UTRGV COURSE SYLLABUS DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WORK BSW PROGRAM

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1 UTRGV COURSE SYLLABUS DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WORK BSW PROGRAM UTRGV: SOCW L Introduction to Social Work Profession Instructor Name: Noelia Alonzo, LMSW Term (Spring 2016) Telephone #: (956) office UTRGV address: Meeting times and location: Online Office location & hours: SWOT 1.213, Tues. 10:45am-12:15pm, Wed. 9:30am-11:30am, Thurs. 10:45am 12:15pm,by appt. Textbook and/or Resource Material DuBois, Brenda, Miley, K. K. (2014). Social Work: An Empowering Profession (8 th edition) Course Description and Prerequisites Traces the philosophy and historical development of social work, reflecting its social welfare European roots and its historical evolution in America. A general overview of the social work profession, functions and services as they relate to various fields of practice will be studied. Learning Objectives/Outcomes for the Course The Student Learning Outcomes are based on the following practice competencies required by our accreditation agency, the Council on Social Work Education. Educational Policy Identify as a professional social worker and conduct oneself accordingly. Educational Policy Apply social work ethical principles to guide professional practice. Educational Policy Apply critical thinking to inform and communicate professional judgments. Educational Policy Engage diversity and difference in practice. Educational Policy Advance human rights and social and economic justice. Educational Policy Engage in research-informed practice and practice-informed research. Educational Policy Apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment. Educational Policy Engage in policy practice to advance social and economic well-being and to deliver effective social work practice. Educational Policy Respond to context that shape practice. 1

2 Educational Policy (a)-(d) Engage, assess, intervene, and evaluate with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. At the conclusion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Describe the historical foundation and values for social work practice, and the roles social workers have in various settings. (Related to EPAS Competency 2.1.1) 2. Differentiate social work from other human service professions. (Related to EPAS Competency 2.1.9) 3. Demonstrate an understanding of the history of (1) the American social welfare system and (2) the various oppressed populations in relation with the social welfare system.(related to EPAS Competency2.1.8) 4. Demonstrate an understanding of poverty and oppression in its many forms, and how these affect clients as well as the practice of social work. (Related EPAS Competency ) 5. Understand social work s mandate and current role in working toward social and economic justice and civil rights. (Related to EPAS Competency 2.1.5) 6. Understand how social workers intervene to solve problems with individuals, families, small groups, communities, and organizations, (Related to EPAS Competency 2.1.4) 7. Have an understanding of (1) the profession s values and code of ethics and (2) gain further insight to one s personal values, and how these two affect the practice of social work. (Related to EPAS Competency 2.1.2). Grading Policies Essays: You will submit a total of three essays each worth 100 points. Essays should be 2-4 typewritten double spaced pages. Essays should have 1 inch margins (top, bottom, left, and right) and should be in the latest edition of APA style format. It is required that essays include page numbers, cover page and an abstract. 1) Social Work Interest: Worth 100 points You will submit a paper addressing your interest in pursuing social work as a major. What have you heard about this profession? Why is social work of interest to you? What population would you be interested in working with as a social worker? (minimum of 2pages, this does not include the cover page) *Due: February 9, ) Values Paper: Worth 100 points A values paper which explores your values as compared to those espoused by NASW and the Code of Ethics will be submitted. Explain/Demonstrate in your paper what some of your values are, how you live out your values, and where you believe you learned these values. (minimum of 3 pages, this does not include the cover page) *Due: March 10, ) Term Project-Interview social worker in an Agency Assignment (worth 100 pts)) 2

3 Students enrolled in this course will be required to interview a licensed social worker in an agency that reflects your chosen field of practice. Explain to them the purpose of the interview (class assignment and the paper you will write about the interview, etc). (Handout of the interview questions and requirements for the paper will be handed out in class & posted on blackboard)(minimum of 4pgs, this does not include the cover page.) *(Due : April 7, 2016) Dates to remember: Exam 1 (1,2) February 9 Worth 100% Assignment 1-Interest essay February 9 Worth 100% Exam 2 (3,4) February 23 Worth 100% 1 quiz (chpts 1,2,3,4) March 1 Worth 50% Exam 3 (5,6) March 10 Worth 100% Assignment 2-Values essay March 10 Worth 100% Assignment 3-Interview project April 7 Worth 100% and essay Exam 4 (8,9) April 14 Worth 100% 2 nd quiz (chpt 5,6,8,9) April 21 Worth 50% Exam 5 (12 &13) May 3 Worth 100% (Participation)based on discussion board Note: Quiz 1 & 2 will count as a final exam grade. It is required to participate in discussion board Worth 100% 3

