ABSTRACT

The Applied Arts and Social Justice (AASJ) Certificate at the University of New England (UNE) is a notable exception. From its inception, the UNE School of Social Work has valued the interconnection between the arts, social justice, and clinical and community practice. UNE's School of Social Work, like others in the United States, is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, which considers the humanities a tenet of holistic social work education. The use of art in social work education further draws upon constructionist theory. Science and social work theory provide guidance as to how art and social work can and do forge indelible links. It is logical then, that education exposes students early on to the essential partnership between art and social work. Goals for AASJ seamlessly aligned with the School of Social Work's revised vision and mission. The challenge for AASJ faculty was to integrate its content and methodologies into an already full and rich curriculum.