SWK 497
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UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT WILMINGTON
SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK
SWK 497-004: Seminar for Social Work Practicum II
Spring 2016, Tuesday: 11:45am-1:45pm, DeLoach 101
INSTRUCTOR:
EMAIL:
OFFICE HOURS:
Lauren S. Williams, MSW
williamsls@uncw.edu
By appointment only/ Special Request
Catalogue Description: SWK 497 - Field Practicum II, Credits: 6
Prerequisites: SWK 496, SWK 396, SWK 321, SWK 341, SWK 355; co-requisites: SWK 407,
SWK 443, permission of instructor and 2.4 overall GPA. Development and application of skills
used in social work practice. Supervision of student field experience in a community social
service setting. Analysis and discussion of field experiences in a series of field seminars to be
arranged by the field liaison.
Course Description:
This seminar is the second in a two-semester sequence which is completed in conjunction
with field practice. The integrated seminar is intended to provide a forum for students to
recognize and explore alternative techniques of practice and management, identify professional
boundaries essential for effective practice, discuss ethical dilemmas encountered in the practice
setting, integrate social work theory with practice, and concerns, and share new insights. By
listening respectfully and reflecting on the information or experiences shared, the students will
utilize the group for mutual aid. Through this process, students will learn about alternatives that
enhance practice while gaining experience in collaborating with peers. Given the range of
student field placement settings, the seminar will also provide an opportunity for students to
examine diverse organizational structures and supervisory styles as experienced by the student
participants.
The field seminar meets weekly for two hours. Attendance is expected in order to
effectively utilize the seminar and develop a safe environment for sharing and discussion.
Effective field performance is dependent on successful completion of all seminar
assignments as well as a positive evaluation of the student's learning in the practicum
experience. This evaluation of student field performance is conducted through the use of a
collaborative model that recognizes the importance of the strengths perspective, involving the
student, the agency based field instructor, and the UNCW faculty liaison. The evaluation tool
for the field practicum is the revised learning contract and performance evaluation form,
with the evaluation conducted in a collaborative manner involving the student, the field
instructor and the faculty liaison, similar to the fall semester evaluation.
Prerequisites: SWK 235 Introduction to the Social Welfare System
SWK 240 Basic Working Relationship Skills
SWK 240L Lab for Basic Relationship Skills
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SWK 320 & 321 Human Behavior and the Social Environment
SWK 335 Social Welfare Policies
SWK 341 Generalist Social Work Practice with Individuals and Families
SWK 355 Issues in Diversity for Generalist Practice
SWK 396 Pre-field Seminar
SWK 406 Research Methods I for Social Work Practice
SWK 442 Generalist Social Work Practice with Groups
SWK 496 Field Practicum I
Co-requisites: SWK 407: Research Methods II for Social Work Practice
SWK 443 Social Work Practice with Communities and Organizations
Course Objectives:
Upon completion of two semesters of Field Education (including both the practicum and the
seminar), the student is expected to exhibit knowledge, skills, and values that are consistent with
beginning undergraduate generalist practice which includes:
1.
Articulate the fundamentals of generalist social work intervention that include
working with individuals, families, groups and communities (BSW Program
Objectives: 1, 2, 4, 6.) (EPAS: 2,9,10/ Related assignments: Learning Contract,
Field Seminar discussion, Journal, Case/Project Presentation.)
2.
Implement alternative techniques for data gathering, assessment, and
documentation (BSW Program Objectives: 1, 2, 7.) (EPAS: 2, 3, 6, 10 / Related
Assignments: Learning Contract, Documentation sample.)
3.
Discuss the interplay of biological, psychological, sociological, spiritual, political,
and economic influences that impact the lives of persons seeking social work
assistance (BSW Program Objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4.) ( EPAS: 3, 4, 7, 9 / Related
Assignments: Learning Contract, Field Seminar discussion.)
4.
