This is the first half of two required sequential courses in the generalist curriculum. It provides the basic knowledge and skills as a foundation for the specialized curriculum. Using a problem-solving model in an ecological perspective, the course prepares students to apply a generalist practice perspective to systems of all sizes and levels. Essential values, concepts, and ethical considerations as they pertain to generalist social work practice are explored. Co-requisite: 19:910:508

The second of two practice courses based on a generalist social work perspective, this course continues use of a problem-solving model for work with organization and community systems and considers implications for at-risk groups. Pre-requisite: 19:910:500. Co-requisite: 19:910:509.

Theories, themes, and issues concerning the ongoing interaction between people as they grow, change, and develop over the life course and the social context in which this occurs. Assumptions about human behavior that may interfere with recognition of diversity in the ongoing interaction between individual, family, and group identity; social context; and social life. Values and ethical issues related to biopsychosocial development.

History, philosophy, and development of social welfare as an essential institution in the United States. Study of the emergence and role of social work, understanding of patterns of current provision, and introduction to analysis of social welfare policies.

Introduction to scientific, analytic approach to building knowledge and skills, including role of concepts and theory, hypothesis formulation, operationalization, research design, data collection, data processing, statistical analysis, introductory computer skills, and report writing.

Introduces a range of diverse populations by race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and physical differences. Additionally, it examines the role, function, and effects of oppression in society as it relates to social and economic justice. Assumptions underlying theory and research methodologies from which basic constructs of human behavior are drawn will be examined to understand how power and other dynamics manage and sustain oppression at the individual and institutional levels. Also of interest is how oppression affects service delivery at micro and macro levels, particularly social policies and strategic planning which drive the shape of services.

Major forms of emotional distress in adults and children. Classification trends, issues, and models. Introduction to clinical syndromes in terms of diagnostic methodology, research, and social concerns and their implications for at-risk groups.

Practice social work in agency settings under qualified educational supervision. Includes service to vulnerable and oppressed populations while learning generalist skills. Co-requisite: 19:910:500.

Furthers learning of problem-solving skills and strategies begun in Field Education Practicum I and prepares students to enter the advanced field curriculum. Pre-requisite: 19:910:508. Corequisite: 19:910:501.

This course examines ways to improve the financial stability and security of low-income individuals, families, and communities in the United States. Students will learn the difference between income assistance and asset-based policies, which aim to help individuals and families build savings and acquire assets that will improve their financial security over the long-term. Historical patterns of institutionalized racism and oppression largely explain racial wealth disparities that justify asset development as a practice and policy strategy to achieve social and economic justice. This course uses a comprehensive approach to examine social programs and direct practice interventions, financial services, and policies that can move individuals, families, and communities along the asset-building continuum. The impact of issues such as life stage, social class, and cultural background will be examined. Policy issues include social insurance programs, savings, consumer protection, tax credits, public benefits, and innovative programs; practice issues include financial assessment and goal setting, financial coaching, and integrating financial interventions with traditional psychosocial interventions.

This course is designed to promote critical thinking about children’s mental health services that support the development of effective programs, services and treatment for children’s mental health. It introduces students to the nature and scope of mental health problems for youth in the United States, and examines the mental health delivery system for them, with particular attention to the influential system of care model developed in New Jersey and throughout the United States.  Students will explore clinical and programmatic complexities of engagement and collaboration, service utilization, and treatment interventions, and will investigate the persistent problem of disparities in, and barriers to, mental health care.  This course aims to introduce students to mental health problems of children, and system of care principles, as well as prepare them for leadership roles in practice and policy in children’s mental health services in New Jersey and other states in the nation.   

19:910:533 Special Topics in Social Work Research: Military Culture: Life and Issues

This course provides an extensive exploration of the world of being a service member and the unique culture and socialization that takes place in this process: the values, norms, language, rank as caste system, military justice, family life and being a “dependent” [wife, husband or child]. The course includes the preparing for the war zone and training to become ready for combat missions for the service member: adjusting to uncertainty, killing others, death, bonding and fighting for each other, and shear tension of being always on alert and aware. Material on potential means for building resiliency prior to facing combat/trauma for service members and deployment for families, including children.

19:910:533 Special Topics in Social Work Research: Perinatal Death, Dying, and Bereavement

Pregnancy loss and infant death can be devastating and traumatic events for women and their families, with potentially serious implications for one’s physical and mental health. This course will examine the biopsychosocial aspects of perinatal death (pregnancy and newborn loss) by exploring the impact on women and their families who experience perinatal death, dying and bereavement. This course approaches perinatal death through an interdisciplinary lens by integrating works from the applied health (genetics, medicine, nursing) and behavioral health (psychiatry, psychology, social work) professions, and by drawing from knowledge spanning a variety of disciplines in the social sciences (anthropology, sociology), arts and humanities (history, literature, philosophy/bioethics, women’s studies, theology). Of particular relevance for students in, or planning to enter, the applied professions of health, behavioral health, and theology, the course will also be of interest to any student who wants to learn more about perinatal death, dying and bereavement, and what this means in different perinatal contexts.

