Fall 2015 Course Information
Online Schedule of Courses
Berkeley Academic Guide
Class times & rooms, Course Control Numbers:
Course descriptions, general degree information:
http://schedule.berkeley.edu/
http://guide.berkeley.edu/
SW 98BC
SW 198BC
1 unit
Berkeley Connect in Social Welfare
Professor James Midgley
Berkeley Connect is a mentoring program designed to help undergraduate students build intellectual community. Over the course of a semester, enrolled students participate in regular small-group discussions facilitated by a graduate student mentor (following a faculty-directed curriculum), meet with their graduate student mentor for one-on-one academic advising, attend lectures and panel discussions featuring department faculty and alumni, and go on field trips to campus resources.
SW 98BC, Tuesdays, 6-7pm: Lower-division Section SW 198BC, Thursdays, 6-7pm: Junior Transfers Section
SW H195
1 unit
Senior Honors Course
Professor James Midgley
Supervised preparation of an honors thesis.
SW 110
3 units
Social Work as a Profession
Instructor TBA
This course will provide an introduction to and an overview of the social work profession and the field of social welfare, including the social, political, and historical context in which social welfare and social work have developed. Social welfare policy and social work roles are explored within major realms of practice such as child welfare and community mental health. SW110 will enable students to critically examine current social welfare policies, programs and practices in terms of their effectiveness in meeting the needs of diverse clients and
communities.
First core course required for undergraduate social welfare majors Concurrent enrollment in discussion section required.
SW 114
3 units
Practice in Social Work
Professor Susan Stone
An introduction to the basic social work skills of interpersonal helping, strength and family based interventions and problem solving.
Core course required for undergraduate social welfare majors Concurrent enrollment in discussion section required.
SW 116
2 units
Current Topics in Social Welfare: Social Justice
Professor Michael J. AustinThis two unit seminar is designed to promote an understanding of social justice in order to address a social problem selected by the student using the techniques of effective advocacy. The major tools for this participatory learning experience include: 1) a new social justice textbook (Sage 2013) edited by the instructor that features the humanities and social science perspectives with case studies of social injustice and tools for locating the courage of one’s convictions; 2) guest lecturers reflecting an array of social justice issues (domestic violence, bullying, immigrant discrimination, etc.); 3) written assignments that build upon student
experiences and interests using various term paper options; 4) special study groups designed to gain experience in leading a class discussion of the readings; and, 5) an opportunity to develop a social welfare capstone experience.
SW 200
2 units
Theories for Multilevel Practice
Professor Paul Sterzing (Sec. 1) Jamie Bachman, LCSW (sec. 2) TBA (Sec. 3)
This first-year MSW course examines the foundations of social work practice theories and strategies for connecting theory and practice. It provides an overview of the impact of the social environment, the impact of the “ecology” of human behavior and the way social institutions and practices provide structure over the life course. Practice implications are explored in terms of assessing client social and psychological needs. The course covers biophysical perspectives, crisis and intervention, cognitive-behavioral theories,
systems/ecological frameworks, social psychological theories, social constructionism, humanism and existentialism, critical race and conflict theories, multilevel practice theories, and examination of individual and group differences.
Jamie Bachman, LCSW is the Social Services Manager at Pathways Home Health and
Hospice in Oakland, California, where he has worked for the past ten years. He also has experience in psychiatric social work in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Jamie maintains a private psychotherapy practice specializing in working with individuals, couples and families facing chronic illness and grief. In addition, he is a Clinical Supervisor for the Psychotherapy Institute and for A Home Within.
SW 205
2 units
Psychopathology & Psychosocial Problems
Stan Taubman, PhD, LCSW
This graduate level course provides students with an overview of adult and child
psychopathology and associated psychosocial problems. Psychopathology is presented as a manifestation of multiple biological, psychological, sociocultural and other factors. Descriptive assessment of psychopathology in context is emphasized. Epidemiology, etiology and
treatment implications are also addressed. Students will become familiar with the American Psychiatric Association's current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, as well as alternative methods of describing psychopathology.
Required course for MSW CMH students; may count as an elective for others.
Stan Tabuman, PhD, LCSW, is the Program Director of Berkeley Training Associates and teaches
on the faculty of the University of California, Berkeley, graduate program in Social Work. He is the former Director of the Alameda County Medi-Cal Behavioral Health Plan, as well a Director of Management Services for the Alameda County Behavioral Health Care Services Department. His clinical experience includes private practice, mental health inpatient, outpatient and day treatment programs, child welfare and medical social work. Dr. Taubman is the author of Ending the Struggle Against Yourself, as well as numerous journal articles addressing both clinical and administrative issues.
SW 210A
2 units
Stress and Coping in Adulthood
Professor Kurt Organista
The purpose of this course is to provide students with an overview of the field of stress and coping. This course covers biological, psychological and sociocultural factors associated with stress and coping, stress management practices and therapeutic approaches for coping with stress. It is strongly oriented toward gaining skills in the design, implementation and
evaluation of interventions for stress management and knowledge of therapeutic approaches that support longer-term changes in psychological stress reactions. The course will cover theory, research, and intervention across an array of adult-related topics and the relationship of stress to physical and mental health problems. Assignments will include a stress and coping plan for an area of stress in the student's own life, a stress and coping plan for a client or an analysis of a problem area of interest and an oral presentation of one of these two reports in class.