Articulate issues of oppression and racism as they impact lives of those with whom
the student is working, both clients and co-workers, and advocate for change (BSW
Program Objectives: 1, 2, 3, 6.) (EPAS: 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 9 / Related Assignments:
Learning Contract, Field Seminar discussion, Ethical Dilemma Paper.)
5.
Recognize personal values and beliefs and the cultural, socioeconomic, and political
views that contribute to the development of social problems, utilizing a social
systems perspective (BSW Program Objectives: 1, 2, 3, 5.) (EPAS: 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, /
Related Assignments: Learning Contract, Field Seminar discussion, Journal, Final
Reflection Paper.)
6.
Recognize the multifaceted aspects of social, socioeconomic and political
influences on the structure and policies of social agencies and institutions and their
implication for practice implementation (BSW Program Objectives: 2, 3, 4, 7.)
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(EPAS: 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, / Related Assignments: Learning Contract, Field Seminar
Discussion, Journal, Ethical Dilemma Paper.)
7.
Assume personal responsibility for successfully enhancing the learning process.
(Program Objectives: 1, 2, 5.) (EPAS: 1, 2, 3, 9 / Related Assignments: Learning
Contract, Field Seminar discussion, Journal, Adherence to assignment protocols.)
8.
Use basic relationship skills to develop empowering working relationships,
engaging collaboratively with diverse clients and colleagues (both at the agency and
in the classroom). (BSW Program Objectives: 1, 2, 6.) (EPAS: 1, 3, 4, 10 / Related
Assignments: Learning Contract, Field Seminar discussion, Journal.)
9.
Work with clients with increasing independence under the supervision and
collaboration of the field instructor (BSW Program Objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.)
(EPAS: 1, 2, 3, 9 / Related Assignments: Learning Contract, Field Seminar
discussion, Journal.)
10.
Identify the strengths and concerns of clients, using the generalist perspective in
assessment, planning, and goal setting, interventions, and evaluation; (BSW
Program Objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4, 7.) (EPAS: 2, 3, 4, 7, 10 / Related Assignments:
Learning Contract, Field Seminar discussion, Journal.)
11.
Participate in the creation of a safe environment that fosters honest, yet respectful,
expression of perspectives, concerns, and questions. (BSW Program Objectives: 1,
2, 3, 4, 5.) (EPAS: 1, 2, 3, 5, 10 / Related Assignments: Learning Contract, Field
Seminar discussion, Journal, Case/Project Presentation.)
12.
Address the complexity of social problems through a variety of planned
interventions, advocating for change. (BSW Program Objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.)
(EPAS: 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 10 / Related Assignments: Learning Contract, Field Seminar
discussion, Journal, Ethical Dilemma Paper.)
13.
Demonstrate skills to evaluate practice, program, and policy effectiveness.
(BSW Program Objectives: 1, 2, 7.) (EPAS: 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 9, 10 / Related
Assignments: Learning Contract, Field Seminar discussion, Journal, Ethical
Dilemma Paper, Case / Project Presentation.)
14.
Recognize one’s own biases and values that impact practice effectiveness, including
assessment of one’s own practice effectiveness. (BSW Program Objectives: 2, 5,
7.) (EPAS: 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 10 / Related Assignments: Learning Contract, Field
Seminar discussion, Journal, Ethical Dilemma Paper.)
15.
Gain self-confidence in presenting and discussing case material and planned
interventions in a confidential manner in order to facilitate professional
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consultation. (BSW Program Objectives: 1, 2, 3, 5.) (EPAS: 1, 2, 3, 7, 10 /
Learning Contract, Field Seminar discussion, Journal, Case / Project Presentation.)
16.
Write measurable criteria to facilitate learning and evaluate the development of
practice skills. (BSW Program Objectives: 1, 2, 5.) (EPAS: 3, 6 / Related
Assignments: Learning Contract.)
17.