4 Calendar of Activities The UTRGV academic calendar can be found at at the bottom of the screen, prior to login. Important dates for Spring 2016 include: January 19 February 3 March April 13 May 5 May 6-12 May 14 Class begins Census day Spring break (no class) Drop/withdrawal deadline last day for students to drop the course and receive a DR grade. After this date, students will be assigned a letter grade for the course that will count on the GPA. Last day to drop a class before it appears on the transcript and counts toward the 6-drop limit. Last day to receive a 100% refund for dropped classes (other policies apply when a student is withdrawing from all classes). Study day (no class) Final exam week Commencement Other Course Information Attendance and class participation: Regular attendance is required and will affect your overall grade. Appropriately prepared and proactive student participation is expected for class discussion. *Important note: Student may not exceed 3 (excused) absences throughout the semester. If student acquired excessive absences he/she will receive a failing grade (F) for the course. It is the student s responsibility to contact the instructor via , with ample time when going to be absent. Participation includes: Participation in discussion board will be part of your participation grade. Discussion boards must be submitted by designated date. Late submissions will not be accepted. Assignments: Students will be required to submit all assignments via blackboard on the selected due date. Blackboard will not allow you to log back into an assignment link once you have clicked the submit button. It is important to keep this in mind, because if any assignment requires multiple attachments, you will need to compile all your attachments as one file before you submit it. It is recommended that if you feel you did not submit your assignment properly via blackboard, you a copy of the assignment to the instructor no later than 30 minutes past the due date. After 30 minutes past the due date the assignment will be considered late. Examination: There will be a minimum of 5 exams and a final (quizzes) on dates announced at least one week in advanced. Exams will be a combination of multiple choice, true and false, and essay. Testing material will be based on textbook readings, lecture notes, speaker s information who come into class. If you have a medical emergency; therefore miss the exam you must provide the instructor with a medical excuse no later than 24 hours after the exam date. Arrangements for make-up exams must be made with 4

5 instructor in a timely manner. The student will be responsible for contacting the instructor via in case of an emergency, providing the reasons why the student is not able to take the test. Make-up exams will not be issued for non-emergencies. *Note: Exams will be issued via blackboard. Please make sure to take the exams under a strong wi-fi connection, as once the exam has been opened, the professor will not be able to reset the exam. Quizzes: Quizzes will be issued on designated dates; therefore attendance will impact your overall grade. There will be a total of 2 quizzes, worth 100 %. Each quiz is worth 30%. Quizzes will be counted toward your final grade. Grading will be based on the following system: Standard: Percent of Semester grade: Exam 1(chpt 1,2,) = 100% Exam 2 (chpt 3,4) = 100% Exam 3 (chpt 5,6) =100 % Exam 4 (chpt 8,9) = 100% Exam 5 (chpt 12 & 13) = 100 % Final Exam (quizzes 1 &2 ) = 100 % Participation (discussion boards) = 100% Interest essay (assignment 1) = 100 % Values essay (assignment 2) = 100 % Interview project essay (assignment 3) = 100 % Admission into the SW Program note: Students who successfully complete this course with a grade of C or above and who are interested in pursuing a social work major must complete an Application for Admission to the Social Work Program. The application form may be obtained from the social work faculty or from the Social Work secretary. Completed applications and related materials requested ( word essay and transcripts) are to be submitted promptly to Sonja Arredondo, BSW Director or Social Work secretary. Completed files are reviewed by the BSW Committee and notice of acceptance (or non-acceptance) is forwarded to students. It is the student s responsibility to make sure that the application file is complete. 5

