SWRK 3903 SYLLABUS & COURSE DESCRIPTION
This is the first in a series of three social work practice courses. The practice sequence addresses the basic knowledge, values and skills that are the core elements of social work practice. The Generalist model of practice will be taught. The Generalist approach is predicated on the idea that social workers must be able to intervene effectively at the micro, mezzo and macro levels of human interaction and in a variety of settings.
Practice I has as its major focus the individual as client (micro level of intervention). Practice II has its focus on families and small groups, and Practice III focuses on the enhancement of functioning of large groups, organizations and communities (macro). The content of the practice sequence expounds on the problem-solving method as applied in a systems/ecological framework.
In this course, students will develop knowledge, skills and values for gathering and evaluating data, effective interviewing and planning intervention alternatives. The course focuses on developing a solid foundation for competent entry level practice with individuals. The course addresses: the fundamental elements of social work practice, the problem-solving/change process, the Generalist model for social work practice, basic cognitive and behavioral skills essential to practice, cultural knowledge and sensitivity to human diversity, ethics and development of the professional self.
OBJECTIVES OF THE PRACTICE SEQUENCE
After completing the three-part practice sequence, students will be able to:
1. Apply the generalist perspective to client systems of all sizes
2. Acquire knowledge, social work values and skills to enhance the well-being of people
3. Help ameliorate the environmental conditions that affect people adversely
4. Define social work issues
5. Collect and assess data
6. Plan and contract with micro, mezzo and macro client systems
7. Identify alternative interventions
8. Implement the problem-solving method
9. Use appropriate research-based knowledge and technological advances
10. Learn appropriate approaches for termination
11. Learn to work with clients from diverse backgrounds including (but not limited to) social, cultural, racial, religious and spiritual backgrounds
12. Work with all clients in the context of the community
PRACTICE I: COURSE LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Upon completion of the course, students will:
KNOWLEDGE
1. Understand the core knowledge, values and skills necessary for beginning generalist social work practice with individuals
2. Understand the generalist social work problem-solving method
3. Understand the elements of the social work relationship in the helping process
4. Understand the necessity and importance of continuing education for future professional development
SKILLS
1. Demonstrate basic interviewing skills with diverse clients
2. Demonstrate the necessary skills for gathering and evaluating data
3. Demonstrate the effective use of a variety of communication skills necessary for social work practice, including verbal, written and listening skills and the ability to interpret non-verbal communication
VALUES
1. Be able to identify one's own personal values and biases, and their potential impact on the helping process
2. Develop a professional identification, including assimilation of the Code of Ethics, as a future professional social worker
REQUIRED TEXT
Kirst-Ashman, K. & Hull, G. (1993). Understanding Generalist Practice (3rd ed.). Chicago, IL: Nelson-Hall Publishers.
RECOMMENDED TEXTS
Writing skills are very important for social workers. All students are expected to recognize their own learning needs regarding this skill, and take appropriate action to remedy problems in this skill area. The following are some references that might be helpful.
American Psychological Association (1994). Publication manual of the APA. Washington DC: American Psychological Association.
Strunk, W. & White, E. (1979). The elements of style (3rd ed.). Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon.
Zimmer, W. (1980). On writing well: An informal guide to writing non-fiction (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Harper & Row Publishers.
*NOTE: Additional readings provided by the instructor will supplement the text.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
The requirements for this course consist of three written assignments and three exams. Due dates and reading assignments are clearly stated in the Readings and Assignments Schedule. An assignment that is submitted after the due date may result in a lowered grade. Please make arrangements with the instructor if it becomes impossible for you to submit an assignment on time. However, arrangements made do not ensure that your grade may not be lowered. Class attendance and participation are required.
I. Assigned Readings and Exams - 40%
Assigned readings are listed in the course outline. Students are expected to study all assigned readings, whether or not the content is discussed in class. The instructor will not review all assigned readings every class, but will highlight important points and present information not in your readings. Please inform the instructor if something in the assigned content is unclear, or if you would appreciate discussion on a particular topic and we will discuss the material to your satisfaction. Three exams will be administered, and each exam is weighted equally. The exams will include content from reading assignments as well as content from class lectures and discussions.
Exam Dates: September 28, October 26, and November 16
II. Written Assignments - 40%
There will be three graded papers. Paper #1 requires the preparation of a genogram and ecomap about you. Paper #2 requires that you select a personality characteristic or personal bias you may have that might interfere with your ability to work effectively with clients. You will discuss this characteristic/bias and develop a plan to deal with or remedy it. Paper #3 requires that you choose a topic of interest you have related to social work practice (i.e. death and dying, teen pregnancy, substance abuse, etc.) and discuss your topic in-depth. You will develop assessment processes and intervention strategies that address your problem area.
