Department of Clinical Health Sciences Social Work Program SCWK 3329 Social Welfare: Policy and Advocacy I

Transcription

1 Page 1 of 9 Department of Clinical Health Sciences Social Work Program SCWK 3329 Social Welfare: Policy and Advocacy I Course Dates, Time, and Location Fall Semester, 2015: August 24, 2015 to December 10, 2015 Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 2:00 pm - 2:50 pm Sam Fore Hall, Room 210 Instructor Contact Information Mariah A. Boone, M.S.S.W., LMSW-IPR Assistant Professor of Practice and Field Education Director Manning Hall, Suite 152, Office 155 Office Phone: (361) (preferred) Office Fax: (361) Mariah.Boone@tamuk.edu Office Hours: Monday Wednesday Friday 9:50 am - 1:50 pm 9:50 am - 11:50 am, 12:50pm 1:50pm, 3:00 pm - 4:45 pm 3:00 pm - 4:15 pm Course Description SCWK 3329 Social Welfare: Policy and Advocacy I 3(3-0). Historical and current survey of the social service delivery system as a response to human need. History, mission and philosophy of social welfare. Prerequisite: SCWK 2331.

2 Page 2 of 9 Course Rational and Purpose This course is the first course in the Social Welfare: Policy and Advocacy sequence of courses, building on the knowledge and values learned in The Social Work Profession I, Social Welfare: Policy and Advocacy I develops and reinforces students knowledge of social welfare policy, and value foundation in which practice skills are based. Additionally, students will employ knowledge learned in SOCI 1301, POLS 2301 and POLS Social Welfare: Policy and Advocacy I is designed to explore and critically evaluate the history, mission, and philosophy of social welfare and how social policy affects contemporary social programs. An emphasis is placed on social and economic justice; additionally, policy analysis and practice is introduced to students. Social Welfare: Policy and Advocacy II is the second course in the Social Welfare: Policy and Advocacy sequence of courses; Social Welfare: Policy and Advocacy II builds upon Social Welfare: Policy and Advocacy I by exploring and critically evaluating policy analysis, policy practice, and the legislative process. Student Learning Outcomes/Competencies (EPs): Knowledge, Values, and Skills (PBs) EP Apply social work ethical principles to guide professional practice. Social workers have an obligation to conduct themselves ethically and to engage in ethical decision-making. Social workers are knowledgeable about the value base of the profession, its ethical standards, and relevant law. Social work students will learn the following knowledge areas, values, and skills: PB 7. recognize and manage personal values in a way that allows professional values to guide practice; PB 8. make ethical decisions by applying standards of the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics and, as applicable, of the International Federation of Social Workers/International Association of Schools of Social Work Ethics in Social Work, Statement of Principles; PB 9. tolerate ambiguity in resolving ethical conflicts; and PB 10. apply strategies of ethical reasoning to arrive at principled decisions. EP Engage diversity and difference in practice. Social workers understand how diversity characterizes and shapes the human experience and is critical to the formation of identity. The dimensions of diversity are understood as the intersectionality of multiple factors including age, class, color, culture, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity and expression, immigration status, political ideology, race, religion, sex, and sexual orientation. Social workers appreciate that, as a consequence of difference, a person s life experiences may include oppression, poverty, marginalization, and alienation as well as privilege, power, and acclaim. Social work students will learn the following knowledge areas, values, and skills:

3 Page 3 of 9 PB 14. recognize the extent to which a culture s structures and values may oppress, marginalize, alienate, or create or enhance privilege and power; PB 15. gain sufficient self-awareness to eliminate the influence of personal biases and values in working with diverse groups; PB 16. recognize and communicate their understanding of the importance of difference in shaping life experiences; and PB 17. view themselves as learners and engage those with whom they work as informants. EP Advance human rights and social and economic justice. Each person, regardless of position in society, has basic human rights, such as freedom, safety, privacy, an adequate standard of living, health care, and education. Social workers recognize the global interconnections of oppression and are knowledgeable about theories of justice and strategies to promote human and civil rights. Social work incorporates social justice practices in organizations, institutions, and society to ensure that these basic human rights are distributed equitably and without prejudice. Social work students will learn the following knowledge areas, values, and skills: PB 18. understand the forms and mechanisms of oppression and discrimination; PB 19. advocate for human rights and social and economic justice; and PB 20. engage in practices that advance social and economic justice. EP Engage in policy practice to advance social and economic well-being and to deliver effective social work services. Social work practitioners understand that policy affects service delivery, and they actively engage in policy practice. Social workers know the history and current structures of social policies and services; the role of policy in service delivery; and the role of practice in policy development. Social work students will learn the following knowledge areas, values, and skills: PB 25. analyze, formulate, and advocate for policies that advance social well-being; and PB 26. collaborate with colleagues and clients for effective policy action. Course Materials Required Texts: Barusch, A. S. (2012). Foundations of social policy: Social Justice in Human Perspective (4 th ed.). Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole. ISBN: $ American Psychological Association. (2010). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (6 th ed.). Washington, DC: Author. ISBN: $29.95