Adhere to professional standards of competent, ethical behaviors, as set forth in the
NASW Code of Ethics. (BSW Program Objectives: 2, 5.) (EPAS: 1, 2, 5, 10 /
Related Assignments: Learning Contract, Field Seminar discussion, Journal, Ethical
Dilemma Paper.)
18.
Recognize the diversity of ethnic, racial, gender, and cultural perspectives
impacting practice. (BSW Program Objectives: 2, 3, 5.) (EPAS: 2, 4, 7, 9, /
Related Assignments: Learning Contract, Field Seminar discussion, Journal, Ethical
Dilemma Paper.)
19.
Respond professionally and personally with sensitivity to client and colleague
views and concerns. (BSW Program Objectives: 1, 2, 4, 6.) (EPAS: 1, 2, 3, 4, 10 /
Related Assignments: Learning Contract, Field Seminar discussion, Journal, Ethical
Dilemma Paper.)
20.
Recognize the importance of contributing to the knowledge base that guides
practice and contributes to the general welfare of society. (BSW Program
Objectives: 1, 2, 5, 7.) (EPAS: 5, 6, 9 / Related Assignments: Learning Contract,
Field Seminar discussion, Case / Project Presentation.)
21.
Recognize the importance of collaboration and consultation as mechanisms to
endorse the basic principles of respectful generalist social work practice. (BSW
Program Objectives: 1, 2, 5.) (EPAS: 1, 9 / Related Assignments: Learning
Contract, Field Seminar discussion, Field Instructor Supervision.)
22.
Demonstrate sensitivity for cultural diversity within the seminar and the agency,
demonstrating an appreciation for diverse viewpoints and concerns. (BSW Program
Objectives: 2, 3, 5.) (EPAS: 1, 2, 4, 5, 7 / Related Assignments: Learning Contract,
Field Seminar discussion, Ethical Dilemma Paper, Final Reflection Paper.)
STUDENT PROFICIENCY IN MEETING THESE OBJECTIVES WILL BE REFLECTED IN
THE STUDENTS’ REVISED LEARNING CONTRACT AND PERFORMANCE
EVALUATION.
Prerequisites:
SWK 235 Introduction to the Social Welfare System
SWK 240 Basic Working Relationship Skills and SWK 240L Skills Lab
SWK 320 & 321 Human Behavior and the Social Environment I & II
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SWK 335 Social Welfare Policies
SWK 341 Generalist Social Work Practice with Individuals and Families
SWK 355 Issues in Diversity for Generalist Practice
SWK 396 Pre-field Seminar
Co-requisites:
SWK 406 Research Methods for Social Work Practice I
SWK 442 Generalist Social Work Practice with Groups
Required Texts, Materials, and Websites:
Berg-Weger, M. & Birkenmaier, J. (2007) The practicum companion for social work:
Integrating class and field work. Needham Heights, MA: Allyn & Bacon.
Coelho, Paulo. (1993) The Alchemist. New York: Harper Perennial.
Denny, J. (2009) BSW Social Work Field Education Manual. Unpublished manuscript.
Department of Social Work, University of North Carolina at Wilmington.
Recommended Resources
Grobman, L. (2002) The field placement survival guide. Harrisburg, PA: White Hat
Communications. (text from pre-field)
NASW Code of Ethics (1996 Revision) www.naswdc.org
NASW North Carolina Website: www.naswnc.org
(Check this web site for the ethical dilemma of the month which changes monthly.)
NASW (national) www.socialworkers.org
NAMI National Association for the Mentally Ill: www.nami.org
Office Hours: At this time, office hours are available by appointment or special request. The
best way to reach me is via email at williamsls@uncw.edu. I will respond at my earliest
convenience.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
All members of UNCW’s community are expected to follow the academic Honor Code. Please
read the UNCW Honor Code carefully (as covered in the UNCW Student Handbook). Academic
dishonesty in any form will not be tolerated in the class. Please be especially familiar with
UCNW’s position on plagiarism as outlined in the UNCW Student Handbook. Plagiarism is a
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form of academic dishonesty in which you take someone else’s ideas and represent them as your
own. Here are some examples of plagiarism:
a. You write about someone else’s work in your paper and do not give them credit for it by
referencing them.
b. You give a presentation and use someone else’s ideas and do not state that the ideas are
the other person’s.
c. You get facts from your textbook or some other reference material and do not reference
that material.
