Among the concepts discussed in Unit 1 are:
* politics as an inherent variable in macro practice
* macro practice roles in the public arena
* public policy creation
* policy analysis.
The second unit discusses two other major contexts of macro practice: the community, agencies and organizations. Topics to be addressed are:
* definitions of community and community competence
* models of community organization
* organization structure
* administrative and leadership roles as macro practice roles
The final unit will look at macro issues in action via at-risk populations. The interface between governmental policies and organizational implementation will be discussed especially about potential societal and professional value conflicts. Throughout the above, students are encouraged to use their fieldwork settings and places of employment as frames of reference. Questions regarding the interface between this course and the material presented in the Methods course are applicable and welcomed.

Learning Objectives:
Knowledge:
1. To understand the spectrum of macro social work: organizations, community, and societal
2. To understand the procedural and political processes involved in public policy creation3 To distinguish between social planning, locality development and social action models of community organization4. To understand the structure of complex organizations
5. To understand the significance of diversity in a pluralistic society
6. To understand the experience of populations-at-risk, including people of color, women, gay and lesbian persons and the elderly, in a pluralistic society7. To understand a multi-dimensional approach to macro practice: (e.g. systems, problem assessment, and strengths perspective)8. To understand public and private attempts to alleviate poverty from a macro perspective
9. To understand prevention, treatment and rehabilitation from a macro perspective
10. To become knowledgeable about societal trends influencing the social work professionValues:
1. To support and comply with the NASW Code of Ethics
2. To promote social justice as the overriding social work value
3. To incorporate empowerment and self-determination as major practice goals
4. To engage in ethical strategies of practice and change
5. To respect the values of diverse groups including people of color, women, the elderly as well as gay and lesbian persons
Skills:
1. To be able to write a policy statement and supply appropriate rationale.
2. To be able to analyze a social service organization
3. To be able to analyze social policy from an analytical framework
4. To be able to evaluate the effectiveness of social welfare services and the adequacy of resources
5. To be able to evaluate the effectiveness and adequacy of social welfare programs
6. To exercise sensitivity to the impact of all forms of human diversity on the functioning of individuals, families, groups, organizations, communities, and society in general
Teaching Methodology:
The class will rely on lectures, films, class discussion and practice in policy writing.
Participation in class is as important as completion of assignments. Because macro
practice involves an integration of social science disciplines, social work topics
and actual political events, students will be encouraged to draw on personal, educational
and professional experiences.
With the third classroom absence, the student's final grade will be reduced by one lettergrade. The professor has the prerogative to make exceptions based on the nature of the absence; therefore, students are encouraged to discuss their individual situations with the professor.
Required Texts:
Jansson, Bruce S. (1999). Becoming an Effective Policy Advocate: From Policy Practice to Social Justice.
Pacific Grove: Brooks/Cole PublishersRaffoul, Paul R. and C. Aaron McNeece. (1996). Future Issues for Social Work Practice.
Boston: Allyn and Bacon
Segal, Elizabeth A. and Brzuzy, Stephanie. (1998). Social Welfare Policy, Programs, and Practice.
Itasca: F.E. Peacock Publishers.
Students with Special Needs:
Students having any form of special needs, should notify the instructor immediately so that available accommodations can be discussed.Course Assignments:
There are three (3) major assignments in this course. Each is discussed in detailed in the following pages. Due to the nature of the course material, there will be no midterm or final examinations. General guidelines are the following:
1. Papers are due by the end of the class session specified unless prior arrangements have been made. Grades on papers will be reduced one letter grade for unexcused lateness
2. Papers should be typed and double-spaced. Grammar, spelling, punctuation, and general presentation will be taken into account for the grade. While this is not a writing intensive course, the instructor will assess written material for its creativity as well as depth and breadth of discussion. This can include a balance between summarizing facts and commentary; critique of research frameworks; analysis of policy statements; posing future research questions.
3. Reference lists attached to papers are expected to follow a standard citation format. Acceptable formats can be found in Turabian's Manual of Style.
