University of Tennessee College of Social Work Unveils New Curriculum for 2007–2008

client systems that are situated within a complex, multilayered, multicultural, ever-changing global community. Accountable practice across client systems is conceptualized as informed by evidence-based knowledge of HBSE (Human Behavior in the Social Environment), policy, research, practice and field practicum, and as embedded within social work's focus on social and economic justice and its history, values, ethics and mission.

Within this framework, ecological, person in environments, transactional (risk/resilience) developmental theories and perspectives of multicultural development and those of organizational processes and community practice represent essential, evidence-based knowledge for appropriate understanding of and practice with diverse client systems. Students use critical thinking and creativity to analyze, evaluate and apply appropriate theories and research evidence when assessing and solving complex problems across diverse client systems. Students are taught social work assessment and interventions that culturally affirm clients, increase social and economic justice, empower client systems, make demonstrable improvements in quality of life, and create opportunities for the full expression and potential of at-risk, oppressed or otherwise disadvantaged populations.

Concepts of critical thinking, complexity, evidence-based and culturally affirming practice, social and economic justice, and at-risk populations permeate the curriculum and provide horizontal and vertical integration across the foundation and advanced curriculum.

Foundation content includes fundamental, evidence-based knowledge and skills that allow students to practice across client systems within a culturally affirming generalist social work context. Students gain evidence-based knowledge of HBSE that prioritizes ecological, person-in-environment, developmental and transactional (risk and resilience) theories and perspectives; knowledge of processes that create and maintain subjugated and/or marginalized positions within society; basic social work practice skills that allow students to engage, assess and intervene across client systems in culturally affirming ways; research knowledge and skills that enable students to evaluate their own practice and the programs within which they work; knowledge and skills to analyze, formulate and influence social policies; knowledge of social work's unique history, mission, values and ethics; and critical thinking skills that form the foundation for the acquisition of all social work knowledge and skills.

Advanced content is both integrative and specialized. Advanced required content maintains hierarchical integration with foundation content but with increasing complexity, depth and breadth of knowledge and skills applied to increasingly complex situations and problems. Specialized advanced content allows students to choose focused areas upon which to concentrate and acquire specialized knowledge and skills. Concepts of critical thinking, culturally affirming practice, social and economic justice, evidence-based practice, as well as ecological, person-in-environment, transactional (risk/resilience) and developmental theories and perspectives
of multicultural development as well as those of organizational processes and community practice continue to provide integration but within a specialized area.