Social Work 280 Introduction to Social Work. Ramold Center Room # 122. Spring Course Description

Transcription

1 Social Work 280 Introduction to Social Work Ramold Center Room # 111 Spring 2015 Susan Howard, MSW, CSW Ramold Center Room # 122 Office: 270/ susan.howard@brescia.edu Office Hours: MW 9am - Noon TTH Noon 2pm and by appointment Course Description In this course, the student will be introduced to social work as a profession, to the history of social work, to the basic concepts of social welfare and social welfare policy, to the many settings in which social workers practice, and to the problem areas addressed by generalist social work practitioners. The student will be asked to identify, understand and discuss liberal, conservative, and radical approaches to the delivery of welfare services. The student will also be asked to develop a beginning understanding of diversity and discrimination within the welfare system. The student will be introduced to the practice roles of the generalist social worker, the tasks the beginning social work professional will be asked to perform, and the skills necessary to accomplish these tasks. Generalist Practice The faculty of the Brescia University Social Work Program is committed to the provision of an educational experience that will train professional baccalaureate level social workers in generalist practice. Generalist practice is grounded in the liberal arts and the person and environment construct. To promote human and social well-being, generalist practitioners use a range of prevention and intervention methods in their practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities. The generalist practitioner identifies with the social work profession and applies ethical principles and critical thinking in practice. Generalist practitioners incorporate diversity in their practice and advocate for human rights and social and economic justice. They recognize, support and build on the strengths and resiliency of all human beings. They engage in research-informed practice and are proactive in responding to the impact of context on professional practice. BSW practice incorporates all of the core competencies outlined by the CSWE EPAS

2 Within the context of a strong liberal arts foundation, the Social Work Program attempts to prepare the beginning professional social worker to provide generalist practice services in existing service delivery systems. Liberal Arts Perspective This course is linked to the student s liberal arts background in many ways. Through this course, students will be introduced to the knowledge, skills and values of the social work profession. The student will become aware of the impact of the physical and social environment upon individuals, groups and communities. Students will identify core issues in society that promote social injustice and review appropriate solutions. Both individual and global welfare are explored. Values and Ethics Students are introduced to the NASW Code of Ethics in this course. Personal values are compared to the Code of Ethics in a group exercise and a values paper. Values and ethics of the profession are discussed in practice settings such as child welfare, the school, health care and corrections. Values and ethics are also reviewed in services to the elderly, persons with disabilities and to the chemically dependent. Diversity This course introduces the student to diversity in many forms such as race/ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, physical and mental disability and age. Students are encouraged to respectfully express their views in this introductory course and begin to tolerate differences among people and groups. Populations at Risk/Social and Economic Justice During this course, students become aware of many populations at risk and social/economic justice. An entire chapter is devoted to the subject, as well as information in the chapters relating to practice settings. A great deal of time is spent discussing poverty, welfare reform and discrimination. Students are introduced to the professional role of advocate and discuss ideas for social change. 2

3 Course Objectives Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to: 1. Recognize and manage personal values in a way that allows professional values to guide practice. EP2.1.2a. (Brescia Educational Outcomes: Thinking, Personal Welfare, Religion and Philosophy) 2. Make ethical decisions by applying standards of the NASW Code of Ethics. EP2.1.2b. (Brescia Educational Outcomes: Thinking, Communication) 3. Distinguish, appraise, and integrate multiple sources of knowledge, including research-based knowledge and practice wisdom. EP2.1.3a (Brescia Educational Outcomes: Thinking, Research, Communication, Creativity) 4. Gain sufficient self-awareness to eliminate the influence of personal biases and values in working with diverse groups. EP2.1.4b. (Brescia Educational Outcomes: Culture and Communication, Global, Human and Personal Welfare, Science and Human Behavior) Required Text Suppes, M. & Wells, C. (2013) The Social Work Experience, 6th edition. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson. Method of Instruction Information is presented in a variety of formats. There is lecture and discussion of information as well as small group exercises. Films and videos supplement the lecture as well as occasional guest speakers. Students have an assignment off-campus and at least one field trip. Values Clarification Paper Course Requirements The student will examine one s values and beliefs via the writing a values clarification paper. Students are asked to: Compare their own personal values and beliefs to the core social work values listed in the NASW Code of Ethics. Students may choose a single value or multiple values of the social work profession for the paper. Students are asked to identify the value(s) used for comparison and give detailed examples/descriptions from their own experiences. Refer to the rubric at the end of the syllabus for this assignment. 3

