BACHELOR OF SOCIAL WORK PROGRAM SOCW 400B ADVANCED SEMINAR IN REFLECTIVE SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE COURSE OUTLINE

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1 BACHELOR OF SOCIAL WORK PROGRAM SOCW 400B ADVANCED SEMINAR IN REFLECTIVE SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE COURSE OUTLINE Section: S16W70 Semester: Spring 2016 Instructor: Dr. Louise Stern, MSW, PhD Online Office Hours: Virtual Office Hours as requested by students Office Phone: , Local Skype: louise.stern3 COURSE DESCRIPTION SOCW 400B Advanced Seminar in Reflective Social Work Practice An analysis of practice theories and insights to promote understanding of reflective practice within a community setting; and develop plans for ongoing learning as social workers. This seminar course is offered in conjunction with SOCW 480. (0:3:0) Prerequisite: SOCW 400A or permission of instructor. Co-requisites: SOCW 480

2 Page 2 COURSE OVERVIEW This seminar course is offered in conjunction with Social Work 480 Practicum (SOCW 480). This course will be a reflective analysis of practice theories and insights to promote understanding of reflective practice within a community setting; and develop plans for ongoing learning as social workers. LEARNING OUTCOMES Upon successful completion of the course participants will be able to: 1. Demonstrate an understanding of community social work theories and practice. 2. Interpret the BCASW and CASW code of ethics and standards of practice. 3. Understand the developmental phases of agency systems and policies. 4. Demonstrate ability to participate in and articulate the helping process. 5. Understand ethical and legal issues in service provision. 6. Understand human diversity in the provision of human services. 7. Understand the professional and personal challenges of working in human services and social work. 8. Understand interpersonal and professional relationships. 9. Demonstrate cultural sensitivity and relativity in the provision of services. 10. Understand how to building community capacity and social capital. LEARNING OBJECTIVES The ability to identify and apply social work theory, knowledge and skills as highlighted in their learning outcomes such as (but not limited to): generalist practice; reflective practice, competence with diversity; social policy and social justice; and professional social work identity. Critically assess social work practice experiences through peer review, constructive feedback and consultation within their practicum setting. Actively and reflectively participate in discussions in the seminar in relation to professional issues, practice situations and ethical considerations. Examine and critically reflect upon, and discuss the applications of theory in practice as well as the appropriateness and suitability of various practice methods.

3 Page 3 Students will participate collectively and collaboratively in furthering their learning and promoting professional development. REQUIRED TEXTS There is no required textbook for this course. Readings will be provided to students by the instructor and will be posted on the VIULEARN site. Students are expected to build on all previous social work course readings and to seek out current academic literature relevant to their practicum settings and learning objectives. CLASS FORMAT AND ASSIGNMENTS An interactive approach will be used in this course. Students will have the opportunity to post in discussion forums and provide feedback to each other on course readings and other topics. As online discussions and course assignments are based on the weekly required readings, it is important to complete your reading assignments. Quality of written English must be appropriate for academic work. If you need assistance and are nearby any campus of Vancouver Island University you can contact student supports here: It is recommended that you keep an academic journal of the insights you have gained through readings and online discussion activities. You can reflect on the learning accomplished using your journal to strengthen the quality of work you submit in graded assignments. SOCIAL WORK CODE OF ETHICS Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Social Work program at Vancouver Island University are expected to comply with the social work Code of Ethics within the jurisdiction in which they are residing. In Canada, students are expected to have read and comply with the Canadian Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics located here: Non-compliance with the Code of Ethics can result in discontinuation from the Bachelor of Social Work program.

4 Page 4 PARTICIPATION Active participation where forums and discussion groups are either optional or required is encouraged to assist with the learning of course material and (where required) facilitate course completion. Students are required to contact the instructor in advance if they are unable to attend classes and are required to make-up work missed. A participation mark will be assigned to students in this course. METHOD OF STUDENT EVALUATION: Assignments in this class will address the learning objectives using a variety of different formats. 1. PROFESSIONALISM AND CLASS PARTICIPATION 25% Students will be evaluated on their participation in both SOCW 400B (seminars, discussions) and their professionalism in SOCW 480 (meetings, communication, assignments). A rubric on the VIULEARN site is available for students that illustrates the breakdown of marks. 2. STUDENT-LED SEMINAR (Weeks 6-11) 20% Students will participate in weekly seminars that focus on practice issues relevant to their practicum experiences. Each student will be responsible for facilitating and leading a seminar based on a topic of interest and reflection. They will provide an academic article relevant to their chosen topic and lead a seminar discussion of the topic on Blackboard Collaborate that is interactive, creative and engaging. 3. ANALYSIS OF PRACTICE 25% Students will critically analyze and reflect on a specific case drawn from their practicum experiences. The content of the case analysis will address social work skills and knowledge (assessments, interventions, evaluations), the use and application of theory, ethical dilemmas and challenges, structural and systemic barriers, social location, and oppression and power dynamics. 4. PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE FRAMEWORK 30% Students will compile a practice framework for future practice in which they draw on their cumulative learning throughout their BSW. This practice framework can be presented in either

