SW 533: Social Work Practice with Families and Groups

This course is the second in a series of practice courses and builds on the knowledge and skills acquired in SW 451. The course equips students with knowledge, values, and practice skills necessary for effective intervention with families and groups from diverse backgrounds. Students will learn how to apply family and group behavior theories, the GIM, and social work values and ethics to engage, assess, intervene, and evaluate families and groups.  The course values the direct practice experience for knowledge and skill development of generalist social workers. Students are provided with several opportunities to develop their practice skills in group leadership dynamics, by facilitating community-based projects that address a specific group issue; in-class group development and leadership scenarios and family intervention knowledge; and practice skills through the use of field-based assignments, role plays, case studies, and other classroom exercises.