SW 220
2 units
Introduction to Social Welfare Policy
Professor Neil Gilbert
Analysis of issues in social welfare policy and recent trends shaping the development of the American welfare state.
Required course for all first year MSW students
SW 238B
2 units
Drug and Alcohol Policy
Dr. Amanda Reiman, PhD
Examines how substance abuse policy is formulated by examining political, historical, epidemiological and clinical factors. Emphasis on how alcohol and drug problems become defined as social problems and how these definitions influence subsequent
treatment/intervention strategies. Focus on alcohol abuse and on individual and social control models of substance abuse. In addition, the development and evaluation of alcohol and drug abuse treatment will be discussed.
Amanda Reiman, PhD, MSW, is currently the policy manager for the Marijuana Law and Policy unit at the Drug Policy Alliance. She has conducted research on medical marijuana dispensaries and the use of marijuana as a substitute for alcohol and other drugs. Dr. Reiman has been teaching courses at Berkeley on substance abuse, drug policy and LGBT social work since 2006.
SW 240
2 units
Historical, Philosophical, and Intellectual Foundations of Social Work
Professor Anu Manchikanti Gomez & Professor Susan Stone
This course introduces students to the intellectual, historical, sociopolitical, and ethical foundations of the U.S. social work profession. Through examination of the
profession’s framing values, history, contextual influences, and current directions in a global society, students will begin to develop an orientation to practice, research, and policy-making informed by professional ethics and obligations and anchored in a commitment to plurality and social justice.
SW 241
2 units
Foundations of Multilevel Practice
Professor Valerie Shapiro (Sec. 1 & 2) Christina Feliciana, LCSW (Sec. 3) Professor Tina Sacks (Sec. 4)
This course is designed to introduce knowledge and skills needed for engagement, assessment, and intervention planning for social work practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities, guided by the principles of strength-based,
evidence-informed, ecologically-grounded, and justice promoting practice. The course aims to develop an understanding of the interconnected nature of levels of social work practice (micro, mezzo, macro) based upon two fundamental assumptions: social environments shape human behavior in ways that inform approaches to individual change and individual actions are the essential building blocks for maintaining and changing the environmental context in which we live. Students will apply explanatory and practice theories simultaneously learned in SOC WEL 200-Theories for multilevel Practice, to rehearse and refine skills for social work practice.
Required course for all first year MSW students
SW 250A
2 units
Social Work with Groups
Bart Grossman, PhD
Theory and practice regarding the formation, sustenance, and termination of groups. Emphasis on the role of the social worker in facilitating inter-personal processes in groups.
Bart Grossman, PhD, is fieldwork director emeritus at the School of Social Welfare. An expert in social work and field education, Grossman’s research interests also include child welfare and human service organizations.
SW 250L
2 units
Human Sexuality, Section 1
Richard J. Nizzardini, JD, LCSW
This course will provide a forum for the exploration of multiple issues related to human sexuality and the diversity of sexual experience, including sexuality and religion; the human sexual response cycle; sexuality issues across the lifespan, including childhood and
adolescent sexuality development, sexuality issues with adults (including sexual functioning issues, causes and treatment approaches), and sexuality issues with older adults; sexual orientation and gender identity development; sexuality and living with a disability; sexuality and the sex worker experience; and sexual trauma and consent. Teaching methods will include interactive lecture, small group discussions, video presentations, and guest speakers from throughout the Bay Area who specialize in a range of sexuality issues. Our goal is to embark on a process of self-reflection and critical analysis of human sexuality in order to increase our personal comfort in exploring these issues and correspondingly to increase our capacity to create a zone of safety for the exploration of such issues in the clinical setting. Through an analysis of our values, biases and judgments related to sexuality, we will work towards an understanding of how to create a nonjudgmental clinical space to hold the stories of our clients as they explore their sexuality development.
Rick Nizzardini, social worker and attorney, has taught human sexuality and trauma at higher education institutions around the Bay Area and with the National Association of Social Workers since 2001. He has worked in community mental health with San Francisco’s rape crisis services and is clinical counselor/faculty at San Francisco State’s Counseling and Psychological Services. Nizzardini also has a private practice where he sees clients for individual and couples therapy.
SW 250L
2 units
Human Sexuality, Section 2
Professor Anu Manchikanti Gomez
This section will focus on sexual and reproductive health, rights and justice. Students who are looking for a clinically oriented human sexuality course are advised to consider Section 1. The goal of this course is to increase comfort, knowledge and capacity in this area through critical analysis and diverse perspectives in order to challenge conventional paradigms and foster innovation as social workers. We will explore many aspects of sexual and reproductive health, rights and justice, including: anatomy and sexual response; sex education; HIV/AIDS; transgender health; the social construction of sexual dysfunction; and family planning.