5 Page 5 written format or using numerous creative techniques and applications. The focus on this assignment will be on identifying personal and professional values and experiences; past course learning and application; use and application of theories, approaches and frameworks; challenges and triumphs; and future learning goals and objectives. Students are expected to review the following policy with respect to grade appeals: HANDLING OF STUDENT WORK 1. Students are responsible for retaining a copy of all submitted work and for submitting all assignments by their due date. See late assignments/exams. 2. All assignments to be submitted to the instructor on VIULearn. 3. Every effort will be made to return assignments to students within two weeks. 4. Students can the instructor to review and discuss their exams, assignments or course grade. 5. Unclaimed assignments will be kept for one month after the grade submission deadline. 6. Final grades will be posted for each student to view in their VIU online student account. LATE SUBMISSION OF ASSIGNMENTS/MISSED EXAMS: CONSEQUENCES All assignments are to be submitted by the due date and all tests are to be written on the date specified. If extenuating circumstances arise such as illness or emergency and assignment submission by the due date will not be possible, or completion of tests not possible on the scheduled date, please discuss this with the instructor prior to the date the assignment is due. Penalties for Late Submission of Assignments: 1. Up to and including three calendar days past deadline, deduct ½ letter grade (e.g., B to B-). Four to seven calendar days past deadline, deduct one full letter grade (e.g. B to C+). 2. Any assignment more than seven calendar days late may not be accepted. If accepted, the late penalty will be determined by the instructor. Missed Exams Make up exams or assignments are at the discretion of the instructor.

6 Page 6 GENERAL REGULATIONS AND STUDENT CONDUCT Students are expected to review and adhere to the General Regulations and Student Conduct Code (Policy 32.05): Students are expected to review and adhere to the Faculty of Health and Human Services Policies and Procedures listed here: It is an expectation that students will have read the BSW Student Handbook in its entirety and understand its contents. The student handbook can be located here: Academic Integrity Academic integrity is expected of all students. Please read through the Student Academic Code of Conduct policy ( to ensure that you are aware of VIU s expectations. Violations of the academic code of conduct will be taken seriously and acted upon according to this policy. STUDENT SUPPORTS 1. Vancouver Island University Calendar: 2. VIU Learning Matters: 3. VIU Writing Center: 4. Student Affairs Department: 5. Vancouver Island University student information: 6. Online APA style referencing sites provided under the APA style referencing link located here: APA Style Referencing Helpful Websites 7. Online access to Instructor through BSW GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS 1 Students must have completed at least 120 university-level credits and have completed all the required core and elective courses to be eligible for the Bachelor of Social Work degree.

7 Page 7 2 A minimum "C+" average on all required courses with no grade lower than "C". 3 It is the student's responsibility to ensure that all requirements for the degree are met. Students are encouraged to consult the social work program Advisor for information and guidance.

8 Page 8 Grades will be assigned according to the Vancouver Island University GRADE SCALE. GRADE SCALE TABLE Grade Percent Grade Point Description age (%) Value A A Excellent A B B Good B C C Satisfactory C D Poor F Failing work Unsatisfactory performance or failure to meet course requirements. CR N/A 0.00 Course passed Requirements completed, but not calculated in GPA. INC N/A 0.00 Incomplete If course requirements are not completed after 90 days from the course end date, the INC grade will automatically become an F grade. CS N/A 0.00 Continuing Status In good standing. Course is delivered over 2 terms, separated by a break. Final mark to be issued at end of 2nd term. AUD N/A 0.00 Audit INP N/A 0.00 In Progress In good standing. Student must re-enroll within one year. NGS N/A 0.00 No Grade Submitted yet; neither Pass nor Fail.