SOWK 120 Introduction to Social Welfare and Social Work

This course explores the history and values of Social Work as a profession and social welfare as an institution, both of which have grown from our common human needs and social problems in modern, industrial society. The course requires discussion of different practice areas of social work, such as mental health, child welfare, poverty, aging and education, and begins to help students develop an understanding of service delivery systems through discussion of values, ethics, and fields of practice. A philosophical, theoretical, and historical framework for Social Work and social welfare will be developed focusing on populations at risk and the promotion of social and economic justice. Course has a 16-hour volunteer experience within a social service type agency requirement.