ADELPHI UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK DOCTORAL PROGRAM

Course Description ADELPHI UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK DOCTORAL PROGRAM Social Work Practice with Groups: Theory & Research (848-01) Fall 2007 Dr. Carol S Cohen 516/877-4427 cohen5@adelphi.edu This course teaches students to learn to think critically about this arena of practice so as to expand their ability to think of researchable questions related to social work groups. It presents a survey of major critical group work theories underlying approaches and models in an historical context in order to broaden and deepen the student s connection with the empirical and theoretical base of social work with groups. The knowledge base on social group dynamics, leadership, evaluation and assessment in social work groups is garnered from valid and reliable research studies in this area. In addition, the course promotes the ability to conduct research on social group work in relation to populations-at-risk, cultural competence and international perspectives. Learning Objectives This course is designed for students to: Increase knowledge of the history and evolution of social work practice with groups Develop ability to critically review and compare different models and approaches for working with social work groups Assess empirical evidence about the effectiveness of a range of group interventions, with particular attention to populations-at-risk, cultural competence, international perspectives, group dynamics, group development and leadership Learn to evaluate and assess groups through varying research strategies Required Text and Resources Garvin, C., Galinsky, M.J.,& Gutierrez, L.M. (Eds.). (2004). Handbook of social work with groups. New York: Guilford Press. (Note: The paperback edition is available on amazon.com and from other dealers, at a cost of approx. $35.00.) Required and recommended books, numerous articles, a bibliography, and other materials are available on reserve in Swirbul Library, on e-reserve, and/or on the Blackboard site for this course. SW 848 Fall 2007 1

Recommended Books Relevant chapters can be found in the following texts and others, providing resources to supplement group work research, analysis of practice models and approaches, and discussions of specialized groups: Alissi, S.A. (Ed.). (1980). Perspectives on social group work practice: A book of readings New York: The Free Press Bion, W.R. (1961). Experiences in groups and other papers. New York: Brunner-Routledge Brandler, S. & Roman, C. P. (1999). Group work: Skills and strategies for effective interventions. New York: Haworth Press. Gitterman,A., & Shulman, L. (Eds.).(2006). Mutual aid groups: Vulnerable and resilient populations and the life cycle (3rd ed.), New York: Columbia University Press. Greif, G. L., & Ephross, P.H. (1997). Group work with populations at risk. New York: Oxford University Press. (group work with special populations) Harold, I., Kaplan, B.J., & Saddock, J. (Eds.) (1993). Comprehensive group psychotherapy (3rd ed.). Baltimore, MD: Williams & Wilkins. Hartford, M.E. (2002). Groups in social work: Application of small group theory and research to social work practice. New York: Columbia University Press. Kurland, R. & Salmon, R. (1998). Teaching a methods course in social work with groups. Alexandria, VA: Council on Social Work Education. Kurland, R., & Salmon, R. (Eds.). (1995). Group work practice in a troubled society. New York: Haworth Press. Malekoff, A. (2004). Group work with adolescents: Principles and practice. (2nd ed.) New York: The Guilford Press. Middleman, R. R., & Wood, G.G. (1990). Skills for direct practice in social work. New York: Columbia University Press. Northern, H., & Kurland, R. (2001) Social work with groups. New York: Columbia U. Press Olmstead, M.S. (1959) The small group. New York: Random House Ormont, L.R. (1992). The group therapy experience: From theory to practice. New York: St. Martins Press. Reid, K.E. (1997). Social work practice with groups: A clinical perspective. Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks/Cole Publishing Shaffer, J.B.P., & Galinsky, M.D. (1989). Models of group therapy (2nd ed.) Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall. Toseland, R.W.,& Rivas, R.F. (2005) An introduction to group work practice. Boston: Allyn & Bacon. Wayne, J. & Cohen, C.S. (2001). Group work education in the field. Alexandria, VA: Council on Social Work Education. Yalom, I.D. (1995). The theory and practice of group psychotherapy. New York: Basic Books. Zastrow, C. (2001). Social work with groups (5th ed.). Chicago: Nelson-Hall. Group Work Journals Groupwork Small Group Research International Journal of Group Psychotherapy Social Work with Groups SW 848 Fall 2007 2

