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This is the first of the foundation year practice courses which familiarizes students with the profession of social work and to the methods of social work practice. The course introduces students to the systems ecological framework as the overarching framework for organizing and conceptualizing social work practice. Students will review the history of social work practice and its commitment to oppressed and disenfranchised populations. Perspectives on the evolution of practice theory and on current conceptualizations of practice with individuals and families will be examined. The principles, methods, and skills of generalist social work practice with diverse individuals at various stages in the life cycle and with families will be emphasized in this course. Students will become familiar with basic interviewing skills, e. g., active and reflective listening, empathy, focusing, probing, structuring the interview for information gathering, and assessment. Skills in the problem solving process will be addressed. Professional documentation (process recording, summary recording, progress note) and its significance will be described. The importance of self-awareness and the professional use of self will be underscored throughout the course as well as the values and ethics of the social work profession. The components of culturally-sensitive social work practice will be highlighted. The constructive use of social work supervision as a means to further one’s professional development will be emphasized. Basic methods in crisis intervention and brief treatment, contracting, referral and use of environmental and social support networks will be emphasized. The course will examine the unique concerns of populations-at-risk in the metropolitan, urban environment.