ACCOMMODATIONS FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
I am more than happy to make appropriate accommodations for students with disabilities.
Students with diagnosed disabilities should contact the Office of Disability Services (962-7555).
Please give me a copy of the letter you receive from Office of Disability Services detailing class
accommodations you may need. If you require accommodation for test-taking please make sure
I have the referral letter no less than three days before the test.
VIOLENCE AND HARASSMENT
UNCW practices a zero tolerance policy for any kind of violent or harassing behavior. If you are
experiencing an emergency of this type contact the police at 911 or UNCW CARE at 962-2273.
Resources for individuals concerned with violent or harassing situation can be located at
http://www.uncw.edu/wsrc/crisis.html.
CAMPUS RESPECT COMPACT
UNCW is committed to a civil community, characterized by mutual respect. Individuals wanting
more information about the Respect Compact can contact the Office of Institutional Diversity
and Inclusion.
USE OF PERSONAL ELECTRONICS
The use of electronic equipment is permitted in class when used in a respectful manner (i.e.: to
take notes, assist with looking up course material). However, should use of such equipment be
perceived as disrespectful, disruptive, or interfering in the learning for other students, as well as
the instructor, students will be asked to discontinue use.
ATTENDENCE
Students are expected to attend each scheduled class meeting and to be prepared. Attendance
includes not only being present, but being on time and staying for the duration of the
course. Attendance will be taken each class session. Students may miss up to two class
sessions without penalty. If the student misses three or more times, their final grade will be
deducted by 5 points per absence.
LATE WORK
Papers must be turned in on the scheduled due date at the beginning of class. If you turn in your
paper late, your grade will be deducted 10 points for each day it is late. If an extenuating
circumstance occurs please let the instructor know prior to class.
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CAMPUS ASSISTANCE FOR THIS COURSE
Much assistance is available on campus to help you succeed in this course. The Randall librarian
assigned to the School of Social Work is Mr. John Osinski. You can email him at
osinskij@uncw.edu. The Writing Place is available to you for paper-writing assistance.
INSTRUCTOR’S TEACHING PHILOSOPHY
I believe in having an open and engaged classroom where students learn not only through
lectures, but class discussion, role plays, and guest speakers. It is important to me that students
feel what they are learning in the classroom can be put into practice. I feel that having guest
speakers who have been working in the field and engaging in role plays help bring classroom
material to life.
ACCOMMODATIONS FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
Students who have a disability and need accommodations should notify the instructor. In order
to obtain such accommodations, the student must officially register with the Office of
Disabilities Services located in Westside Hall (962-3746) and provide a letter of accommodation
which specifies the student’s learning needs. Accommodations will be made based on the
recommendations of Disabilities Services and collaboration with the student to best address the
student’s learning experience.
LEARNING ASSISTANCE
Any student wishing to have accommodations to enhance learning is encouraged to work
through the University Office of Disability Services. Please contact that office to gain access to
special resources and services. In addition, the Learning Center is available to assist all students
with writing skills, including APA formatting.
Methods to Successfully Achieve Objectives
The primary learning format is the engagement in interactive learning which includes discussion
of the assigned readings and classroom activities. Seminar sessions are based on the
understanding that all readings assigned for that seminar topic have been completed prior to
seminar. In addition, each student has personal experiences and points of reference that will
enhance seminar discussion. The seminar is built upon a philosophy of shared leadership which
requires all students to contribute to the discussion and the inclusion of all seminar participants.