19:910:533 Special Topics in Social Work Research: Social Justice and Public Health

This course explores the interplay between social and economic disadvantage, and its health consequences. It also examines how health inequalities in society affect social inequalities. Through an understanding of these bidirectional relationships, this course reinforces a unified approach to thinking about the fields of social work and public health. Such an approach is critical for social workers interested in working in health or mental health, and public health professionals interested in working in human service settings.

19:910:533 Special Topics in Social Work Research: Social Work with Latinos

This course examines aspects of service delivery to Hispanic populations at both the macro and micro levels. Students will develop knowledge about aspects of Latino culture that are relevant to the development of cultural competency. They will develop skills in providing evidence-based culturally relevant practices in services to this group.

Law in health and human services. Reading, using, and finding law. Law in practice in relation to law on the books. Topics include due process, equal protection, discrimination, confidentiality and duty to warn, child abuse, domestic violence, AIDS, sexual harassment, mental health, developmental disabilities, courtroom testimony, malpractice, and administrative liability.

Focuses on identifying, developing, and testing community organizing skills. Special attention given to leadership development and community analyses.

Explores the ever-changing dimensions facing social workers who work with refugee and immigrant clients. The social work profession was founded on aiding the cultural adjustment of newcomers to the United States. Topics include becoming a refugee, the international experience before arrival in the United States, the refugee experience, cultural adjustment, culture shock, posttraumatic stress, and war and refugee trauma. Special groups will be discussed, including survivors of torture, victims of human trafficking, detainees, and asylum seekers. Special attention will be paid to family issues, intergroup conflict, and intergenerational issues. Post 9/11 issues facing refugees and immigrants will be discussed as well as the role that social workers can play in the fight against anti-immigrant policies, sanctions, and discriminatory practices. Prerequistite: 19:910:500 and 19:910:502.

This elective meets the Human Behavior Distribution Requirement.

Confronting issues of poverty and inequality is a core value of the social work profession. This course will provide students with a theoretical, empirical, and analytical understanding of poverty and inequality in the United States. Throughout the course comparisons will be made with other developed nations. Prerequisite: 19:910:500 and 19:910:502

This elective meets the Human Behavior Distribution Requirement.

Explores international social work, past and present, and the application of social work to vulnerable groups within the global context of today. Students will learn about different social service delivery systems around the globe and initiatives aimed at reforming systems of care with an emphasis on developing countries. Students will explore their international career goals through the focused exploration of a specific developmental issue within a country or region of the globe.

Addresses many types of loss that occur across the lifespan and incorporates a developmental approach to loss and grief. Prerequisite: 19:910:500 and 19:910:502.

This elective meets the Human Behavior Distribution Requirement.

This course provides an overview of Latino peoples in the United States.  It examines concepts and theories that apply to ethnicity, racial and social identity, and acculturation as they apply to the various Hispanic groups in the United States.  It begins with brief histories of the major Hispanic groups and the political and social forces that provided the impetus for their location/relocation here.  It continues with the cultural similarities and differences among the groups.  Also to be discussed, the current social and economic condition of Hispanics and specific problems related to their status in the United States. and implications for social work.  In addition, a model of viewing Hispanic identity will be presented as a basis for social work assessment and intervention. 

This course provides students in the MSW Management and Policy specialization the opportunity to further develop their knowledge and skills obtained from the two required advanced practice courses. It is also intended to appeal to students with a broad array of interests in management of public organizations and the public aspects of nonprofit and private sector organizations. Student will gain a deeper understanding of selected management issues and challenges facing public organization managers today, with emphasis on applications to management processes and structure, human side of management, and innovation and reform. Students will also be exposed to management issues in comparative context based on case studies.

This course provides foundation knowledge and general practice skills for working with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) individuals. Students will gain knowledge of LGBTQ historical and political perspectives, the development of LGBTQ identity-formation, health, mental health and familial issues, and LGBTQ issues across the life span including the coming-out process. Intersectionality of race, gender, sexual orientation and gender identity will be addressed along with ethical and legal issues which impact LGBTQ individuals and their families. Students will learn how to practice with LGBTQ clients in cultural relevant ways, and resources for support and information will be identified.

Prepares the social worker to be an effective practitioner in the field of developmental disabilities and examines the complexity of social issues and how they affect social work practice, including the issue of current legislation and policies.

Emphasizes the study of small groups, both cognitively and experientially, by focusing on theory and research about the processes, structures, and functions of small groups as they relate to social work practice in human services. Prerequisite: 19:910:500.