4 Minimum length: Four typed pages, 12 point font, using 1 inch margins. Related objectives: EP2.1.2a; 2.1.2b; 2.1.4b Due date: February 19th The student must complete this assignment to pass the course. Research Outline The student will be required to research an assigned topic and write a full sentence outline. Go to for an example of a full sentence outline. Once the topic is assigned, the student must find one book two inter-net sources three professional journal articles that relate to the topic. refer to the rubric at the end of the syllabus The student will submit a full sentence outline of the proposed research paper as well as a reference page in APA style. Go to for information on APA style of referencing. The paper must be typed in Times New Roman 12 point font, double-spaced and use 1 inch margins. Potential topics may include: ractice in Corrections th Care Services Related objectives: EP2.1.3a assignment to pass the course. Due: March 26 th. The student must complete this 4

5 Writing Assignment Students will be asked to write a paper relating to a local social service agency. Students will have the opportunity to learn about the agency through a class field trip or a guest speaker in Social Work. More details will be given in class. The assignment will be uploaded to the Moodle course platform. Due: TBA Film Assignment Students will watch a film in class and write a paper related to concepts in Social Work. Students will improve skills in writing, analyzing concepts and critical thinking. The assignment will be uploaded to the Moodle course platform. Due: TBA Exams There will be two exams in the class at midterm and during finals week. The exams will be a combination of objective and subjective questioning. The final exam is not comprehensive. Students must take all exams to pass the course. Make up exams will only be given under extreme circumstances. Exams will be taken in the classroom. Quizzes There will be a total of 6 quizzes given during the course of the semester. Students must be prepared by reading course material prior to class. The quizzes will be taken through the Moodle course platform. Quizzes are worth 20 points each. Grading There are eight grade components to this class, each carrying a percentage of the final grade. The seven components are as follows: 1) Values Clarification Paper 40pts Grading Scale: 2) Agency Writing Assignment 40 pts 3) Midterm Exam 100 pts = A 4) Final Exam 100 pts = B 5) Film Assignment 30 pts = C 6) Research Assignment 40 pts = D 7) Quizzes (20 pts each x 6) 120pts below 60 = F 8) Attendance and Participation 30 pts Total= 500pts 5

6 *Late assignments will be lowered at least one letter grade. Late assignments will not be accepted one week after the initial due date. Academic Dishonesty Incidents of Academic dishonesty such as cheating and plagiarism will not be tolerated. Please refer to the Student Handbook for the policy. Violations of this policy will result in the student receiving a zero grade on the test/assignment and/or failing the course. Sexual Assault Sexual assault of college students, especially female students, is a significant problem. Studies of campus sexual assault indicate that many assaults and attempted assaults are never reported. If you experience sexual assault, I encourage you to report it. If you would happen to share this with me, or if I become aware of it, I want to make sure you know about my legal reporting requirements. In all instances and to the extent possible, the University will protect the privacy of all parties. That said, under federal law, campus officials, including faculty (with some exceptions) who receive a report of sexual assault, whether from the student involved or a third party, must share that information with the appropriate University authorities for investigation and follow-up. This applies to both on-campus and online students. The University is obligated under the law to investigate the complaint and take appropriate actions to eliminate sexual harassment and sexual assault, prevent its recurrence, and address its effects. The University is obligated to conduct this investigation regardless of the complainant s request regarding confidentiality of the process. Therefore, please know that by law, this is not information that I can keep confidential. Accommodations Any student who feels s/he may need an accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact the instructor privately to discuss specific needs. Please contact Student Support Services in the Administration Building 270/ to coordinate reasonable accommodations for students with documented disabilities. Conduct Students are expected to conduct themselves in a responsible manner by showing courtesy and respect for faculty members and fellow students. Students should not have personal conversations during the instruction period. Students should be respectful of others ideas/opinions and not interrupt another s answers. Students should minimize disruptions such as arriving late, leaving early and taking bathroom breaks during the class period. Students having 6