Therefore, students are expected to attend seminar to facilitate learning and the acquisition of
skills in professional communication. Finally, all assignments are due on the designated due
date (see schedule of assignments); inability to meet a designated due date requires
negotiation with the instructor PRIOR to the DUE DATE!
Academic Honor Code: As beginning professionals in social work, with a commitment to social
work values and ethics, it is assumed that you will comply with the University’s Academic Honor
Code. Failure to do so can result in a report to the Dean of Students and could result in academic
dismissal from UNCW. Obviously plagiarism has no place in professional studies and will not be
tolerated.
Course Assignments: All assignments, whether graded or not, must be completed to receive
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credit for this professional seminar. Each student will be expected to complete the following
assignments with due dates indicated in the schedule of assignments.
*****General Education Assessment Statement for Students*****
PLEASE READ!
This course and section has been selected to participate in the campus-wide General Education
Assessment process. One existing assignment/assessment for this course has been chosen for this
purpose. This assignment/assessment will be graded by your instructor as explained in the
syllabus. The separate scoring of the assignment/assessment for the purposes of General
Education Assessment WILL NOT affect your grade in the course, or any other course work at
UNCW. It will, however, help the university to identify potential ways to improve student
learning in general. If your work is turned in electronically, we will remove all identifying
information. If a paper copy of your work is turned in, please do not put your name on your
work. This cover sheet will be separated from your work before scoring, so your confidentially
will be maintained during the scoring and tabulation processes. You can learn more about the
General Education Assessment process by visiting our website:
http://uncw.edu/assessment/general/students.html.
Assignments:
Revised Learning Contract: As discussed during the first semester of field education, the quality
of your field experience depends upon the clarity of your focus and effective use of time
management as you engage in the learning process. Consequently, you are required to revise
your learning contract to reflect the additions and/or revisions of the learning tasks and
evaluation criteria that you hope to accomplish during the second semester of field practice. BE
SURE TO INCLUDE YOUR PROJECTS AND ASSIGNMENTS FROM YOUR SPRING
SEMESTER COURSES…SWK 497, SWK 407, AND SWK 443. YOU MUST ALSO
SUBMIT YOUR FINAL CONTRACT FROM SWK 496 (that includes the instructor's
editorial comments) to assist your faculty liaison in the review of your revisions. Final
Revised Learning Contracts will be due during Field Site Visit.
When you submit your revised learning contract, you must clearly mark the changes/additions
with highlighter or change in font and/or color, so that your faculty liaison can easily identify
your revisions. Be sure your contract reflects what you need to know, as well as what you want
to learn, from your practice experience. If you changed placements or work assignments, your
learning contract for this semester will need to be more extensive in order to address the learning
opportunities in the new placement. The format of the learning contract is the same as that used
first semester. SWK 497 Course objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17,
18, 19, 20, 21, 22.
Reminder: Be sure to turn in both your SWK 496 (with faculty comments) and your revised
SWK 497 learning contracts to assist the faculty liaison in the review of your changes.
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Student Journal: Each student is expected to maintain a journal for both semesters. A journal
entry should be submitted for each week in placement that summarizes your work at your
agency. Entries should include a summary of events and activities, your reflections (with
professional candor) about these events and activities, new insights, concerns, questions, and
feelings about practice and placement procedures. Be sure to identify significant learning
experiences, patterns and newly acquired awareness. The intent is not to write about everything
that happens at your placement; rather you are expected to select specific illustrations that
illustrate significant learning opportunities. Be sure to include examples of micro, mezzo and
macro practice in which you participate. This journal
should be kept in a binder or folder so that pages do not get separated when you submit
new entries to your faculty liaison for review. A copy of your timesheet (with your field
instructor’s signature/initials) must be included with each submission of your journal. If a
timesheet is not submitted or signed, then 5 points will be deducted from your journal
submission. Be sure to follow the format from last semester when completing this assignment.
Also, be sure to reference insights, quotes, and illustrations drawn from The Alchemist, or other
approved reading that seem significant to you. See the schedule of assignments for the specific
due dates for your journals. Course Objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22.
