Introduction to Social Work (SWK 130)

Term: Academic Year 2025-2026 Fall Term

Faculty

Kayla R HinrichsShow MyInfo popup for Kayla R Hinrichs

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Office Hours:

Mondays: 9am-11am Wednesdays: 2:15pm-3:30pm Thursdays: 12pm-1pm Fridays: By Appointment after 12pm

Schedule

Tue-Thu, 11:00 AM - 12:15 PM (8/26/2025 - 12/10/2025) Location: MAIN JORDE JH305

Description

This course introduces students to the profession of social work, including its values, ethics and historical development, as well as the roles and responsibilities of the generalist practitioner. Course learning highlights the impact of systemic oppression and the skills needed to practice effectively across boundaries of difference, including age, culture, class, race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, and ability. Through reflection, analysis, engagement with lived narratives, and connections with social workers in the field, students will consider how social work responds to diverse client needs and promotes human rights and social justice. By the end of the course, students will understand the foundations of social work and be able to connect ethical principles, critical thinking and cultural responsiveness to practice across micro, mezzo and macro settings. (3 s.h.)