6 METHODS OF INSTRUCTION Course activities will/may include lecture, discussion, guest speakers, student reports/group presentations, group activities, assignments, video presentations, volunteer work, exams, read assigned articles. COURSE POLICIES AND STRUCTURE Academic Structure: This course is taught using several teaching methodologies, including lectures, class discussions, textbook readings, small group work, guest speakers, video/audio materials, and in-class assignments Students are expected to participate fully in class activities and to demonstrate respect in their interactions with peers in the classroom. Moreover, academic and scholastic dishonesty, including plagiarism, and cheating on any examination is prohibited. Written assignments: Class assignments will be completed on a timely basis. All assignments must be completed and submitted on due dates. Written assignments and semester project will demonstrate good use of computer and technology as evidenced by use of research, internet, and as reflected in wordprocessed work. All written assignments should be typed, double spaced, using a 12 font, and following the APA 5th Edition requirements. Appropriate referencing will be followed for all assignments. Late assignments: Late assignments will not be accepted. In case of an extenuating circumstance or medical emergency the student will be required to provide a written excuse to professor no later than 24 hours after the due date. Student shall not receive a grade higher than a 70 for a late assignment. Arrangements with professor must be initiated by the student in a timely manner. Professor should be contacted immediately via . Assignments will not be accepted after the 1 day of being late or for non-emergencies. *Note: All course assignments, exams, scheduled activities are subject to change if instructor considers a change is needed to enhance the academic learning. COURSE SCHEDULE *Note: Adjustments to calendar/scheduled assignments may be made by professor as necessary (Spring 2016 Schedule). Week 1-2: 1/19 to 1/28 Chapter 1- Social Work: A Helping Profession and Overview of the Course: What is Social? Who are Social Workers? Competency(ies): EPAS Identify as a professional social worker & conduct oneself accordingly. Practice behavior(s): Advocate for client access to social work services, practice personal reflection & self correction to assure continual professional development. The student will demonstrate mastery of the operational behavior for this topic by completing the Social Work Interest essay (first of 3) with a combined score of 70 and a 6

7 score of 70 on Exam 1(Exam 1 covers chapters 1-4). During the final week of the semester a written term paper based on interviewing a licensed social worker in an agency experience will be evaluated for a minimum grade of 70. Week 3: 2/2 2/4 Chapter 2: Social Work: An Evolving Profession Competency(ies): EPAS Respond to context that shape practice Practice behavior(s): Demonstrate professional appreciation of social work as a helping profession and examine social work s status as a profession. The student will demonstrate mastery of the operational behavior for this topic by: being able to know the profession s history and will demonstrate commitment to professional conduct and growth with a minimum score of 70 on Exam I. Week 4: 2/ Chapter 3: Social Work and Social Systems Competency(ies) EPAS Respond to contexts that shape practice. Practice behavior(s): Introduce the social systems and ecological frameworks of social work practice. Describe the person-inenvironment construct and identify human systems as clients of social work. The student will demonstrate knowledge of the social systems and ecological frameworks by constructing their own ecosystem s framework and actively discussing and understanding of their own family s construct. Behavioral measurement of 5% for class participation. Week 5: 2/16-2/18 Chapter 4: Social Services and Delivery System Competency(ies): EPAS Respond to contexts that shape practice. Practice behavior(s): Delineate and describe various social work settings under both public and private auspices, funding sources and types of social work services. The student will demonstrate knowledge of a social service delivery system by completing in writing the agency Classification Chart and identifying the characteristics of agencies, programs, and associations. The variables to be identified include 1) public/private, 2) sectarian/nonsectarian, 3/primary/host, and 4) for profit/nonprofit. Behavior measurement of 5% for class participation and a score of 70 on Exam 1. Week 6: 2/23-3/1 Chapter 5: Values and Ethics in Social Work Competency(ies): EPAS Apply social work ethical principles to guide 7

8 professional practice. Practice behavior(s): Student will be able to apply the principles that guide social work practice and able to differentiate values from ethics, ethical dilemmas, and professional standards. Assessment of Learning: The student will demonstrate knowledge of this topic by submitting the second paper on Social Work Values essay (second of 3) with a combined score of 70 Week 7 & 8: 3/3-3/10 Chapter 6: Social Work and Social Justice Competency(ies): justice. EPAS Advance human rights and social and economic Practice behavior(s): Student will able to analyze the effect of social and economic injustices, including oppression, discrimination, dehumanization, and victimization. The student will demonstrate knowledge of this topic by submitting the final essay on a Social Justice issue (three of 3) with a combined score of 70 overall and a score of 70 on Exam II (chapters 5-9). Week: (Spring break ) Chapter 7: Diversity and Social Work Competency(ies): EPAS Engage diversity and difference in practice Practice behavior(s): Student will be able to relate concepts associated with cultural, racial, and ethnic diversity in a pluralistic society. The student will demonstrate knowledge of this topic by analyzing the various minority group status that a society may negatively use to describe a minority group. Behavioral measurement of a score of 70 on Exam II (chapter 5-9) and a combined score of 70 on the Social Justice Issues essay. Week 9: 3/22-3/29 Chapter 8: Empowerment and Social Work Competency(ies): EPAS Engage, assess, intervene, and evaluate with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Practice behavior(s): Student will be able to apply empowerment processes for social work intervention that focus on client s strengths and competences. The student will demonstrate knowledge of this topic by participating in a class activity and identifying their own strengths, competencies, and resources (5% for class participation). Each student will be asked to analyze the potential of these resources in their own lives. 8