Alchemist Discussion & Reflection Paper: The Alchemist is an allegory that describes the
shepherd’s journey and suggests many parallels for the field journey; it is also an enjoyable read!
In approximately 4 pages, describe the sections that were most meaningful to you and discuss
their importance to you. Identify the teachers (this does not mean your faculty specifically,
rather anyone who has taught you important lessons, including clients and co-workers, etc.) that
you have encountered along your journey; identify the thieves and beggars as well. Be sure to
include challenges and new learning that you have encountered in your field journey. What new
adventures do you anticipate as you continue your professional journey? Course Objectives: 3,
4, 7, 8, 11, 14, 18, 22.
Time Sheets: As you did during fall semester, you will be required to record your work hours for
each week and maintain a cumulative record of your field hours. You are required to obtain your
field instructor’s signature on your weekly hours to minimize any confusion you and your field
instructor might have regarding the exact number of hours worked for the semester. Hours
completed by attending the weekly field seminar may NOT be included in your total of 225
hours for the semester. Should you choose to take advantage of these alternative learning
opportunities, you must include an entry in your journal that describes the event and your
learning experience. Timesheets will be submitted at the time of journal submissions. These
timesheets only need to have your field instructor’s initials by the weeks that you have
completed hours. The FINAL signed copy of your timesheet is due at the end of the semester,
any exceptions in meeting this deadline must be negotiated with the faculty liaison prior to
this due date. Please keep a copy of your timesheet for your own records. Course
Objectives: 16, 17.
Professional Writing Samples: Each student is expected to submit 2 samples of professional
writing which include a client intake or assessment, progress notes, a treatment or discharge
summary, and a professional letter or memo. Samples are not to be written specifically for class;
rather they are to be representative samples of your professional work already completed at
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your agency. Confidentiality must be strictly observed; No credit will be given to
forms/documentation that includes identifying client information. While these documents
will not be graded, they must be submitted to complete seminar credit and will facilitate
seminar discussion about various styles and content. Course Objectives: 2, 3, 7, 11, 13, 15,
17.
Presentation: Students will work in pairs to complete a senior presentation in seminar. Groups
will present for 25 minutes. The presentation may be a case, community project, or group
project. All topics must be approved by the faculty liaison before proceeding with the
assignment. Each presentation must include:
 A PowerPoint overview of the case, project, or theory
 Examples or illustrations of techniques found to be effective in working with particular
clients or groups
 Questions to distribute to the class to facilitate discussion
 A handout of the case or theory highlights with a bibliography (which must include a
minimum of 4 scholarly articles and 3 web sites relevant to the topic), are also required;
(please make enough copies to distribute to your classmates as well as the instructor.)
*Please submit to your faculty liaison:1) a copy of your questions 2)your handout,
and 3) bibliography
The student audience will also gain experience in the professional critique of the
presentations, hence attendance is expected even for those students who are not presenting on
any given week. Students will be emailed a handout that will assist them in evaluating each
presentation. The evaluation is to be returned to the faculty liaison.
This assignment will be discussed further in seminar with a sign-up sheet provided to schedule
presentations. Course Objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 15, 17, 19.
Ethical Dilemma: Each student is expected to identify an ethical dilemma that she has
encountered in the field setting and analyze it in a paper (5-6 pages). This paper is NOT
intended to be a critique of the agency. Rather, there are daily occurrences where social workers
are faced with conflicting expectations and mandates for practice. Therefore you are asked to
write about an ethical dilemma you encountered in field practice. The following elements should
be included in your analysis:
 What is/was the ethical dilemma? Be sure to distinguish between personal, professional,
agency, legal, and client values and/or mandates.
 What individuals or groups are impacted by the dilemma? Clients? Staff? Others?
 What diverse perspectives need to be considered and how this information was acquired to
facilitate your assessment and assist you in developing a plan of action? Be sure to attach
copies of documentation cited to support your discussion--i.e., copy of law, agency
policy, etc.