Examines chronic illnesses and disability among adults, focusing on the medical and psychosocial aspects of various mental and physical health conditions. This course aims to foster understanding of how social workers work with clients with chronic illness and disability, as well as their significant others, within healthcare and community systems. Also reviews relevant policies and welfare system components intended to support those with chronic illness and disability.

Examines women in different parts of the world; the institutional factors and values of society that impact on personal roles, status, and discrimination of women; and the social and individual problems that affect women because of their gender. Feminist theories and feminist practices that facilitate institutional and individual changes are discussed.

Examines the definitions, scope, and impact of violence and abuse in adulthood. Explores the spectrum of theories and conceptual frameworks used to explain violence. In particular, the course focuses on the prevalence, etiology, myths, and dynamics of intimate partner violence (IPV), sexual violence, trafficking, and elder abuse. Perspectives on working with both victims/survivors and perpetrators are presented, with an understanding of the role of cultural and environmental contexts. The course includes a review of the conceptual frameworks used to guide current services, interventions, prevention efforts, and policies aimed at remedying and eliminating violence in our society. A special emphasis is placed on the advocacy role of the social worker in creating social change. Prerequisite: 19:910:500 and 19:910:502.

This elective meets the Human Behavior Distribution Requirement.

Examines the definitions, scope, and impact of violence and abuse in childhood. Explores the spectrum of theories and conceptual frameworks used to explain violence. In particular, the course focuses on the prevalence, etiology, myths, and dynamics of child physical abuse, childhood neglect, child sexual abuse, sibling abuse, and trafficking. Perspectives on working with both victims/survivors and perpetrators are presented, with an understanding of the role of culture and environmental context. The course includes a review of the conceptual frameworks used to guide current services, interventions, prevention efforts, and policies aimed at remedying and eliminating violence against children in our society. A special emphasis is placed on the advocacy role of the social worker in creating social change. Prerequisite: 19:910:500 and 19:910:502.

This elective meets the Human Behavior Distribution Requirement.

Explores the impact of HIV infection and AIDS on the individual, family, society, and institutions that provide care. Examines the political, social, legal, ethical, spiritual, and public health issues and the perspectives of people living with HIV infection and AIDS that are needed to inform practice and policy. Prerequisite: 19:910:500 and 19:910:502.

This elective meets the Human Behavior Distribution Requirement.

Focuses on the etiology, prevalence, and policy implications of common addictive behaviors, including alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs; pathological gambling; and compulsive overeating or sexual behavior. Students will learn to evaluate the pharmacological mechanisms of dependence, components of addiction-related behavioral change, and issues involved in prevention, intervention, and evaluation of these addictive behaviors.The course will also examine the impact of age, race, gender, social class, culture, ethnicity, spirituality, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, and physical and mental ability on patterns of addiction. Content includes major theoretical perspectives on biological, sociological, and psychological bases for addiction and the impetus for change, and an examination of the empirical evidence for various perspectives. Prerequisite: 19:910:500 and 19:910:502.

This elective meets the Human Behavior Distribution Requirement.

Provides an overview of older adults as a population group and of aging as a biopsychosocial process. Explores aspects of social services and health care systems intended to help individuals, families, and communities confront aging-related challenges and capitalize upon aging-related strengths.

Provides a framework of knowledge, values, skills, and experiences for spiritually sensitive social work. Students develop skills and insight into responding competently and ethically to diverse spiritual and religious perspectives in social work settings with individuals, organizations, and communities. Attention given to collaboration with faith-based organizations, as spirituality enters into the dimension of policy and service delivery and "secular" and "spiritual" come together to address human need in society. Attention also given to both micro and macro aspects of social work.

This course is a survey of issues and attitudes associated with human sexuality. It is primarily intended for social workers and other helping professionals who currently work with clients or plan to in the future. Using a biopsychosocial perspective, emphasis will be placed on the social, cultural, familial and individual differences in sexual and reproductive attitudes, values, and behavior. Students will be introduced to common sex-related issues and to the particular concerns of various sexually oppressed groups. Information will also be provided about childhood sexual abuse and its relationship to the intimacy issues that clients typically present in direct practice.

Introduces students to the ways that theory and evidence are used to guide intervention with individuals, families, and groups. Focuses on the ways that effective direct practice intervention must integrate different sources of knowledge: evidence (what has worked in the past with people with similar problems), theory (frames of reference for understanding how problems are generated and solved), clinical wisdom, and client preferences. Students will learn straightforward rubrics for locating and evaluating research evidence that may be used to generate intervention possibilities. Students will study and critique several key intervention theories and models (psychodynamic, cognitive, behavioral, family systems, group work) and apply them to case materials. Finally, the class will explore processes and problems that cut across direct practice models, such as the enhancement of change motivation. Prerequisite: 19:910:500.

This course may only be taken by students during the generalist curriculum.