7 inappropriate conduct will be asked to leave the class. NOTE: The use of cell phones and other electronic devices is prohibited in the classroom. If the devices are brought to the classroom, they must be kept on silent and kept out of sight in a back pack, pocket or purse. Earbuds cannot be worn in the classroom. Attendance Class participation and attendance are critical to success in this class. The student must be both physically and mentally present in the classroom. The student is expected not only to attend, but to be alert and participate in meaningful class discussions. The student is encouraged to bring information from outside sources to class for sharing with others. Students missing 20% or more of the scheduled class meetings may be dropped one letter grade or be denied credit for the course unless there are extenuating circumstances. (See Student Handbook for Attendance Policy) Attendance and participation will be reflected in the final grade. Course Outline Week Content Assignments Objectives Week 1 Introduction Chapter 1 Chapter 1:The Social Work Profession Week 2 Professional Social Workers--- generalist practice Social Work Professional Roles The Baccalaureate Social Work Curriculum Employment Opportunities Legal Regulation of the Profession Professional Social Work Organizations Social Work Values and Ethics Chapter 1 (Code of Professional Social Work Organizations Ethics) NASW Code of Ethics (available online) -Diversity -Promotion of Social and Economic Justice -Populations at Risk Ethical Dilemmas and Values Conflict In class exercise 7

8 Week 3 Week 4 Chapter 2: Theoretical Perspectives for Social Workers Chapter 2 Social Work and Systems Theory The Ecosystems Perspective The Generalist Approach Levels of intervention The intervention process Strengths perspectives The Political Spectrum and Social Welfare Policy In class exercise Internet quiz Chapter 3: Social Justice, Poverty and Populations at Risk Chapter 3 Poverty and Social Justice Populations at Risk---women, children, older adults, racial and ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, gay and lesbian persons. Forms of Discrimination in the U.S. Week 5 Chapter 4: Social Welfare Policy Chapter 4 *Social Welfare Policy and Social Justice Social Justice in the Old World Poor Relief in the U.S. Social Welfare in the U.S. in the 20 th century Social Welfare Policy in the 21 st century Contemporary Social Justice Issues in the U.S. Justice and Human Rights: An International Perspective Week 6 Chapter 5: Family and Children s Services Chapter 5 8

9 Historical Perspectives: The Child Welfare Movement and Protective Ser. Continuum of Care---the least restrictive environment Client Self-determination and Professional Decision Making Populations at Risk Diverse Family Structures---cultural competence Family Policy, Domestic and International Research Chapter 6: Social Work in Mental Health Chapter 6 Historical Perspectives---Dorothea Dix Knowledge, Skills and Values for Mental Health Work Generalist Practice with Groups and Communities Dealing with Psychological Trauma Practice with Diverse Populations---The Cherokee Experience Week 7 Midterm Exam Chapters 1-6 Chapter 7: Social Work in Health Care Chapter 7 Origins of Health Care Social Work Applying Generalist Practice Theory to Health Care Liberal Arts Values and Ethics Community and Populations at Risk Health Care Settings Rural Health Care Social Justice and Health: Global Issues 9

10 EP2.1.2a, EP2.1.2b, EP2.1.4b Values Clarification Paper Paper Week 8 Week 9 Week 10 Social Policy: Politics and Economics in Health Care Chapter 7 Medicare Medicaid Health Care Financing/Reform Human Trafficking Film Spring Break March 9 th -13th Chapter 8: Social Work in the Schools Chapter 8 History of Social Work in the Schools Social Work Roles in the School Setting Cultural Diversity in Schools Involvement in Special Education Social Work Values in the School Setting Special Issues---teen pregnancy, school violence, drop-out rates Week 11 Chapter 9: Substance Abuse Services Chapter 9 The Profession s History in the Substance Abuse Field---An Early Leader: Mary Richmond Roles for Social Workers Prevention and Treatment At-Risk Populations---Women and Children, Youths, Native Americans, Hispanic Americans, African Americans, 10

