In the first year of the MSW study, students learn from the "generalist model" of social work practice. That is, they study an overview of the profession, and the basic methods of working with individuals, families, small groups, organizations, and communities. They also study subjects that support practice, such as human growth and development and social policy. A special feature of the first year's curriculum is an interviewing laboratory in which students practice communication skills more intensively.
In the second academic year, students focus on knowledge and skills that help them become effective cross-cultural practitioners. In the program's definition, cross-cultural social work practice uses the profession's knowledge and the practitioner's understanding of cultures to select and implement the methods that have the best chance of success with a specific client or client group. Students may select the culture that is of most interest to them, and focus their studies on this group. Field experience (supervised work in a community agency) is a feature of both years. |