Paper Due Dates:
Paper #1 - October 12
Paper #2 - November 2
Paper #3 - November 30
*NOTE: Additional, detailed descriptions of the assignments will be provided by the instructor.
III. Class Attendance and Participation - 20%
Attendance is mandatory, and students are expected to attend each class session. Much of our work will be done in class so attendance is crucial. If students miss two or more classes the final grade may be lowered. Arriving late to class will also be noted by the instructor and may affect your final grade. If you cannot attend class, you are responsible for collecting class notes from the missed session.
This course consists of a combination of didactic and experiential learning. Active participation in class discussions and experiential exercises significantly increase learning and add value to the class for everyone. Both quantity as well as quality of class participation will be evaluated regarding this aspect of your final grade.
It often occurs in social work practice classes that students self-disclose about personal issues. As personal information is shared during class, please be reminded to keep this information confidential.
GRADING:
Grades for this course are assigned as follows:
A+ 5.5
A 5.0
A- 4.5
B+ 4.0
B 3.5
B- 3.0
C+ 2.5
C 2.0
C- 1.5
D 1.0
F 0
The six letter grades and their equivalents will be added and averaged, and class attendance/class participation consideration will be figured into the final grade.
TEACHING METHODS
Class format will attempt to incorporate a variety of instructional methods to appeal to various learning style preferences. Experiential exercises, role plays, lectures, small group discussions, videotapes and guest lecturers comprise some of these methods. Students are to assume responsibility for their learning experience by arriving to class prepared, by actively participating in class discussions, and by facilitating a supportive learning environment for others.
ACADEMIC DISHONESTY
Plagiarism and other forms of academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. Students found in violation of the university's policy on academic dishonesty will be penalized according to such policy.
The instructor is ultimately responsible for order in the classroom. If an instructor determines that a student's behavior interferes with the learning process of others, the instructor may, as a last resort, ask the disorderly student to leave the classroom.
STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
Students with disabilities may register with the Office of Student Disability Services located in Scates Hall, Room 215, phone, 901-678-2880. (Voice and TDD). Student Disability Services will advise your instructor if accommodations are to be made regarding academic performance.
UNIVERSITY HARASSMENT POLICY
It is against University policy to harass or discriminate against any member of the University Community on the basis of sex or race. The University encourages the prompt reporting of such violations. In cases of harassment by one student against another student, the Assistant Dean of Students for Judicial Affairs, 105 University Center, will investigate and resolve such complaints, Other charges not related to students are to be reported to the University Affirmative Action Office, 156 Administration Building. Please read under Miscellaneous Information in the Schedule of Classes for additional information.
I look forward to working with you, and wish you an exciting and productive semester!
Readings and Assignments Schedule
Tuesday, August 29
Introductions and course overview
Thursday, August 31
Introducing Generalist Practice Text: Chapter 1
Tuesday, September 5
Values and Ethics Text: Chapter 11
Thursday, September 7 Working with Individuals
Text: Chapter 2
Tuesday, September 12 Working with Individuals
Text: Chapter 2
Thursday, September 14 Working with Individuals
Text: Chapter 2
Tuesday, September 19 Engagement and Assessment
Text: Chapter 5
Thursday, September 21 Engagement and Assessment
Text: Chapter 5
Tuesday, September 26 Working with Groups
Text: Chapter 3
Thursday, September 28 First Exam
Tuesday, October 3 Working with Groups
Text: Chapter 3
Thursday, October 5 Working with Communities
Text: Chapter 4
Tuesday, October 10 Fall Break
Thursday, October 12 Planning with Clients
Text: Chapter 6
Paper #1 Due
Tuesday, October 17 Planning with Clients Text: Chapter 6
Thursday, October 19 Intervention Text: Chapter 7
Tuesday, October 24 Intervention Text: Chapter 7
Thursday, October 26 Second Exam
Tuesday, October 31 Termination Text: Chapter 8
Thursday, November 2 Practice Evaluation Text: Chapter 8
Paper #2 Due Tuesday, November 7
Understanding Families Text: Chapter 9
Thursday, November 9 Working with Families Text: Chapter 10
Tuesday, November 14 Multicultural Social Work Practice
Text: Chapter 12
Thursday, November 16 Third Exam
Tuesday, November 21 Multicultural Social Work Practice Text: Chapter 12
Thursday, November 23 THANKSGIVING!
Tuesday, November 28 Gender-sensitive Practice Text: Chapter 13
Thursday, November 30 Advocacy and Case Management Text: Chapters 14, 15
Paper #3 Due Tuesday, December 5
Recording Social Work Practice Text: Chapter 16
Paper #3 presentations
Thursday, December 7 Paper #3 presentations continued, and Last Day of Class
Thursday, December 14
Final scheduled from 8:00-10:00am in same classroom |