Students will engage in a semester-long ethnography project, in which they will write a book review linking the book’s findings for social work practice and share their findings with the class in a brief oral presentation.
SW 250T
2 units
Social Work Practice in School Settings
Robert Ayasse, LCSW, PPSC
This course provides students with skills and knowledge to able to intervene on behalf of academically and socially vulnerable students in the public school system. The course builds student skills in identifying and deciding among the multiple points of intervention relevant to social work practice in schools, individual interventions with children, family intervention, building links between families and school staff, advocacy, classroom based intervention, collaboration with teachers, and the development of school wide prevention programs. It presents assessment and intervention strategies guided by an eco-systemic and resilience perspective. In particular, this courses presents intervention strategies with vulnerable
student populations, including: (1) students with learning, emotional, and behavioral disorders, (2) students with school attendance problems, (3) children with "environmental" barriers to learning (e.g. poverty, homelessness) and (4) students with multiple systems involvement (e.g. health, child welfare, mental health, and juvenile justice). Students will be exposed to the best practice and evidence-based approaches in dealing with these student populations.
SW 250X
2 units
Domestic Violence: Assessment and Intervention
Jennifer Jackson, LCSW
This practice-oriented course will teach graduate level social work students how to engage, assess, and intervene effectively with individuals, families, and children impacted by intimate partner violence. We will review the scope, impact, and causes of the problem; relevant screening and assessment skills; effective clinical intervention paradigms and techniques for victims, perpetrators, and children; and future directions. Significant time will be devoted to examining this problem in disadvantaged and diverse populations and, identifying emotional coping strategies for the developing clinician.
SW 250Y
2 units
Seminar in International Social Development
Professor James Midgley
This seminar focuses on the theory and practice of social development and, in particular, engages members of the seminar in an analysis of the social development practice strategies that are now widely used in community settings not only in the developing but in the western countries as well. The course is primarily designed for MSW students who have an interest in issues of development and international social welfare, but doctoral and undergraduate students may enroll.
SW 251
2 units
Program Development
Professor Julian Chow
This is a required practice course for students in the Management and Planning
concentration. Using a community-based service delivery framework, the purpose of the course is to provide the competency and skill set necessary for effective program design including task group management, community engagement, and collaborative resource development. The course will focus on designing community-wide interventions in a diverse society through analyzing social problems, identifying community capacities and needs, developing effectiveness-based programs, and conducting evaluation.
SW 252
2 units
Program Implementation
Professor Michael J. Austin
This required Management and Planning practice course builds upon the conceptual and critical thinking skills found in the foundation MAP courses in order to focus on strategic management and leading skills in this course. It is designed to introduce students to the distinctive role of the manager in public and nonprofit human service organizations. Drawing on the management sciences and social work practice in administration, this seminar-style course focuses on a range of managerial processes with special attention to the analytical and interpersonal aspects of program implementation. The course is built upon the three domains identified in research on program management: leadership roles; analytic roles; and interactional roles.
SW 254
2 units
Policy Practice
Professor Jill Duerr Berrick
This course introduces the practice of social welfare policy making. Focusing on the California State Legislature, students in the first half of the course are taught policy analysis skills, lobbying, testifying, working with legislators, legislative staff, and the media, and forwarding a policy agenda. In the second half of the course, students examine the internal environment of agency change, address the use of management information systems and outcomes
measurement as strategies for information collection, and learn skills for effectively using information to improve agency decision making.
SW 265H
2 units
Social Work Practice in Integrated Behavioral Health Care
Elizabeth Horevitz, PhD, MSW
Students in this practice course will be introduced to the foundation of integrated behavioral health practice, including population-based screening instruments and functional assessment for use in primary care. Students will become familiar with primary care medical culture and psychopharmacological interventions for depression and anxiety. A main emphasis of this class is skill acquisition in evidence-based behavioral interventions for a variety of conditions commonly seen in IBH settings. These include: behavioral activation, mindfulness relaxation strategies, sleep-hygiene techniques, and problem solving treatment.
SW 265M
2 units
Motivational Interviewing
Greg Merrill, LCSW
Motivational interviewing (MI) is a modern clinical paradigm that dialectically integrates
humanistic, client-centered principles with goal-focused strategies. Students in this course will be introduced to all key aspects of MI including its major tenets, its theoretical base, the available empirical evidence on its efficacy, and its overall compatibility with social work. Moreover, students will learn all of the associated clinical skills for the four processes of motivational interviewing: 1) engaging; 2) focusing; 3) evoking; and 4) deciding and planning.
SW 282A
2 units
Seminar in Social Welfare Research
Professor Julian Chow; Professor Neil Gilbert; John Shields, PhD; TBA
First course in the year-long research course sequence, which is designed to promote competence in social welfare research. We will discuss the process of conducting social welfare research, including question formulation, operationalization of concepts, study implementation, and data analysis and implications. We will also examine common errors in empirical research. Students will engage in the research process by developing and
completing a group based research project.
