Student Handbook - Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences ...

THE CURRICULUMThe curriculum is divided into two levels: foundation and advanced. Students entering withoutprior preparation in social work complete the foundation and advanced curriculum; studentsentering with the BSW go directly into the advanced curriculum.Foundation CurriculumThe foundation curriculum includes the knowledge, values, and skills essential for the generalpractice of social work and is completed during the first year of the program. It consists ofgeneral courses in social work methods, socio-behavioral theory, social policy, discriminationand inequality, research methods, and two semesters of field education and ability-basedlearning. Most foundation courses are prerequisites for concentration-required courses andadvanced electives.Advanced CurriculumThe advanced curriculum builds on the foundation courses and provides advanced knowledgeand practice skills in the concentration selected by the student. Concentrations include eithercommunity and social development or direct practice (students can choose within thisconcentration from the following specializations: aging; alcohol and other drug abuse; children,youth, and families; health; mental health). Advanced courses are taken in research, policy,socio-behavioral theory, and practice methods. When integrated with an advanced fieldeducation experience, students begin to gain an in-depth understanding of the theories, policies,practices, values, and skills associated with the area of concentration.CONCENTRATIONSCommunity and Social Development ConcentrationThe emphasis on community development indicates the importance of community inunderstanding the context of social challenges and opportunities and as a critical component tolasting solutions. Although “community” often refers to geographic communities, concepts andstrategies are also applicable to other types of communities – such as communities of interest,background, or affiliation. “Development” refers to the process of increasing the assets of acommunity, including physical, economic, social, cultural, and spiritual assets. “Socialdevelopment” is highlighted because, as a school of social work, we have unique expertise in thesocial assets, needs, and processes that enable individuals and families to achieve and sustainhigher standards of living.This concentration prepares students to play a wide variety of roles in improving the quality oflife and opportunities for those who are marginalized and vulnerable in society. Roles forcommunity and social development graduates include community organizers, communitybuilders, program developers, social planners, evaluators, policymakers or leaders of non-profit,government, philanthropic or private for-profit organizations that are involved in community andsocial development work. Students gain the abilities to participate broadly in the social changeprocess in communities and societies in both domestic and international arenas. Issues that areaddressed include globalization, poverty, inequality and oppression, cultural diversity, women’sissues, and human rights concerns.http://msass.case.edu/downloads/academic/Student_Handbook.pdf Page 35