4. Charts, tables, graphs, if included, should ideally be computer generated. If computerization is not possible, the visual material should be ruler-drawn with typed content.
Grading:
Each of the 3 papers will be worth 25th of the final grade (75%).
The final 25% of the final grade will be based on class participation.
This includes active verbal contribution to class discussions, asking and answering questions, interacting with the class. Answering questions when called on by the professor is considered a minimal level of participation.
ASSIGNMENT I:
Students will chose one of the following federal social policies to study using a framework based on Diana Dinitto's (1995) framework.
Family and Medical Leave Act
Americans with Disability Act (ADA)
Violence Against Women Act
Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996
The analysis will include:
1. Description of the act 1 page
2. History of the policy 2 pages
3. Purpose of the policy 2 - 3 pages
- who will be served
- why they will be served
- how they will be served
- funding
- what will be the product or service to be received
4. Current status 1 - 2 pages
5. Implications for social work 4 - 5 pages
6. Group experience - 1 page)


The analysis should include a reference list of at least 20 items.
References can include material not only on the policy itself but social work practice related to response to the policy. Of the 20 references, no more than 10 should be from the Internet. Internet references should include citation. Issues related to policy formation and service delivery can be found in many areas such as social work, sociology, public policy, business, etc.Examples of such journals are:
Social Work in Health Care
Public Welfare
Social Work
Social Work in Education
Journal of Sociology and Social Welfare
Social Policy
Social Work and Christianity
Society
Students may elect to work in groups of no more than 3 to complete the assignment.
If this option is chosen, one paper may be turned in for grading. In addition, each team member will write a one (1) page commentary on the group experience - pros and cons. While group members are encouraged to share their comments with their team members, the professor will maintain confidentiality regarding the comments.
Please see the general comments regarding papers presented earlier.
Due Date: We will discuss these policies in class this date.
ASSIGNMENT II
This assignment is based on the film Promises to Keep which will be viewed in class on a date to be announced. For those students who wish to view it again, please see the instructor.
I. Based on the film, respond to the following questions:
1. Prior to viewing the film, list some stereotypes about the homeless that are common among the non-homeless. What stereotypes about the homeless were refuted by this film? 1-2 pages 2. What societal policy issues were operating? 1 page
3. What strategies did the members of the CCNV use? 1 page
4. What could be the role of social work at the
(a) grassroots level, if invited in;
(b) the city level;
(c) at the policy level? 2 pages
II. Given the above:
1. Investigate and select a public or private organization or committee, legislator or city council representative that is concerned with the homeless. Describe this entity. 1 page
2. Write a policy statement regarding housing for the homeless that reflects social work values of social justice and empowerment that your chosen receiver might find helpful. In addition, include a rationale for the policy. 3 pages
Writing a rationale implies presenting factual and theoretical material to support a position. Too often rationales are really personal opinions, which are valid but should be labeled as such. As a social worker presenting "expert testimony" we should speak from a professional point of view. In writing a rationale, strategical issues can include:
(a) How can I present the issue to the reader so that they will be "drawn into" the issue?
(b) What image of the target group needs to be presented to engage the reader's support for finding solutions?
III. Students will present their policies for review during the final two class sessions. Students may elect to work in groups of no more than 3 to complete the assignment. If this option is chosen, one paper may be turned in for grading. In addition, each team member will write a one (1) page commentary on the group experience - pros and cons.
While group members are encouraged to share their comments with their team members, the professor will maintain confidentiality regarding the comments. The same grade will be given to each member of the team.
Please see general comments about papers. Due Date: April 13th
ASSIGNMENT III
ANALYSIS OF FIELD WORK SETTING
Using the outline below the class will discuss agencies and organizations. Students are encouraged to view their fieldwork agencies critically. Suggestions for improvement and change should follow criticisms.
1. Identification of the Agency's Environment
a. What are the funding sources and how are monies earmarked? (general fund, specific programs, etc.)
b. Are there non-cash revenues: use of volunteers, students, material resources?
c. Who are the clients? How do they access agency - referral sources?
d. What connections does the agency/organization have: oversight agencies; professional affiliations; contractors; coalitions?
e. What is the nature of the interface of neighborhood and agency?