Expectations of students This course employs a seminar format. Students will Attend all classes and arrive and leave on schedule. Complete all reading, written and oral assignments in a scholarly manner Take an active role in class discussions and presentations Please Note that Class WILL NOT Meet Monday, October 29, 2007 Any other schedule adjustments will be announced in class. Assignments/Evaluation criteria Final grade will be calculated as follows: Presentation of research on a model of social group work 20% (Description in Session 9) ` Presentations will take place during Sessions 9-11 Final paper 70% (A scholarly paper; topic developed in consultation with the instructor) Abstract/Proposal for Final Paper due by Session 6 Final Paper Due by Session 15 Participation 10% Grading equivalence: A=93 and above; A-= 90-92; B+= 87-89; B=83-86; B-= 80-82; C+ = 77-79; C=73-76; C-=70-72; F=below 70. Plagiarism Plagiarism occurs when one does not give credit to another author's or authors' ideas. It includes lifting sentences and/or paragraphs from a book, journal article, printed report, or the Internet, using someone else's papers and failing to acknowledge the ideas of another person, which are paraphrased. It is a serious offense and the penalty can range from failure for the assignment, or course, to dismissal from the program. See Doctoral Student Handbook, Appendix E. Course Plan SESSION 1 AND 2: Overview of course and summary review of group fundamentals Historical roots and evolution of social work practice in groups, theories & models and approaches Comparison with individual, family, organization and community theories and models of practice and models Ethics and values in group work Preparation for student presentations on group theories, models and approaches Required reading AASWG. AASWG Standards for Social Work Practice with Groups. Association for the Advancement of Social Work Practice with Groups, Inc., An International Professional Organization. Available at: www.aaswg.org. 8/8/06. Gitterman, A., & Shulman, L. (Eds.)(2006). Mutual aid groups: Vulnerable and resilient populations and the life cycle (3rd ed.), New York: Columbia University Press. (Chapter 22, Contemporary Group Work Practice, Panda). Gumpert, J. & Black, P.N. (2006). Ethical issues in group work: What are they? How are they SW 848 Fall 2007 3

managed? Social Work with Groups, 29 (4). 61-74. Northern, H. (2004). Ethics and values in group work. In C. Garvin, M. J. Galinsky, & L. M. Gutierrez (Eds.).Handbook of social work with groups (pp.76-90). NY: Guilford Press. Papell, C., & Rothman, B. (1966) Social group work models: Possession and heritage. Journal of Education for Social Work, 2, 2, 66-77 Schwartz, W. (2005). (Originally published in 1983). The group work tradition and social work practice. Social Work with Groups, 28 (3/4), 69-89. Recommended reading: Bernstien, S., Coyle G.L., Hendry, C.E. & Kaiser, C.A. (1940). Group work roots and branches. New York: Social Work Today. Kurland, R. (2007). Debunking the blood theory of social work with groups: Group workers are made and not born. Social Work with Groups. 30 (1). 11-24. Newmann, E.W. (2000). Pearls in the muck. Social Work with Groups, 23 (3). 19-36. Reid, K.E. (1997). Social work practice with groups: A clinical perspective. Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks/Cole Publishing, pp. 19-37 (Chapter 2. A historical context). Wayne, J. & Cohen, C.S. (2001). Group work education in the field. Alexandria, VA: Council on Social Work Education. (Chapter 2, The special value of social group work: Implications for intervention). SESSIONS 3 & 4: Group Dynamics Overview of universal dynamics of group work Decision making Outcome achievement Cohesion Roles Stages Leadership and membership Required reading Bargal, D. (2004). Groups for reducing intergroup conflict. In C. Garvin., M. J. Galinsky, & L. M. Gutierrez (Eds.), Handbook of social work with groups (pp. 292-306). New York: Guilford Press. Berman-Rossi, Toby (1993). The tasks and skills of the social worker across stages of group development. Social Work with Groups, 16C (1/2), 69-82. Birnbaum, M.L. Mason, S.E. & Cicchetti. A. (2002). Impact of purposeful sessional endings on both the group and the practitioner. Social Work with Groups. 25 (4). 3-19. Garland, J., Jones, H., & Kolodny, R. (1973). A model for stages of development in social work groups. In: S. Bernstein (Ed.), Explorations in group work (pp.17-71). Boston: Milford House. Kacen, L., & Rozovski, U. (1998). Assessing group processes: A comparison among group participants, direct observers, and indirect observers assessment. Small Group Research, 29, 2, 179-89. Leitz, C.A. (2007). Strengths-based group practice: Three case studies. Social Work with Groups, 30 (2). 73-87. Schiller, L. (1995). Stages of development in women's groups: a relational model. In R. Kurland & R. Salmon (Eds.), Group work practice in a troubled society, (pp. 117-138). New York: Haworth Press. SW 848 Fall 2007 4