9 Week 10 & week 11: 3/31-4/12 Chapter 9: Social Work Functions and Roles Competency(ies): EAPS Identify as a professional social worker and conduct oneself accordingly. Practice behavior(s): The student will be able to construct a paradigm or conceptual model, for generalist social work practice. The student will demonstrate knowledge of the various social work roles and functions. Behavioral measurement of a score of 70 on Exam II. Week 12 : 4/14-4/26 Chapter 12: Social Work in Health, Rehabilitation and Mental Health Competency(ies): EPAS Engage, assesses, intervene, and evaluate with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities Practice behavior(s): Analyze social work services in various health systems and examine the role of social work in mental health services. The student will demonstrate knowledge of how health is a cornerstone for human well being and quality of life. Behavior measurement of 5% for class participation and a score of 70 on final exam. Week 13: Chapter 13: Social Work With Families and Youths Competency(ies): EPAS Engage, assess, intervene, and evaluate with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Practice behavior(s) Describe the characteristics of the contemporary family variations, including the family systems perspective in social work. The student will be able to analyze and prepare a definition of a family and to identify the variations that might emerge in the traditional family life cycle considering different family forms. 5% for class participation and a score of 70 on final exam. 9

10 Week 14: Chapter 14: Adult and Aging Services Competency(ies): EPAS Engage, assess, intervene, and evaluate with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities. Practice behavior(s): Analyze programs and services for older adults, including the field of gerontological social work. The student will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the various life stages based on Erikson s life cycle leading to old age and anticipated social work services. Behavior measurement of 5% for class participation and a score of 70 on final exam. Week 15: 5/5 (study day-no class) Week 16: 5/6-5/12 Final Examination week SOCW Introduction to the Social Work Profession PB 2 - Practice personal reflection and self-correction to assure continual professional development Assignment title: Social Work Professional Interest Paper Assignment description: Students write a two-part reflection paper examining their interest in becoming social work professionals. After writing about their ideas of how they would help people, they are introduced to the social work principles of self-determination and the strengths perspective. They are then asked to reflect on how they will use these concepts to change or augment their perspectives on the helping process. Rubric: 1. Weak/Unacceptable No personal reflection or awareness of self-correction process to assure professional development 2. Needs development Demonstrates minimal reflection, but no awareness of self-correction process to assure professional development 3. Satisfactory Demonstrates adequate reflection and self-correction process to assure professional development 4. Good Demonstrates extensive reflection and self-correction process to assure professional development 10

11 5. Exceptional/Strong Demonstrates insightful reflection and self-correction process to assure professional development SOCW Introduction to the Social Work Profession (PB s) PB 7 - Recognize and manage personal values in a way that allows professional values to guide practice Assignment title: Personal and Professional Values Assignment description: Students write a values paper in which they compare their personal values related to a population of people who are disfavored in society and the profession s core social work value of the dignity and worth of all individuals. Rubric: 1. Weak/Unacceptable No recognition of the distinction between personal values and professional values and no attempt to allow professional values to guide practice 2. Needs development Demonstrates minimal awareness of personal values and makes minimal attempts to manage personal values in a way that allows professional values to guide practice 3. Satisfactory Demonstrates adequate awareness of personal values and makes adequate attempts to manage personal values in a way that allows professional values to guide practice 4. Good Demonstrates extensive awareness of personal values and effectively manages personal values in a way that allows professional values to guide practice 5. Exceptional/Strong Demonstrates insightful awareness of personal values and insightfully manages personal values in a way that allows professional values to guide practice Bibliography Devore, W. and Schlesinger, E.G. (1996). Ethnic-Sensitive Social Work Practice. Allyn and Bacon. Jacoby, J.E. (1979). Classics of Criminology. Prospect Heights, Illinois: Waveland Katz, M.B. (1989). The Undeserving Poor: From the War on Poverty to the War on Pantheon Books. Massachusetts: Press, Inc. Welfare. New York: Lum, D. (1996). Social Work Practice and People of Color: A Process-Stage Approach. California: Brooks/Cole Publishing Company. Pacific Grove, Rank, M.R. (1994). Living on the Edge: The Realities of Welfare in America. New University Press. 11 York: Columbia

