Advanced Topics in Interpersonal Practice

This course will teach students the basics of system thinking and then explore their own cases (individual or family) from a family systems perspective. We will look at the dynamics of the case presented and ways the case could be handled using those dynamics. This is not supervision but a learning experience, using actual cases to explore how a family systems perspective could be used to shape understanding and planning. There will be inclusion of some role-playing experiences using the student cases. Students will need to be in field placement or have access to at least one case. This course will build on the knowledge learned in SW 623 (Social Work with Families), which is recommended as a prerequisite, though not required. For those students who haven’t taken SW 623, there will be supplemental reading that will need to be read before the start of the class.