Toseland, R.W., Jones, L.V., & Gelles, Z.D. (2004). Group dynamics. In C. Garvin, M. J. Galinsky, & L. M. Gutierrez (Eds.). Handbook of social work with groups (pp.13-31). New York: Guilford Press. Recommended reading Gitterman,A., & Shulman, L. (Eds.). (2006). Mutual aid groups: Vulnerable and resilient populations and the life cycle (3 rd ed.), New York: Columbia University Press. (Chapter 2, Group work method, Shulman). Hartford, M.E. (2002). Groups in social work: Application of small group theory and research to social work practice. New York: Columbia University Press. Letendre, J. (2007). Take your time and give it more: Supports and constraints to success in curricular school-based groups. Social Work with Groups. 30 (3). 65-84. Malekoff, A. (2007). A felexible organizing framework for group work with adolescents. Social Work with Groups. 30 (3). 85-102. Northen, H. & Kurland, R. (2001). Group development. In Social Work with Groups (3rd ed.) (pp. 44-54). New York: Columbia University Press. SESSION 5, 6 & 7: Research, assessment and evaluation of groups Identifying and studying group processes Individual member goals and objectives Group purpose and outcome achievement Research strategies and methods Required reading: Adams, J. (2004). Participant focused questionnaires. Group Work, 14, 3. 11-17. Brown, A., Arndt, R., & Kellerhagen, A. (2004). Very good solutions really do exist for group work research design problems. In C. Garvin, M. J. Galinsky, & L. M. Gutierrez (Eds.), Handbook of social work with groups (pp. 435-446). New York: Guilford Press. Clemans, S.E. (2004). Recognizing vicarious traumatization: A single session group model for trauma workers. Social Work with Groups, 27 (2/3). 55-74. Doel, M. & Sawdon, C. (1999). The essential groupworker. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers, Ltd. (Chapter 12, Recording and Evaluating Groupwork). Gant, L.M. (2004). Evaluation of group work. In C. Garvin, M. J. Galinsky, & L. M. Gutierrez (Eds.). Handbook of social work with groups. New York: Guilford Press. Gilroy, C., & Johnson, P. (2004). Listening to the language of children s grief. Groupwork, 14, 3, 91-111. Israms, R. (2004). Measurement issues. In C. Garvin, M. J. Galinsky, & L. M. Gutierrez (Eds.), Handbook of social work with groups (pp. 447-460). New York: Guilford Press. Macgowan, M.J. (2003). Increasing engagement in groups: A measurement based approach. Social Work with Groups, 26, 1, 5-28. Mason, S. & Vasquez, D. (2007). Making positive changes: A psycoeducatinal group for parents with HIV/AIDS. Social Work with Groups. 30(2). 27-40. Preston-Shoot, M. (2004). Evidence: The final frontier? Star Trek, groupwork and the mission of change. Groupwork 14, 3. 18-43. Schulz, A., Israeli, B., & Lantz, P. (2004). Assessing and strengthening characteristics of effective groups in community based participatory research partnerships. In C. Garvin, M. J. Galinsky, & L. M. Gutierrez (Eds.), Handbook of social work with groups (pp. 309-326). New York: Guilford Press SW 848 Fall 2007 5

