This zero credit course briefly examines the assumptions, values, and events that have shaped the profession of social work. Social workers must have a solid understanding of the unique approaches that set the profession apart from others. This self-paced orientation is designed to provide Advanced Standing students with a brief overview of the social work profession prior to enrollment in clinical social work classes.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Describe the distinctive attributes of contemporary social work professionals within the profession’s historical evolution and the societal context in which it continues to evolve.
2. Design and promote ethical responses to societal injustices by drawing on the profession’s rich legacy of fomenting social change.
3. Summarize and apply social work ethics, values, and its legacy of leadership in creating positive and progressive social change at all levels of society.