Overview
Description
This course introduces foundational communication skills for engaging clients in professional social work practice. Students learn active listening, non-verbal strategies, and Motivational Interviewing to build empathic skills and rapport. Emphasis includes cultural humility, positionality, ADEI principles, and cultivating ongoing self-awareness in verbal, nonverbal, and written communication.
Requirements
Prerequisites
- SW 101 with a “C” or better
- SW 250 with a “C” or better
PSY 101SW 101SW 250ENG 102
Original catalog text
Prerequisites
Prerequisite(s): PSY 101; SW 101 with a “C” or better; SW 250 with a “C” or better; ENG 102.
Units
Lecture3
Catalog Details
Offering
Offered: Every Fall
Terms
fall
Attributes
Standard
Learning Outcomes
- applying empathy, active listening, verbal and non-verbal strategies, as well as Motivational Interviewing techniques with individuals, families, groups, and organizations to demonstrate effective interpersonal communication.
- apply cultural humility, positionality, and ADEI principles to communication by critically analyzing how personal and professional values, power, and culture shape interactions and relationships.
- incorporate ethical principles from the NASW Code of Ethics when navigating communication and practice scenarios.
- exhibit social work professionalism by producing clear, objective, and ethically sound written communication, and by engaging in professional behaviors that reflect accuracy, accountability, and respect.
- critically evaluate feedback and evidence to strengthen communication and professional practice, supporting self-awareness, growth, and ongoing commitment to continuous improvement in practice.