2. Agency Analysis
a. State the "Mission statement."
b. What programs and services are available? Do the programs and services logically follow from the mission statement?
c. Attach or create an organizational chart.
d. Describe administrative, management and leadership styles. How is conflict managed?
e. Give some examples of the "organizational culture."
f. Who are the "informal" leaders?
g. Who are the staff - degrees, disciplines, job titles?
h. Are there written personnel policies and procedures? Did you receive a copy?
i. Do the facilities appear to be adequate for the programmatic needs?
j. What is the status of computer utilization?
Sections I and II should be completed in outline form responding to each of the items. Commentary should be brief and clearly identify the item being discussed.
3. Role of the Fieldwork Student 1-2 pages
A. What is your role as seen by
(a) administration
(b) supervisor
(c) staff
(d) you
How were you introduced to the agency/organization? What did you do personally to "join" the system and culture?
What change(s) have you experienced during first two months?
4. Triangulation Strategy [2 pages]
As one means of assessing whether your fieldwork experience has been similar or different than others, you will interview two (2) other students currently in fieldwork about their experiences. For this purpose use the probes listed in section III of this assignment.
5. Recommendations [2-3 pages]
Identify 1 a need or problem and address your specific recommendations for change from the point of view of a paid, full-time Bachelor's level social worker.
Week I: Class Introduction and Assignments
* Definitions of macro and policy practice
* Relationship between micro and macro practice
* Roles of the macro practitioner
* Social problems and social policy
* Concept(s) and influence of politics
Jansson, Bruce S. (1999). Becoming an Effective Policy Advocate: From Policy Practice to Social Justice.
Pacific Grove: Brooks/Cole Publishers.
Chapter 1: Why Engage in Policy Practice and Policy Advocacy?
Chapter 2: Ethical, Analytic, and Political Rationales for Engaging in Policy Advocacy
Segal, Elizabeth A. and Brzuzy, Stephanie. (1998). Social Welfare Policy, Programs, and Practice.        
Itasca: F.E. Peacock Publishers.
Chapter 14: The Role of Social Work
Week II: Diversity and Ethics
* Ethnic Sensitive Macro Practice
* Ethical Issues
* Values and Their Influence
* Interface of Values, Vision and Decision Making
Raffoul, Paul R. and C. Aaron McNeece (eds.). (1996). Future issues for social work practice.
Boston: Allyn and Bacon.
Chapter 22: Radical Social Work: Is There a Future?
Chapter 23: The Future of Professionalism and Activism in Social Work
Chapter 24: The Future of Social Welfare Policy
Chapter 25: The Future of Political Social Work
Week III: Governmental Arena
* Public Policy Formation
* Social Work Roles
Jansson, Bruce S. (1999). Becoming an Effective Policy Advocate: From Policy Practice to Social Justice. Pacific Grove: Brooks/Cole Publishers.
Chapter 4: The Big Picture: Policy Practice in Governmental, Community, and Agency Settings
Segal, Elizabeth A. and Brzuzy, Stephanie. (1998). Social Welfare Policy, Programs, and Practice.
Itasca: F.E. Peacock Publishers.
Chapter 2: History of Social Welfare in America
Chapter 11: Social Welfare Policy and Governmental Policy-Making
Recommended Readings:
Pine, B. (1986). Child Welfare Reform and the Political Process. Social Service Review: Vol. 339-359. (Handout)
Kingdon, John W. (1984). Agendas, alternatives and public policies.
Boston: Little, Brown and Company.
Chapter 9: Wrapping Things Up
Week IV: Public Policy Analysis
Assignment I Due - In-class discussion of
Handouts:
* Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
* Violence Against Women Act
* Analysis of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996
* Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Week V: Community Arena
* Definitions of "community" and community competence
* Community Organization as Macro Practice
Jansson, Bruce S. (1999). Becoming an Effective Policy Advocate: From Policy Practice to Social Justice.
Pacific Grove: Brooks/Cole Publishers.
