School of Social Work to Offer Special Topics Courses

This fall, the School of Social Work will offer four new Special Topics courses, two of which are cross listed with the African and African American studies program:

• SCWK 405V, Section 001/AAST 499V, Section 001: Social Work with African American Families and Communities
• SCWK 405V, Section 002/AAST 499V, Section 004: Trauma Loss and Recovery: African American Perspectives
• SCWK 405V, Section 003: Core Concepts in Child Trauma
• SCWK 405V, Section 901: Spirituality

Social Work with African and African American Families and Communities, and Trauma Loss and Recovery: African American Perspectives will focus on issues unique to African American communities and families and the methods, concepts or theories that social workers utilize when working with these communities. Professor Derrick Echoles developed and will teach Social Work with African and African American Families and Communities, and assistant professor Valandra Valandra, who is new to the university and is jointly appointed to teach social work and African and African American studies, developed and will teach Trauma Loss & Recovery: African American Perspectives.

Core Concepts in Child Trauma examines theories and methods of assessment and treatment of traumatized children and adolescents using the Trauma Systems Therapy Approach. "This is a great course for social work students who are interested in working with children and families, as well as those who are interested in therapeutic trauma work. Additionally, this course will provide a greater understanding of trauma systems for students who are pursuing careers in healthcare and behavioral sciences" states Professor Anna Piazza, who developed this course and will teach it this Fall.

Spirituality, which has always been a favored course among graduate students, will be offered to undergraduates for the first time this fall. Professor Michael Collie originally developed the course for graduate students but has opened up a section for undergraduates due to popular demand. This course is open to all majors and is held online. "The Spirituality and Social Work course provides a framework of knowledge, values, skills and experiences for spiritually sensitive social work practice. It prepares students to respond competently and ethically to diverse spiritual and religious perspectives by using a comparative, critically reflective approach to content," said Collie.