justice and issues relating to diversity. The first part of the course is an examination of the policy making cycle, inclusive of social problem definition, policy formulation, implementation and critical analysis of policy. A detailed section on evaluation of policies as they affect societal structures, communities, agencies, clients and practitioners is then discussed. Finally, a major section of the course presents theories related to organizational change and strategies for practitioners to influence policies and promote change at the client level, the agency level, the community level and the broader society.

This advanced concentration course examines urban social problems from the perspective of their impact on individuals, families and communities, focusing on at-risk populations in the context of an urban environment. The course builds on the policy content offered in the Professional Foundation Year and links policy to practice and research skills that have been developed. Emphasis is placed on the link between social and economic justice and issues relating to diversity. The first part of the course is an examination of the policy making cycle, inclusive of social problem definition, policy formulation, implementation and critical analysis of policy. A detailed section on evaluation of policies as they affect societal structures, communities, agencies, clients and practitioners is then discussed. Finally, a major section of the course presents theories related to organizational change and strategies for practitioners to influence policies and promote change at the client level, the agency level, the community level and the broader society.

Advanced Social Policy courses examine social problems from the perspective of their impact on individuals, families and communities, focusing on at-risk populations in the context of an urban environment. The course builds on the policy content offered in MSWPF-GS 2003 and links policy to practice and research skills that have been developed. Emphasis is placed on the link between social and economic justice and issues relating to diversity. This course focuses on examining policies surrounding disability in the United States using a systems approach. It will focus on the intersections among social work, policy, politics, culture, identity, and history, with a primary goal of addressing social work’s responsibility to people with disabilities. The first part of the course is an examination of the policy making cycle, inclusive of social problem definition, policy formulation, implementation and critical analysis of policy. A detailed section on evaluation of policies as they affect societal structures, communities, agencies, clients and practitioners is then discussed. Finally, a major section of the course presents strategies for practitioners to influence policies and promote change at the client level, the agency level, the community level and the broader society.

Advanced Social Policy courses examine social problems from the perspective of their impact on individuals, families and communities, focusing on at-risk populations in the context of an urban environment. The course builds on the policy content offered in MSWPF-GS 2003 and links policy to practice and research skills that have been developed. Emphasis is placed on the link between social and economic justice and issues relating to diversity. This course will focus on the complex and emerging issues in gender perspectives both in the U.S and the global context. The course will examine historical and current efforts to promote social justice for women and girls in the U.S. and other countries where social and cultural roles are rapidly changing and poverty, economic disparity, migration and gender-based violence are increasing. With comparative references to developing and developed regions of the world, the course will explore the social, political, economic and environmental factors that impact women’s status including their mental health and well-being. The first part of the course is an examination of the policy making cycle, inclusive of social problem definition, policy formulation, implementation and critical analysis of policy. A detailed section on evaluation of policies as they affect societal structures, communities, agencies, clients and practitioners is then discussed. Finally, a major section of the course presents strategies for practitioners to influence policies and promote change at the client level, the agency level, the community level and the broader society.

This advanced concentration course examines urban social problems from the perspective of their impact on individuals, families and communities, focusing on at-risk populations in the context of an urban environment. The course builds on the policy content offered in the Professional Foundation Year and links policy to practice and research skills that have been developed. Emphasis is placed on the link between social and economic justice and issues relating to diversity. The first part of the course is an examination of the policy making cycle, inclusive of social problem definition, policy formulation, implementation and critical analysis of policy. A detailed section on evaluation of policies as they affect societal structures, communities, agencies, clients and practitioners is then discussed. Finally, a major section of the course presents theories related to organizational change and strategies for practitioners to influence policies and promote change at the client level, the agency level, the community level and the broader society.

This course is designed to introduce you to what is sometimes called “policy practice,” the application of your knowledge, skills, education, and training to alter laws, regulations, rules, cultures, and institutional routines that affect the well-being of marginalized populations. This is part of the fight for broader social justice that is among your obligations under the NASW’s Code of Ethics. We will examine and evaluate strategies for effective policy change at the federal, state, city, neighborhood, and agency level through a careful examination of the relevant academic literature and the history of struggles for change. But this is an applied course, too, during which you will undertake your own semester-long project in policy advocacy on an issue of your choice, learning about how to make change by trying to do it. By the end of the semester, you should have new scholarly and practical knowledge about how to make the world a little more fair and a little more just.

The course explores policy dynamics, patterns, and changes through a closer look at history, theories, frameworks, ethical issues, forces of oppression ​and poverty. ​

Advanced Social Policy courses examine social problems from the perspective of their impact on individuals, families and communities, focusing on at-risk populations in the context of an urban environment. The course builds on the policy content offered in MSWPF-GS 2003 and links policy to practice and research skills that have been developed. Emphasis is placed on the link between social and economic justice and issues relating to diversity. This course focuses on social work relevant policy positions and processes in the US, particularly as they affect older persons, their families, and their communities. The methods of the course are based on contemporary critical digital pedagogies that foster critical thinking, policy analysis, social action, public engagement, and advocacy. Age-relevant social policies are analyzed from the perspectives of social justice, politics, communication, economics/financing, and the intersectionalities of age, race, ethnicity, ability/disability, and gender as they affect policy discourse. The first part of the course is an examination of the policy making cycle, inclusive of social problem definition, policy formulation, implementation and critical analysis of policy. A detailed section on evaluation of policies as they affect societal structures, communities, agencies, clients and practitioners is then discussed. Finally, a major section of the course presents strategies for practitioners to influence policies and promote change at the client level, the agency level, the community level and the broader society.

This advanced policy course focuses on social work relevant policy positions and processes in the US, particularly as they affect older persons, their families, and their communities. The methods of the course are based on contemporary critical digital pedagogies that foster critical thinking, policy analysis, social action, public engagement, and advocacy. We will analyze age-relevant social policies from the perspectives of social justice, politics, communication, economics/financing, and the intersectionalities of age, race, ethnicity, ability/disability, and gender as they affect policy discourse.

Advanced Social Policy courses examine social problems from the perspective of their impact on individuals, families and communities, focusing on at-risk populations in the context of an urban environment. The course builds on the policy content offered in MSWPF-GS 2003 and links policy to practice and research skills that have been developed. Emphasis is placed on the link between social and economic justice and issues relating to diversity. This course focuses on criminal justice policies and their impact on individuals, families and communities, focusing on at-risk populations in the context of an urban environment. Emphasis will be placed on current and historical criminal justice policy and alternatives, criminal justice theory and application, the link between social and economic justice and issues relating to diversity, and policy analysis. The first part of the course is an examination of the policy making cycle, inclusive of social problem definition, policy formulation, implementation and critical analysis of policy. A detailed section on evaluation of policies as they affect societal structures, communities, agencies, clients and practitioners is then discussed. Finally, a major section of the course presents strategies for practitioners to influence policies and promote change at the client level, the agency level, the community level and the broader society.