Tropman, J. E. (2004). An ecological systems perspective. In C. Garvin, M. J. Galinsky, & L. M. Gutierrez (Eds.). Handbook of social work with groups (pp. 32-44). New York: Guilford Press. Wayne, J., & Cohen, C.S. (2001). Group work education in the field. Alexandria, VA: Council on Social Work Education. (Chapter 8, Evaluation and students social work practice with groups). Recommended reading Burlingame, G., Fuhriman, A., & Mosier, J. (2003). The differential effectiveness of group psychotherapy: A meta-analytic perspective. Group Dynamics, 7,1-12. Northern, H., & Kurland, R. (2001) Social work with groups. New York: Columbia University Press, pp. 435-448 (Chapter 16. Evaluation). Olmstead, M.S. (1959). The small group. New York: Random House Page, A., & Hooke, G. R. (2003). Outcomes for depressed and anxious inpatients discharged before or after group cognitive behavior therapy: A naturalistic comparison. The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease, 191, 10, 653-659. Pritchard, D. (2004). Critical incident stress and secondary trauma: An analysis of group process. Groupwork, 14, 3. 44-62. Toseland, R.W., & Rivas, R. F. (2005) An introduction to group work practice. Boston: Allyn & Bacon, (Chapters 8 & 13). Yates, J. (2004). Evidence, effectiveness and groupwork developments in youth justice. Groupwork, 14, 3, 112-132. SESSION 8: Organizational and environmental considerations in social work with groups Impact of organizational culture on group formation Collaborative approaches Environments for group work practice Evaluation of environmental context Required Reading: Cohen, C.S., Phillips, M.H. & Chierchio, M. (2001). How are we doing? Agency/university collaboration for outcome assessment. Advances in Social Work Practice. 2, 1, 12-25. Cohen, C. S. (1995). Making it happen: From great idea to successful support group program. Social Work with Groups. 18,1, 67-80. Also published as a Book Chapter in: M..J. Galinsky & J.H. Schopler (Eds.). (1995). Support Groups: Current Perspectives on Theory and Practice. Binghamton, N.Y.: Haworth Press. Gutierrez, L., GlenMaye, L., DeLois, K. (1995). The organizational context of empowerment practice: Implications for social work administration Social Work 40, 2, 249-248. Rooney (2004). Involuntary groups. In C. Garvin, M. J. Galinsky, & L. M. Gutierrez (Eds.), Handbook of social work with groups. New York: Guilford Press. Recommended Reading: Hanson, M. (2002). Practice in organizations. In: M.A. Mattaini, C.T. Lowery & C.H. Meyer (Eds.) The foundations of social work: A graduate text. Washington, DC: NASW. Hartman, A. (1993). The professional is political. Social Work, 38 (4), 365-366, 504. Healy, K. (2004). Social workers in the new human services marketplace: Trends, challenges and responses. Australian Social Work, 57 (2), 103-114. SW 848 Fall 2007 6

Hopkins, K. (2002). Organizational citizenship in social service agencies. Administration in Social Work, 26(2), 1-15. Wayne, J. & Cohen, C.S. (2001). Group work education in the field. Alexandria, VA: Council on Social Work Education. (Chapter 3, Preparations for arranging and supervising a group work assignment). SESSIONS 9-12: Social group work theories, models and approaches Student Presentations Each student will be presenting an overview of a social group work approach or model to the class. Presentations will outline and discuss the basic assumptions of the approach, its rationale and methods and the theory underlying the approach or model, including how this theory evolved from practice. Students will present relevant research that provides the ability to compare and contrast strengths and weaknesses of the approach. Presenters will provide class members with outlines and complete references in APA style. Suggested readings will be provided by the students and by the instructor. Presentations will be from the following topics below, and an alternative group approach may be selected with permission of the instructor: Cognitive Behavioral Developmental Empowerment Feminist Humanistic Membership Multi-Family Mutual Aid Problem Solving Psychodrama Psychoanalytic Psycho-educational Reciprocal Self Help Social Action Social Goals Systems Task Required reading: Alissi, A.S. (1980). Comparative group methods. In A. S. Alissi (Ed.), Perspectives on social group work practice: A book of readings ( pp.341-377). New York: The Free Press. Trevithick, P. (2005). The knowledge base of groupwork and its importance within social work. Groupwork, 15, 280-107. Wayne, J., & Cohen, C.S. (2001). Group work education in the field. Alexandria, VA: Council on Social Work Education. (Chapter 4, Types and models of group work practice). SESSION 13: Cross-cultural and cross-national considerations in social work with groups Cultural diversity and intra-group dynamics and relationships Inter-group activities and relationships Organizational and community context for cross-cultural exchange International initiatives in global group work practice essentials Required reading: Cohen, C. S. (1997). The impact of culture in social work practice with groups: The grandmothers as mothers again case study. In: E.P. Congress (Ed). Multicultural perspectives in working with families. New York: Springer Publishing Co. pp.311-331. Doel, M. & Sawdon, C. (1999). The essential groupworker. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers, Ltd. (Chapter 3, Power and oppression in group work). SW 848 Fall 2007 7