Part 3 - Chapters 10, 11, 12, 13
Week VI: Needs Assessment and Planning Model
* Conducting a Community Needs Assessment
* The Social Planning Model
Jansson, Bruce S. (1999). Becoming an Effective Policy Advocate: From Policy Practice to Social Justice.
Pacific Grove: Brooks/Cole Publishers.
Part 3 - Chapters 10, 11, 12, 13
Week VII: Citizen Involvement in Macro Issues and Social Work's Role
* Analysis of Community Intervention Using the Social Action Model
* The Problem of Homelessness
Film: "Homeless, Not Helpless: Opening Doors." (To be shown in class)
This documentary looks into the ways in which the nation's homeless people are taking action and control of their own fate, forcing political notice and action in the face of governmental indifference.
Week VIII: Mid-semester break - no class.
Weeks IX Agency and Organizational Arena & X:
* Organizational Structures
* Administrative Functions as Macro Practice
* Grant Making
* Program and Service Evaluation
Jansson, Bruce S. (1999). Becoming an Effective Policy Advocate: From Policy Practice to Social Justice.
Pacific Grove: Brooks/Cole Publishers.
Chapter 7: Finding Policy Options
Chapter 8: Writing Policy Proposals
Raffoul, Paul R. and C. Aaron McNeece (eds.). (1996). Future issues for social work practice.
Boston: Allyn and Bacon.
Chapter 19: The Administration of Human Services - What Lies Ahead?
Chapter 20: The Multi cultural Imperative in Human Service Organizations Handout: "On Writing a Grant Application"
Segal, Elizabeth A. and Brzuzy, Stephanie. (1998). Social Welfare Policy, Programs, and Practice.
Itasca: F.E. Peacock Publishers.
Chapter 3: Theories and Concepts in Social Welfare Policy
Chapter 4: Social Welfare Policy Analysis.
Week XI: Populations at Risk: Special Topic on Macro Issues in Health Care and Mental Health
* Implications of Managed Care
* HIV/AIDS and Implications for Macro Practice
Raffoul, Paul R. and C. Aaron McNeece (eds.). (1996). Future issues for social work practice.
Boston: Allyn and Bacon.
Chapter 4: Health Care and Rationing
Chapter 6: HIV/AIDS and Adolescents
Chapter 7: The Future of Hospital-Based Social Work Practice
Chapter 8: Social Work Practice in the Year 2006
Chapter 9: Two Visions of Managed Care and Mental Health Practice
Segal, Elizabeth A. and Brzuzy, Stephanie. (1998). Social Welfare Policy, Programs, and Practice.
Itasca: F.E. Peacock Publishers.Chapter 6: Health Care Policy
Week XII: Populations at Risk : Special Topic on Macro Issues in Gerontology
* Macro Practice with the Elderly
Raffoul, Paul R. and C. Aaron McNeece (eds.). (1996). Future issues for social work practice.
Boston: Allyn and Bacon.
Chapter 12: Aspects of Aging in the Twenty-First Century: Opposing Viewpoints
Segal, Elizabeth A. and Brzuzy, Stephanie. (1998). Social Welfare Policy, Programs, and Practice.
Itasca: F.E. Peacock Publishers.
Chapter 8: Aging and Social Welfare Policy
Week XIII: Populations at Risk : Special Topic on Macro Issues Among Women, Children and Families
* Critical Issues in Child Welfare
* Women and Poverty
* Crime and Juvenile Delinquency
Raffoul, Paul R. and C. Aaron McNeece (eds.). (1996). Future issues for social work practice.
Boston: Allyn and Bacon.
Chapter 14: An Agenda for Child and Youth Well-Being
Chapter 18: Teen Pregnancy in the Twenty-First Century
Segal, Elizabeth A. and Brzuzy, Stephanie. (1998). Social Welfare Policy, Programs, and Practice.
Itasca: F.E. Peacock Publishers.
Chapter 7: Social Welfare Policies Affecting Children and Families
Weeks XIV Student Presentations of Policy Proposals
And XV Assignment II Due
* Student Presentation of Policy Proposals
* Course Evaluation and Wrap Up
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