This course provides flexibility within the course offerings and an opportunity to explore areas of current or topical interest which are not available in the regular course offerings. Below are course descriptions for specific topics that have been offered.
Autism Spectrum Disorder:
The goal of this course is to provide information necessary to assess and intervene with persons who have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Issues related to diagnosis, etiologies, and characteristics of Autism across the lifespan will be presented. Additionally, this course will provide a framework for understanding and implementing effective interventions; and, profiling the strengths and challenges of each intervention including ways to compliment individuals’ strengths and needs, family capacity and the family’s cultural values and beliefs with the interventions selected. Methods discussed will incorporate social work practice principles such as self-determination, strengths focus, and client empowerment. Social work practice principles such as institutional reform, understanding of oppression and stigmatization of groups, and respect for diversity will be addressed in regard to ASD populations. Students will be exposed to collaborative and interdisciplinary models of service delivery that ensure client and family-centered and culturally competent approaches to assessment and intervention.
Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy:
The course is designed as a clinical elective for graduate students in the MSSW program who wish to increase knowledge and skills for practice with traumatized children and families. Students will develop a working understanding of traumatized populations from diverse backgrounds, affirming and respecting their strengths and differences. This course is focused specifically on the research, knowledge, experience and implementation of Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
Clinical Supervision and Leadership:
This course examines clinical supervision practices and is designed to develop the student’s use of self, and capacity for self-reflection in the supervisory relationship. Students will learn effective leadership styles and explore the supervisor-supervisee relationship in context to the provision of clinical services rendered to clients. Through a lens of cultural humility, students will examine how ethical and moral clinical care provided to clients is modeled and processed in supervision. Additionally, students will learn how to conduct performance improvement plans; integrate feedback for continuous improvement of self in the delivery of clinical practices; use effective communication; plan and implement effective meetings; advocate of behalf of supervisees and clients; and understand the influence of professional mentorship on organizational culture.
Forensic Social Work:
This course provides an overview of forensic social work practice and theory. This course develops the understanding of the role of social workers with clients within the criminal justice system and the legal system. This course will focus on critical thinking, theory, intervention, and advocacy with diverse forensic populations including juveniles, adults, people accused of crimes, victims of crimes, and related systems. Forensic practice in family and social services, juvenile justice and criminal justice, child welfare, and mental health and substance abuse will be explored. This course assumes a justice oriented multisystem and interdisciplinary approach.
Play Therapy:
This course will provide knowledge, skills and values for social work practice with children. Emphasis will be given to vulnerable and at-risk children who present with depression or anxiety disorders, ADHD, behavioral problems, attachment or trauma-related issues; and children who are coming from a range of different family systems and institutions (e.g. hospitals, school and clinics etc.
Evidence Based Practice in Mental Health:
This course is aimed at developing the knowledge and skills necessary for working with individuals with a diagnosis of serious mental illness using recovery-oriented, evidence-based practices within the context of a changing service delivery environment. It is designed for MSW students and MSW mental health practitioners. Students will become familiar with evidence-based practices, within a recovery-oriented paradigm, as a general approach to practice as well as specific evidence-based interventions to use for individuals with a diagnosis of serious mental illness. It is assumed that students will have a basic knowledge of serious mental illness as a pre- or co-requisite, however a review will be provided. Students will learn to examine research literature to determine the various levels of support for specific interventions and essential principles for translating research into practice. In addition, they will identify the appropriate treatment outcomes that reflect effective, quality mental health practice. Each evidence-based practice presented will also be examined for its utility with diverse groups. Providing assessment and treatment to a diverse group of individuals with a diagnosis of serious mental illness is the focus of this course and will be discussed in detail.
Mass Incarceration:
This course provides an in-depth exploration of the intersection between social work practice and the issue of mass incarceration in the United States. It examines the historical, social, and political factors that have contributed to the exponential growth of the incarcerated population, with a focus on the disproportionate impact on marginalized communities, including people of color, the poor, and individuals with mental health and substance use disorders. Through a combination of lectures, readings, and case studies, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the systemic issues underlying mass incarceration. The course will cover the history of the criminal justice system, the War on Drugs, mandatory sentencing laws, and the role of private prisons. Additionally, it will address the collateral consequences of incarceration, such as family disruption, economic hardship, and barriers to reentry. By the end of this course, students will be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively engage with and support populations affected by mass incarceration.
Fathers & Family:
This course provides a comprehensive overview of the unique challenges and opportunities associated with social work practice focused on fathers and families. It explores the vital role that fathers play in family dynamics and child development, and the ways in which social work interventions can support and enhance paternal involvement. The course emphasizes a strengths-based perspective, recognizing the diverse forms of fatherhood and family structures. Through lectures, readings, case studies, and interactive discussions, students will examine the historical, cultural, and socio-economic factors that influence fatherhood. Topics include the changing roles of fathers in contemporary society, the impact of father involvement on child and family well-being, and the specific challenges faced by fathers such as custody issues, economic hardship, incarceration, and mental health and substance use disorders. By the end of this course, students will have developed the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively engage and support fathers within the context of their families.
Clinical Interventions with Adolescents:
This course offers an in-depth exploration of clinical social work practice with adolescents, focusing on the unique developmental, psychological, and social challenges faced by this age group. It aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively assess, engage, and intervene with adolescents in a variety of settings, including schools, community agencies, healthcare facilities, and juvenile justice systems. Through a combination of lectures, readings, case studies, role-playing, and interactive discussions, students will examine key topics such as adolescent development, mental health issues, substance use, trauma, family dynamics, and peer relationships. The course emphasizes a strengths-based and culturally responsive approach, recognizing the diversity of adolescent experiences and the importance of tailoring interventions to meet individual needs. In addition to direct practice skills, the course will address ethical and legal considerations in working with adolescents, such as confidentiality, consent, and mandatory reporting. Students will also explore the role of social workers in advocating for adolescent needs within various systems and promoting policies that support adolescent health and well-being. By the end of this course, students will have developed a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of working with adolescents and be prepared to implement effective clinical interventions.
Addictions:
This course uses a holistic systems approach to the understanding of substance misuse and other addictive behaviors. For this course the study of addiction includes both substances (alcohol, prescription medication and illegal drugs) and behavioral compulsions (compulsive gambling, tobacco, sex, shopping, and gaming). This course critically examines the theoretical perspectives on practice, policy, and programs. A range of issues and challenges related to the assessment and treatment of individuals with substance use disorders are considered including the biological, psychological and social etiology of addictions based on a range of theoretical approaches and research. The influence that gender, culture, disability, religion, and sexual orientation can have on addiction and recovery across the lifespan is explored. Historical and current trends in social policies, regulations and programs related the illegal use of substances and the regulation or control of substances are studied.
Introduction to Animal Assisted Interventions:
This course provides an introduction to the integration of animals into therapeutic settings. The course will discuss important considerations when applying human-animal interaction from a social work perspective. This course takes into consideration the important aspects of animal welfare, the link between human-animal interaction and considerations for further practice, and a beginning overview of veterinary social work application(s).