 What groups or resources would/did you consult to assist in clarifying the dilemma and
deciding on a course of action? Within the agency? Outside the agency?
 What standards of the NASW Code of Ethics apply to your discussion?
 What action would you pursue or recommend? Support your answer.
Check your assignment sheet for the specific due date. APA FORMAT IS EXPECTED!
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Course Objectives: 1, 5, 6, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18.
Computer Proficiency: UNCW has a computer competency requirement for all undergraduate
students which require demonstration of beginning skills in computer competency to include:
word processing (which includes grammar and spelling check), email, searching the web, an
electronic search for library resources, and power point. These skills will be demonstrated by
completing required seminar assignments and will be factored into the field seminar grade.
Each assignment that includes the use of the word processing skills will also be examined for use
of grammar and spell check. Such criteria should also be included in the revisions of the
learning contract, the ethical dilemma paper and the student presentation (power point). Course
Objectives: 2, 7.
Reading Assignments: Each student will be responsible for the assigned course readings found
under the specific units of study as identified on the schedule of assignments. Readings may
vary as the course progresses, and if so, students will be advised of changes in time to prepare for
class discussion. Assigned readings are included in your SWK 496/497 text or will be placed on
electronic reserve in the library. In order to prepare for seminar discussion, each student is
expected to prepare 2-3 questions stimulated by the reading for engagement in discussion in
seminar. Course Objectives: 2, 7, 9, 11, 14, 15, 17, 19, 20.
Class Participation: Each student is expected to contribute to class discussion and participate in
class activities. Class participation provides a practice arena where the student can begin to
exhibit the skills necessary for professional interaction. Through active participation you will
gain confidence in articulating your position on specific issues, question practice techniques, and
explore alternatives for practice with your peers and colleagues. In order to effectively
participate in seminar, attendance is essential and indicative of your commitment to the
professional learning process. In addition, each student is expected to identify case examples
and/or field situations that are relevant to the topic of discussion. Course Objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4,
5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22.
Grades: The grade for field education combines the student's work in the agency with
performance in the field seminar. All assignments are evaluated for quality and timeliness and
must be completed for course credit. If you are experiencing difficulty meeting an expected
assignment deadline, be sure to negotiate this in advance of the deadline to determine if an
extension is warranted.
As in the previous semester, the performance evaluation for the field practicum will utilize the
revised learning contract which transforms to an evaluation form. Again there will be
collaboration and discussion involving the student, the field instructor, and the faculty liaison to
evaluate field performance and again each student is expected to evaluate his/her practice
performance, along with the field instructor, in order to enhance self-awareness and assertiveness
regarding issues surrounding the evaluation process. The faculty liaison will evaluate the
student’s seminar performance. These two components are combined to develop a
comprehensive grade for field performance.
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Practicum = 50%
Seminar = 50%
* Revised learning contract = 15%
* Journal entries = 20%
* Ethical Dilemma Paper = 20%
* Presentation = 20%
* Class participation =10%
* Allegorical Reflection Paper and/or collage = 15%
A final letter grade, based on 100% completion of course assignments and extra credit, will be
assigned based on the following grading scale:
93-103 B+ 87-89
77-79
67-69
A
C+
D+
F 59 and
below
83-86
73-76
63-66
A - 90-92
B
C
D
80-82
70-72
60-62
BCD-
Completion of the computer proficiency assignment and review of professional documentation
are required for SWK 497 credit, but are not graded assignments.
Schedule of Assignments
Spring 2016
1/12/16
Overview & Re-engagement
1/19/16
Mutual Aid, Assertiveness, & Conflict Resolution
 Learning advocacy skills
 Addressing conflict constructively
 Revisiting the seminar guidelines
Required Reading:
Steinberg, D. (1997) The role of conflict in a mutual-aid system. The mutual
aid approach to working with groups. Northvale, NJ: Jason Aronson, Inc., 155+
1/26/16
Ethics & Values & Ethical Dilemmas
 Personal, social, professional, and agency
 Identification of a dilemma
 Exploring options to create plan
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Required Readings:
NASW Code of Ethics
Rubenstein, S. ‘My clients are in a hurry!’ Professional integrity versus client
self-determination. From the front lines, student cases in social work ethics. Ed.
