This is a beginning course in the behavioral science based field of social work. It aims at introducing the student to the historical, political policy and methodological systems that have interacted to produce the institutions of welfare services and the profession of social work.

A survey and orientation to organization, and operations of the social service setting. Contact with and participation in social service agencies to make students aware of community resources is a goal of this course. Part of the course's activities can include volunteer participation in an agency or a supervised review of an agency in which a person is employed.