4 Page 4 of 9 Grading Information Grading Scale: = A = B = C = D 59 or Below = F Point Values, Description of Assignments and Examinations, and Associated Practice Behaviors: Professional Identity, Performance, and Demeanor 10% This is relevant to class attendance; engaging in class activities, including frequency and quality; professional demeanor; and so forth. Social Policy Paper 30% Each student will write a social policy paper. A social policy will be chosen by the student (e.g., a specific piece of U.S. southern border and immigration policy, a specific bill enacting the privatization of social services, aspects of the Affordable Care Act, an ordinance on the legalization of prostitution, and so forth) for examination and critical analysis. A pro and con position will be argued for the social policy chosen with social work values, issues related to oppression and discrimination, human rights, and social and economic justice in mind. It is often important that social workers are able to see both sides of an argument, and this assignment is designed with that notion in mind. Additionally, each paper will be at least 12 pages in length (the paper can be longer if necessary) including cover sheet (10 points) and references (five scholarly references are expected beyond the textbook, at least one of which should be a piece of legislation or a court case 10 points) conforming to the standards of the most recent edition of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association. The paper must contain the elements listed below. I. Introduction (similar to an abstract) (10) II. Description and History of the Social Policy (very detailed must use primary sources) (10) III. The Pro Position (10) A. Consistencies with social work values B. Issues related to oppression and discrimination C. Issues related to human rights D. Issues related to social and economic justice IV. The Con Position (10) A. Inconsistencies with social work values B. Issues related to oppression and discrimination C. Issues related to human rights D. Issues related to social and economic justice V. What needs to be changed, if anything (10)

5 Page 5 of 9 VI. If change is needed, how could change occur (10) VIII. Summary and Conclusion (10) The social policy paper assignment is designed to measure the below practice behaviors (PBs-knowledge, values, and skills); consequently, the paper must reflect each practice behavior in the body of the paper. EP Apply social work ethical principles to guide professional practice. PB 7. recognize and manage personal values in a way that allows professional values to guide practice; PB 8. make ethical decisions by applying standards of the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics and, as applicable, of the International Federation of Social Workers/International Association of Schools of Social Work Ethics in Social Work, Statement of Principles; PB 9. tolerate ambiguity in resolving ethical conflicts; and PB 10. apply strategies of ethical reasoning to arrive at principled decisions. EP Engage diversity and difference in practice. PB 14. recognize the extent to which a culture s structures and values may oppress, marginalize, alienate, or create or enhance privilege and power; PB 15. gain sufficient self-awareness to eliminate the influence of personal biases and values in working with diverse groups; PB 16. recognize and communicate their understanding of the importance of difference in shaping life experiences; and PB 17. view themselves as learners and engage those with whom they work as informants. EP Advance human rights and social and economic justice. PB 18. understand the forms and mechanisms of oppression and discrimination; PB 19. advocate for human rights and social and economic justice; and PB 20. engage in practices that advance social and economic justice. EP Engage in policy practice to advance social and economic well-being and to deliver effective social work services. PB 25. analyze, formulate, and advocate for policies that advance social well-being; and PB 26. collaborate with colleagues and clients for effective policy action.

6 Page 6 of 9 Examinations 60% There will be three (3) online, open book (Barusch, 2012), multiple attempt (no more than three attempts), timed (exactly 75 minutes), examinations in this course. Each of these examinations is worth 20% of your total course grade. You will take each of these examinations via Blackboard. Specific Course Policies Please do ask questions, and feel free to utilize my office hours. I am here for you, and I want you to succeed. Classroom attendance and participation is necessary and expected. Students are responsible for understanding the Texas A&M University-Kingsville Class Attendance policy. Students must notify the course instructor of any anticipated absence, or the absence will be considered unexcused and make-up work may not be allowed. All students are expected to follow the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics located at: additionally, adherence to expected to the Javelina Honor Code and the Student Code of Conduct found in the Texas A&M University-Kingsville Student Handbook located at: Make-up examinations will be considered on a case by case basis, and will only be allowed for emergencies, university approved absences, or course instructor approved absences. Opportunities for extra credit will be available. Late assignment submission will be considered on a case by case basis, and will only be allowed for emergencies, university approved absences, or course instructor approved absences. Electronic devices of any kind, including cell phones, Blackberries, audio or video recorders, laptops, and so forth, are not to be turned on or used in class unless such use is preapproved by the university or course instructor. This syllabus is subject to change. Any changes that may occur will be posted on the course syllabus and through announcements on Blackboard. Academic Misconduct Please refer to the most recent version of the Texas A&M University-Kingsville Student Handbook located at: for the university policies concerning academic misconduct. A copy of this document is also available for you in the Social Work Program office.

