The BSW Program at Illinois State seeks to prepare generalist social work practitioners who act as agents of social change who in turn will promote individual and societal well-being.
School of Social Work Goals
The School has identified broad BSW curricula goals. These curricula goals are grounded within a liberal arts foundation and will ensure that students' practices are grounded in traditional values and theory and also be current with the demands of the changing practice environment. The BSW curricula goals are derived from three sources:
- the goals of Illinois State University,
- the goals of the School of Social Work, and
- the objectives of the BSW Program. In addition, and much more importantly, the BSW curricula goals are consistent with the purpose and structure of baccalaureate-level social work education as mandated by CSWE's Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards.
Thus, to these ends, the BSW Program at Illinois State will provide classroom and field opportunities that will prepare students for:
- the integration of a broad liberal arts perspective with social work knowledge, values and skills, preparing beginning level social workers for generalist practice in a variety of settings with diverse client populations.
- the development of culturally competent generalist social workers who are steeped in the values and ethics of the social work profession and who recognize the dynamics and impact of oppression and discrimination on all populations.
- the preparation of generalist social workers who are committed to the development of new knowledge through avenues of renewal between the School and the social work community.
- the appreciation of a deep commitment to social justice and a commitment to promoting the well being of individuals, families, groups, and organizations.
Goals for Student Learning
The overall goals for student learning of the baccalaureate social work curriculum are to:
- Foster student commitment to working toward social and economic justice and applying skills to assist populations-at-risk.
- Develop the basic research knowledge and skills common to social science.
- Develop skills in evaluating research and practice for cultural congruence.
- Assist students in acquiring practice strategies and skills.
- Help students translate social work values and ethics into practice.
- Sensitize students to and foster appreciation of human diversity.
- Develop skills for culturally responsive practice.
- Build awareness of the necessity for lifelong development of professional expertise and service.
Learning Objectives
The BSW curricula objectives are derived from CSWE's Educational Policy (EP) 3.0 (1-12). Thus, at the completion of the BSW Program, all students will be able to demonstrate their abilities to:
- apply critical thinking skills within the context of professional social work practice. (EP 3.0.1)
- effectively practice within the values and ethics of the social work profession. (EP 3.0.2)
- effectively practice with an understanding and respect for the positive value of diversity including age, class, color, culture, disability, ethnicity, family structure, gender, marital status, national origin, race, religion, and sexual orientation. (EP 3.0.3)
- understand the forms and mechanisms of oppression and discrimination and the strategies of change that advance social and economic justice. (EP 3.0.4)
- understand the history of the social work profession and its current structures and issues. (EP 3.0.5)
- apply the knowledge and skills of generalist social work to practice with systems of all sizes. (EP 3.0.6)
- apply theoretical frameworks supported by empirical evidence to understand individual development and behavior across the life span and the interactions among individuals and between individuals and social systems (i.e., families, groups, organizations, communities). (EP 3.0.7)
- analyze, formulate, and influence social policies on client systems, workers, and agencies. (EP 3.0.8)
- evaluate research studies and apply findings to practice, and, under supervision, to evaluate their own practice interventions and those of other relevant systems. (EP 3.0.9)
- use communication skills differentially with a variety of client populations, colleagues, and members of the community. (EP 3.0.10)
- use supervision and consultation appropriate to generalist practice. (EP 3.0.11)
- adequately function within the structure of organizations and service delivery systems, and under supervision, seek necessary organizational change. (EP 3.0.12)