11 Gay Men and Lesbians and Persons with Disabilities Substance Abuse: A Cross-National Perspective U.S. Social Welfare Policy related to Substance Abuse Week 12 Chapter 10: Social Work with Older Adults Chapter 10 History of Social Work with Older Adults Values Exercise: Am I Someone Who???? Social Work Roles and Services to Older Adults Special Issue---Alzheimer s Disease Handouts Week 13 Week 14 Research Assignment Paper 2.1.3a Chapter 10: Older Adults and Their Families (continues) Chapter 10 Social Policy and Aging in the U.S. Older Americans Act Prolonging Independence Long-term Care End of Life Issues---Death & Dying, Spirituality Chapter 11: Criminal Justice Chapter 11 History of Social Work in Criminal Justice Components of the Criminal Justice System Values Dilemmas for Social Workers Social Welfare Policy in Criminal Justice: The Prison Population The Death Penalty 11

12 Juvenile Justice Policies Populations at Risk Week 15 Week 16 Chapter 12: Developmental Disabilities and Social Work Chapter 12 Services for People with Disabilities: A Brief History SW Values and Ethics Social Justice and Social Work Roles with Persons Who Have Disabilities Types of Developmental Disabilities Human Diversity and Populations at Risk The Disability Rights Movement Social Policies: The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 & The Civil Rights Act of Final Exam Week---May 4 th -7th 12

13 SW280 Values Clarification 40 points GRADING RUBRIC Failing Poor Average Above Excellent average Heading % (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) total Compares personal values to NASW Code of Ethics to eliminate the influence of personal bias EP2.1.4b 30 Fails to compare personal values to the NASW Code of Ethics. Minimally addresses personal values and the NASW Code of Ethics. Identifies social work values in the NASW Code of Ethics and compares personal values. Articulates values in NASW Code of Ethics and uses life experiences to draw comparisons. Clearly articulates values in NASW Code of Ethics, uses life experiences in comparison, recognizing own personal biases. Recognizes personal values guide professional practice EP2.1.2a Applied the NASW Code of Ethics in ethical decision making EP2.1.2b Correct use of grammar, sentence structure, spelling and punctuation 30 Does not make connections between social work values and professional practice. 30 Does not use the NASW Code of Ethics in decision making. 10 Many mechanical errors in paper are distracting with no structured flow of ideas. Makes minimal connection between social work values and professional practice. Minimally discusses the NASW Code of Ethics in relation to ethical decision making. Mechanical errors present that hinder the connection of ideas. Recognizes that personal values guide professional practice. Identifies the importance of NASW Code of Ethics in ethical decision making. Mechanical or structural errors are a distraction, but do not confuse overall understanding. Articulates understanding that values conflicts can impede the social workerclient relationship. Applies at least one social work value in the NASW Code of Ethics in decision making process. Contains a few minor errors that do not affect understanding of paper. Clearly articulates a thorough understanding of personal values guiding professional practice and gives examples. Applies various values/ethical principles in the NASW Code of Ethics in decision making process. Almost entirely free of mechanical errors. 13

14 SW280 Research Assignment GRADING RUBRIC 40 points Failing Poor Average Above average Excellent Heading % (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) total Structure of Outline Integrates multiple sources of knowledge including research based knowledge EP2.1.3a Use of APA Guidelines 30 Did not submit adequate outline of topic 30 Did not submit required resources 30 Did not submit resource page Minimally addressed topic in the outline Used less than the required number of resources Submitted resource page not in APA style Addresses core issues of topic assigned Met the number of required resources APA style was used, but with some errors Addressed core issues of topic assigned and gave examples Exceeded required number of resources APA style was used with minimal errors Extensive review of topic assigned with in-depth explanations Provided extensive resource list to address the assigned topic References submitted in APA style and error free. Correct use of grammar, sentence structure, spelling and punctuation 10 Many mechanical errors in paper are distracting with no structured flow of ideas. Mechanical errors present that hinder the connection of ideas. Mechanical or structural errors are a distraction, but do not confuse overall understanding Contains a few minor errors that do not affect understanding of paper. Almost entirely free of mechanical errors. 14