Interesting Times

NYU's Silver School of Social Work proudly advertises itself as a "clinical" program. I interpret this to mean that it focuses on working with individuals, groups and families on micro level needs. A lot of people come to school here to become therapists or to develop more direct practice skills and knowledge. That's why I came here, and I think it's doing a pretty good job (better than some other schools in the area).

I also care deeply about macro level issues, and issues that pervade all aspects of social work. I care deeply for social justice and I think NYU could do a better job of focusing on social justice as a core value in social work, especially micro-level clinical work. I also think they're improving on this, and some of the electives available next semester show that the faculty also care deeply for social justice. Here's a list of some of the courses that are less "clinical" and might appeal more to an NYU student more focused on justice:

Social Work and the Law - not only does this class sound very interesting, it's taught by a professor that I've only heard outstanding things about.

Feminist Theories & Practice - okay, I realize this is a clinical course, as evidenced by the word "practice", but it's the type of course that inevitably spans all aspects of social work from micro to mezzo to macro. Taking this course seems like a great way to develop direct practice skills to assist people oppressed by major forces (like hegemonic masculinity).

Social Work Foundation for Leadership - what better way to save the world than by joining with the forces destroying it? I'm sure some clinical skills will come in handy when dealing with the nearly psychotic members of congress (I don't mean all members of congress are nearly psychotic, just that some seem to have very little connection with reality).

Community Organization - I think we all know what this class is about. Thank you Mr. President.

Ending Poverty - The name really sums it up, right? Let's get to work.