The Use of the Arts and the Strengths Perspective: The Example of a Course Assignment

This paper is a collaborative effort of one social work professor and ten students from a master's level course concerning practice with individuals and couples in a Canadian university. The strengths perspective was used as the lens through which practice was viewed. The paper details the results of an assignment which asked the students to examine the arts in relation to the people that they work with. The students engaged with the process and learned about themselves and the strengths approach to practice. This assignment embodies the strengths perspective in social work. Such learning experiences are an integral part of social work education.