Graduate Courses
SOWK 689: Arts-Based and Experiential Approaches to Social Work
Credit Hours
3
Description
This course explores arts-based and experiential approaches in social work practice. These approaches include, but are not limited to visual approaches (e.g., painting, sculpture, photography, collage, and murals), aural and musical approaches (e.g., drumming, singing, songwriting, production, audio documentary, and digital storytelling), somatic approaches (e.g., engagement activity, dance & movement, music & movement, yoga, tai-chi, and body work) and dramatic and literary approaches (e.g., theater, poetry, and other literary traditions).
Exploring historical, theoretical, empirical, and practical literature and case studies, students will learn about the long-standing use of arts-based and experiential approaches in social work practice, the theories that drive and support their use, and the evidence that supports their use throughout all levels of social work practice, including the micro, mezzo, and macro levels. In addition, students will have an opportunity to engage in and practice a variety of arts-based and experiential approaches. Students will engage in these activities as participants, which will require an adventurous and playful spirit! Finally, students will have opportunities to dialogically reflect on their experiences in class, develop an arts-based and experiential reflection of their experience of the class, and develop a treatment plan that incorporates extensive use of arts-based and experiential approaches.