12 Rodgers, H.R. (1996). Poor Women, Poor Children: American Poverty in the 1990 s. M.E. Sharp, Inc. Segal, E. et. al. (2007). An Introduction to the Profession of Social Work: Becoming a Agent. United States: Thomson Brooks/Cole. Shuman, D.W. (2004). Law and Mental Health Professionals: Texas. Washington, Psychological Association. New York: Change D.C.: American Skolnick, A.S. and Skolnick, J.H. (1992). Family in Transition. New York: Inc. HarperCollins Publishers Shulman, L. (1984). The Skills of Helping: Individuals and Groups. Itasca Illinois: F.E. Publishers, Inc. Peacock Licensing Desk Reference. Texas: National Association of Social Workers/Texas. UTRGV Policy Statements University Policy The university policy requires all electronic communication between the University and students be conducted through the official University supplied systems; mainly UTRGV or Blackboard account for all future correspondence with UTRGV faculty and staff. Note: Your professor will be communicating with you via course messages on blackboard. Please make sure to check your (course messages) frequently. STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES: If you have a documented disability (physical, psychological, learning, or other disability which affects your academic performance) and would like to receive academic accommodations, please inform your instructor and contact Student Accessibility Services to schedule an appointment to initiate services. It is recommended that you schedule an appointment with Student Accessibility Services before classes start. However, accommodations can be provided at any time. Brownsville Campus: Student Accessibility Services is located in Cortez Hall Room 129 and can be contacted by phone at (956) (Voice) or via at accessibility@utrgv.edu. Edinburg Campus: Student Accessibility Services is located in

13 University Center and can be contacted by phone at (956) (Voice), (956) (Fax), or via at MANDATORY COURSE EVALUATION PERIOD: Required on all syllabi. Do not modify. Students are required to complete an ONLINE evaluation of this course, accessed through your UTRGV account ( you will be contacted through with further instructions. Online evaluations will be available Nov. 18 Dec. 9, Students who complete their evaluations will have priority access to their grades. ATTENDANCE: Students are expected to attend all scheduled classes and may be dropped from the course for excessive absences (4 unexcused or more). The student is responsible for dropping the course if he/she has exceeded unexcused absences and is at risk of receiving a failing grade. UTRGV s attendance policy excuses students from attending class if they are participating in officially sponsored university activities, such as athletics; for observance of religious holy days; or for military service. Students should contact the instructor in advance of the excused absence and arrange to make up missed work or examinations. SCHOLASTIC INTEGRITY: As members of a community dedicated to Honesty, Integrity and Respect, students are reminded that those who engage in scholastic dishonesty are subject to disciplinary penalties, including the possibility of failure in the course and expulsion from the University. Scholastic dishonesty includes but is not limited to: cheating, plagiarism, and collusion; submission for credit of any work or materials that are attributable in whole or in part to another person; taking an examination for another person; any act designed to give unfair advantage to a student; or the attempt to commit such acts. Since scholastic dishonesty harms the individual, all students and the integrity of the University, policies on scholastic dishonesty will be strictly enforced (Board of Regents Rules and Regulations and UTRGV Academic Integrity Guidelines). All scholastic dishonesty incidents will be reported to the Dean of Students. Note: Exams will be taken via blackboard. Please keep in mind to take the test on an individual basis. It is considered dishonest to take the exam in groups. SEXUAL HARASSMENT, DISCRIMINATION, and VIOLENCE: In accordance with UT System regulations, your instructor is a responsible employee for reporting purposes under Title IX regulations and so must report any instance, occurring during a student s time in college, of sexual assault, stalking, dating violence, domestic violence, or sexual harassment about which she/he becomes aware during this course through writing, discussion, or personal disclosure. More information can be found at including confidential resources available on campus. The faculty and staff of UTRGV actively strive to provide a learning, working, and living environment that promotes personal integrity, civility, and mutual respect in an environment free from sexual misconduct and discrimination. COURSE DROPS: According to UTRGV policy, students may drop any class without penalty earning a grade of DR until the official drop date. Following that date, students must be assigned a letter grade and can no longer drop the class. Students considering dropping the class should be aware of the 3-peat rule and the 6-drop rule so they can recognize how dropped classes may affect their academic success. The 6-drop rule refers to Texas law that dictates that undergraduate students may not drop more than six courses during their 13

14 undergraduate career. Courses dropped at other Texas public higher education institutions will count toward the six-course drop limit. The 3-peat rule refers to additional fees charged to students who take the same class for the third time. Student agreement of understanding sign in sheet Syllabi requirements Intro to Social Work Profession Please read the syllabus requirements. Please feel free to ask any questions or concerns you may have at this time, so that the professor may clarify all concerns. Name: Date: 14

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