This course serves as an introduction to the profession of social work, the values of the profession, and the social problems it addresses. Content will focus on historical and current social issues within a social work context. The course provides a sound basis for considering social work as a possible career choice, and serves as a foundational understanding of the field for students majoring in other disciplines. No background knowledge of social work is necessary for this course. This course identifies who are social workers and what do they do in the context of micro, mezzo and macro work settings. We will cover some theoretical frameworks that guide social work practice, and students are tasked with interviewing a practicing social worker for the final assignment.

This is a condensed, fast paced month long course. This course is fully online, with required attendance at synchronous sessions once a week for 2 hours (Tuesdays 9-11) via Teams. A significant portion of coursework requires students to independently read, review material and work on written assignments, as well as discussion activities. Some course material and content is upsetting. Students are expected to read academic journal articles and book chapters. Students are also tasked with interviewing (in person or via zoom/teams) a practicing social worker for their final assignment.

This online course scaffolds assignments; it is not possible to wait until the end of the course to complete all assignments. Students are tasked with weekly written assignments and discussion board posts/activities. There are no quizzes or exams, assessment is based off of student attendance and participation, engagement online, and with written assignments completed on time. There is no textbook required, all materials are available on Brightspace. Students *must* have consistent access to Brightspace, Teams (for synchronous live sessions) and their UVM email throughout the four week duration of the course.