SWK 345 Perspectives on Social Work and the Natural Environment

3 Credit(s)

This survey course is designed to introduce students to ideas, concepts, theories, and practices related to the intersection of social work and the natural environment. Topics covered include the history of environmental social work, health and mental health benefits of nature-based experiences and interventions, deep ecology and the ecosocial approach to practice, sustainability, and environmental justice. Through this course, students will gain a broader understanding of the ways nature and an environmental ethic can be included in social work practice at micro, mezzo, and macro levels. Three lecture hours per week.

Prerequisites: Junior status and completion of a previous social work course or permission of department chairperson.