7 Page 7 of 9 Non- academic Misconduct Please refer to the most recent version of the Texas A&M University-Kingsville Student Handbook located at: for the university policies concerning non- academic misconduct. A copy of this document is also available for you in the Social Work Program office. Harassment and Discrimination Please refer to the most recent version of the Texas A&M University-Kingsville Student Handbook located at: for the university policies concerning harassment and discrimination. A copy of the Student Handbook is also available for your review in the Social Work Program office. Any pregnant students, or students planning to become pregnant, should consult their health care provider to determine what, if any, additional precautions are needed, based on their individual situation. It is the responsibility of the student to communicate their needs to the faculty member or Office of Compliance as soon as possible in order for risk-reduction to begin when it can be most effective, and to determine if additional modifications are necessary. While the university cannot mandate that the student notify it that she is pregnant or is planning to become pregnant, the university strongly recommends that students do provide notification, so appropriate steps can be taken to ensure the health of both parent and child. To communicate health circumstances or to request additional information, please contact Karen Royal, Director of Compliance at (361) or karen.royal@tamuk.edu. Students with Disabilities Please refer to the most recent version of the Texas A&M University-Kingsville Student Handbook located at: for the university policies concerning students with disabilities. A copy of the Student Handbook is also available for your review in the Social Work Program office. State Six-Drop Policy Please refer to the most recent version of the Texas A&M University-Kingsville Student Handbook located at: for the university regulations concerning the state six-drop policy. A copy of the Student Handbook is also available for your review in the Social Work Program office.

8 Page 8 of 9 Course Schedule* Week/Dates Week 1 8/24-8/28 Week 2 8/31-9/4 Readings**/Lecture Topics/Assignments/Examinations Course Introduction Reading: Chapter 1 (Barusch) Lecture Topic: Social Welfare Policy, Social Justice, and Social Work Reading: Chapter 2 (Barusch) Lecture Topic: The Role of Government Week 3 9/7-9/11 (9/7 is Labor Day Holiday!) Week 4 9/14-9/18 Week 5 9/21-9/25 Week 6 9/28-10/2 Week 7 10/5-10/9 Reading: Chapter 2/Chapter 3 (Barusch) Lecture Topic: The Role of Government, Introduction to Policy Analysis and Policy Practice Reading: Chapter 3/Chapter 4 (Barusch) Lecture Topic: Introduction to Policy Analysis and Policy Practice, The Social Security Act Reading: Chapter 4 (Barusch) Lecture Topic: The Social Security Act Reading: Chapter 5 (Barusch) Lecture Topic: Poverty Exam 1: Chapters 1-4, Due: 10/2/2015 Reading: Chapter 5/6 (Barusch) Lecture Topic: Poverty/Health Week 8 10/12-10/16 Reading: Chapter 6/7 (Barusch) Lecture Topic: Health/Policy Responses to Mental Illness and Mental Health Care Course Schedule Continued on the Next Page

9 Page 9 of 9 Week 9 10/19-10/23 Reading: Chapter 7/8 (Barusch) Lecture Topic: Policy Responses to Mental Illness and Mental Health/Policy Responses to Disability Week 10 10/26-10/30 (10/29 is the last day to drop with a Q.) Week 11 11/2-11/6 Reading: Chapter 9 (Barusch) Lecture Topic: Policy Related to Vulnerable Populations-People of Color Reading: Chapter 10 (Barusch) Lecture Topic: Policy Related to Vulnerable Populations-LGBTQ Individuals Exam 2: Chapters 5-9, Due: 11/6/2015 Week 12 11/9-11/13 Week 13 11/16-11/20 Reading: Chapter 11 (Barusch) Lecture Topic: Policy Related to Vulnerable Populations- Children Reading: Chapter 12 (Barusch) Lecture Topic: Policy Related to Vulnerable Populations-Women Social Policy Paper, Due: 11/20/2015 Week 14 11/23-11/27 (11/26 & 11/27 is Thanksgiving Holiday) Week 15 11/30-12/4 Reading: Chapter 13 (Barusch) Lecture Topic: Policy Related to Vulnerable Populations-The Aged Reading: Chapter 14 (Barusch) Lecture Topic: Policy Related to Vulnerable Populations-Working Americans Dead Week: Class Discussion, Questions, and Answers Week 16 12/4-12/10 Exam 3 (Final Exam): Chapters 10-14, Due: December 4 th at 3:50pm. * Subject to modification depending on the class rate of material coverage. ** All readings should be read before class.