Rothman. (1998) Boston: Allyn & Bacon, 200-204.
Rothman, J. Elements of ethical decision-making. From the front lines,
student cases in social work ethics. Ed. Rothman. (1998) Boston: Allyn &
Bacon, 1-24.
2/2/16
Documentation
 Case records
 Professional correspondences
 Agency statistics
Required Reading:
Rock, B. & E. Congress. (May, 1999) The new confidentiality for the 21st
Century in a managed care environment. Social Work 44(3), 253-262.
Round 1# - Spring Semester Check-Ins (Refer to schedule on Bb)
DUE: Journal #1 & Timesheet (Weeks of: 1/11, 1/19, 1/25)
2/9/16
No Formal Class Meeting Today
Round #2- Spring Semester Check-ins (Refer to schedule on Bb)
2/16/16
Adult Protective Services (APS)
 Definition of abuse
 When to report
 Guardianship
Required Reading:
Atkinson, V. & Nelson, G. (1995) Adult protective services. Adult services
social work practice and administration. Washington, D.C.: NASW Press, 215230.
Atkinson, V. & Nelson, G. (1995) Guardianship. Adult services social work
practice and administration. Washington, D.C.: NASW Press, 231-246.
DUE: Professional Writing Samples
SWK 497
2/23/16
Career Planning
 UNCW Career Center services
 Explore social work career options
DUE: Journal #2 & Timesheet (Weeks of: 2/1, 2/8, 2/15)
DUE: Group Presentation Topic
3/1/16
Burn-out and self-care
 Prevention of burn-out & compassion fatigue
 Agency factors to address
Required Reading:
Bramhall, M. & Ezell, S. How burned out are you? Public welfare. 39(1), 2327.
Bramhall, M. & Ezell, S. Working your way out of burn-out. Public welfare
39(2), 32-39.
Bramhall, M. & Ezell, S. How agencies can prevent burnout. Public welfare
39(3), 33-37.
DUE: Revised Learning Contract with Revisions Clearly Marked
3/8/16
3/15/16
SPRING BREAK-- Field Placement Hours Optional
Allegory Discussion
 Identify beggars and thieves and teachers
 Identify your treasure
 Share our stories
Required Reading:
Coelho, P. The alchemist
3/22/16
Class Presentations (2 groups)
DUE: Journal #3 & Timesheet (2/22, 2/29, 3/7, 3/14)
3/29/16
Class Presentations (2 groups)
DUE: Allegorical Reflection Paper
4/5/16
Class Presentations (3 groups)
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SWK 497
4/12/16
Endings & Transitions
 discussion with clients
 closure with staff
 validation of strengths & growth
Required Readings:
Berkenmaier, J. & Berg-Weger, M. (2007) Termination. The practicum
companion for social work: Integrating class and field work. 251-284.
Martin, J. ‘Now that you’re leaving, why can’t we just be friends?’ From the
front lines, student cases in social work ethics. Ed. Rothman. (1998) Boston:
Allyn and Bacon, 176-180.
DUE: Ethical Dilemma Paper
4/19/16
Topic: To Be Announced
DUE: Journal #4 & Timesheets (Weeks of: 3/22, 3/29, 4/5, 4/12)
4/26/16
Evaluation & Wrap-up
 Closing Discussion
 Evaluation of Field Experience
DUE: Signed Final Timesheet-- If submitted after class on 4/26/16, please
place in L. Williams’ mailbox in McNeill Hall 3101. Accepted NO LATER
than 4/28/16 unless permission negotiated with the faculty liaison.
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