This course is an introduction to the theory and skills of helping individuals and families. The course will focus on understanding the stages of the helping process, exploring professional and personal values and ethics, and the acquisition of specific skills in communicating, assessing problems, planning, contracting, implementing change, evaluating, and terminating the process. In addition, the course will include the study of theory and skills related to practice situations and issues that commonly arise in a variety of social work contexts, critical exploration of the effects of oppression and marginalization on individuals’ unique experiences of struggle and distress, and the promotion of empowering and anti-oppressive practice. Further, a process of ongoing critical reflection will be introduced and practiced to assist in understanding complex social situations, consider one’s own reactions and use of self in the helping process, and make professional judgments. The skills of writing social work records will be emphasized.
- Professor: Jenni Cammaert