Hyde, C.A. (2004). Multicultural development in human services agencies: Challenges and solutions. Social Work. 49, 1, 7-16. Mayadas, Smith, & Elliott (2004). Social work in a global context. In C. Garvin, M J. Galinsky, & L. M. Gutierrez (Eds.), Handbook of social work with groups. NY: Guilford Press. Recommended reading: Chazin, R., Hanson, M., Cohen, C.S. & Grishayeva, I. (2002). Sharing knowledge and skills: Learning from training school-based practitioners in Ukraine. Journal of Teaching in Social Work. 22 (3/4). 89-101. Forgey, M.A., Cohen, C.S. & Chazin, R. (2003). Surviving translation: Teaching the essentials of foundation social work practice in Vietnam. Journal of Teaching in Social Work. 23 (1/2). 147-166. Garvin, M.J. Galinsky, & L. M. Gutierrez (Eds.), Handbook of social work with groups ( pp. 45-57). New York: Guilford Press. Hartford, M. (1971). Groups in social work. New York: Columbia University Press. (Chapter 10, Group influence and control and the evolution of group culture.) Kurland, R., & Salmon, R. (1995). Using group work skills to promotes cultural sensitivity among social work students. In R. Kurland & R. Salmon (Eds.), Group work practice in a troubled society (pp 73-88). New York: Haworth Press. Mayadas, N.S., Smith, R. & Elliot, D. (2004). Social group work in a global context. In C. Garvin, M. J. Galinsky, & L. M. Gutierrez (Eds.),Handbook of social work with groups (pp. 32-44). New York: Guilford Press. Schulz, A.J., Israel B.A., & Lantz, P. (2004). Assessing and strengthening characteristics of effective groups in community-based participatory research partnerships. In C. Garvin, M. J. Galinsky, & L. M. Gutierrez (Eds.),Handbook of social work with groups (pp. 32-44). New York: Guilford Press. Toseland, R.W., & Rivas, R.F. (2005). An introduction to group work practice. Boston: Allyn & Bacon, pp. 128-149 (Chapter 5. Leadership and diversity). SESSION 14: Teaching and training in social work with groups Evolution of teaching group work practice in classroom and field Generalist and specific approaches Training opportunities Teaching and training strategies and methods Required reading: Birnbaum, M., & Wayne, J. (2000). Group work content in foundation generalist education: The necessity for change. Journal of Social work Education, 36, 347-356. Boehm, W.W. (1959). Objectives of the social work curriculum of the future. Volume I: The Comprehensive Report of the Curriculum Study. New York: Council on Social Work Education. Cohen, C. S. (1998). Building field instructor s skills in planning and supervising group assignments. Journal of Teaching in Social Work, 16 (2), 99-114. Cohen, C.S. & Wayne, J. (In Press). Field education. In: R. Salmon & A. Gitterman, Eds. Encyclopedia of Social Group Work. Binghamton, NY: Haworth Press. Graziano, R., Salmon, R. & Berman, E.S. (2002) Using a group work approach to develop the potential of students in a non-traditional MSW work-study program. Journal of Teaching in Social Work, 22 (3/4). 71-88. SW 848 Fall 2007 8

Kurland, R., & Salmon, R. (1998). Teaching a methods course in social work with groups. Alexandria, VA: Council on Social Work Education. (Chapter 1, Launching the course, Chapter 11, Group work versus casework in the group & Appendix B, Issues confronting group work). Wayne, J., & Cohen, C.S. (2001). Group work education in the field. Alexandria, VA: Council on Social Work Education. (Chapter 5, Education for practice informed by theory & Chapter 6, Understanding the student: Frameworks for assessment). Recommended reading: Bernstein, Saul B. (1993) What happened to self determination? Social Work with Groups, 16 (1/2), 3-15. Knight, C. (1997). A study of MSW and BSW students involvement with group work in the field practicum. Social Work with Groups, 20, 2 31-49. MacGowan, J.J. Beaulauier, R.L. (2005). Using qualitative data analysis software in teaching about group work practice. Journal of Teaching in Social Work. 25 (1/2). 45-56. Strozier, A.L. (1997). Group work in social work education: What is being taught? Social Work with Groups, 20 (1). 65-77. Tropp, E. (1978). Whatever happened to group work? Social Work with Groups, 1 (1), 85-94. SESSION 15: Planning future research and ending of the course (final paper due) Evaluation of group presentations and recap of models and theories Evaluation of individual and collective goal achievement in the course Closure and planning next steps Recommended reading: Kurland, R. & Salmon, R. (1998). Teaching a methods course in social work with groups. Alexandria, VA: Council on Social Work Education. (Chapter 10, Endings). Reid, K. E. (1997). Social work practice with groups: A clinical perspective. Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks/Cole Publishing, pp.259-275 (Chapter 13. The ending phase of group work ). Toseland, R.W. & Rivas, R.F. (2005). An introduction to group work practice Boston: Allyn Bacon, pp. 401-425 (Chapter 14. Ending the group s work ). Zastrow, C. (2001). Social work with groups. (5 th ed.). Chicago: Nelson-Hall, pp. 360-372 (Chapter 13. Termination and evaluation of a group). SW 848 Fall 2007 9