Course information

Research methods for social work

Research Methods is a required course in the BSW and MSW programs that develop critical thinking skills and students’ ability to assess strengths and needs, evaluate programs, and interpret research findings. Amy uses a flipped design and in-class group activities to teach this course. Her preferred texts are the open-access books written by Matthew DeCarlo, Scientific Inquiry in Social Work and Graduate Research Methods in Social Work.

Click on the box below to read Dr’ Smoyer’s 2024 Teaching Note published in Social Work Education about her Research Methods pedagogy.

Inside-ouT PRISON EXCHANGE PROGRAM

Dr. Smoyer’s SCSU Inside-Out course, which was held at the Manson Youth Institution (Cheshire, CT) from 2017-2019, included SCSU undergraduates and incarcerated men at MYI in a transformative learning experience grounded in inter-group dialogue. All students earned 3 credits towards their undergraduate degree. 

Dr. Smoyer co-taught with Dr. Johanna Elumn. Both instructors were completed the week-long Inside Out Prison Exchange Training Institute at Temple University.

Human behavior in the social environment II

Human Behavior in the Social Environment (HBSE) is a core social work course. Dr. Smoyer’s version of this course asks, What are the stories we tell about ourselves and others? How do these stories shape our understanding of the world and our individual behaviors and reactions to the social environment? HBSE uses social work theory to understand personal and community narratives.