University of North Carolina Wilmington
School of Social Work
Spring 2016
McNeil 1027
SWK 443-001 SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE WITH COMMUNITIES & ORGANIZATIONS
Section 001 T/Th 8-9:15 am
Instructor:
Office/Phone:
Email:
Office Hours:
Lisa Brooks, MSW, LCSW
910-262-4710
brooksl@uncw.edu (weekdays only)
By appt only/ I am available after class on Thursdays.
Required Text
Long, D., Tice, C., & Morrison, J. (2006). Macro social work practice: A strengths perspective.
Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole.
Optional Texts
Eichler, M. (2007). Consensus organizing: Building communities of mutual self-interest.
Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, Inc.
Hacker, K. (2013). Community-based participatory research. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage
Publications, Inc.
Kretzmann, J., & McKnight, J. (1993). Building communities from the inside out: A path toward
finding and mobilizing a community’s assets. Skokie, IL: ACTA Publications.
Netting, E., Kettner, P., McMurtry, S., & Thomas, L. (2012). Social work macro practice (5th
ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Education.
Course Description (Prerequisite SWK 442 and Co-requisite SWK 407 and 497)
This course is part of the social work practice sequence. It builds on material discussed in
previous practice courses (SWK 341 & 442), and focuses on the use of self in developing
working relationships in practice with organizations and communities. It has been designed to
introduce students to the theories, concepts, and practice skills needed in social work practice
with organizations and communities. In the process of understanding the functions and
interactive aspects of organizational and community structures, students will learn how micro,
mezzo, and macro skills are linked and practiced from a generalist practice and strengths
perspective. The course integrates concepts related to social work values and ethics, human
diversity, promotion of social and economic justice, and empowerment of at risk populations.
Course Objectives
1. Demonstrate an understanding of core SW ethical principles in generalist practice with
communities and organizations as evidenced by Community Analysis and Community
Involvement assignments.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of critical thinking as it relates to generalist practice with
communities and organizations as evidenced by assignments above.
3. Explain concepts, theories and principles of generalist practice with communities and
organizations from historical and current perspectives in terms of their functioning and
interactions as evidenced by class work and the assignments above.
4. To understand the use of strengths perspectives in relation to social work practice with
communities and organizations as evidenced by class work and the assignments above.
5. Demonstrate an ability to assess, intervene, and evaluate generalist practice with communities
and organizations within the context that shapes practice in macro practice as evidence by
assignments above.
6. Demonstrate an ability to advocate for human rights and social justice within the context of an
appreciation for human diversity as evidenced by class work and the assignments above.
7. Explain issues related to social welfare and social justice policy as related to generalist
practice with communities and organizations as evidenced by the assignments above.
METHODS TO ATTAIN OBJECTIVES
The primary learning format will be lectures, classroom exercises and hybrid activities that
involve all students as active learners. Class lectures and exercises are based on the
understanding that all readings assigned for that topic have been completed prior to class. It
is anticipated that each learner has experiences and knowledge related to course content that will
enrich class discussions. Active and relevant participation in the learning process is encouraged
and expected. Civility and respect for the views of others is expected. In addition, your
responsibilities include:
1. Preparation and attendance.
This is a practice class. Attendance is expected at all classes. Absence from 3 classes will
result in a 3 point deduction from your grade. Missing more than 3 classes may result in
failure. (Inform me in this circumstance.) There are no opportunities for extra credit or
make-up work. Plan in advance.
*Because this class is a hybrid you will be counted absent if you do not turn in Tuesday’s
Hybrid assignment by 8:00 am on Thursdays. Your completed assignment is considered
your attendance for Tuesday’s class.
2. Use of campus email for communication.
3. Turning in assignment in a timely and appropriate fashion.
I DO NOT ACCEPT LATE ASSIGNMENTS UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES. All
assignments should be turned in electronically (unless otherwise specified) via my campus email
account or Blackboard. I will not accept papers handed to me. Assignments are due on date
specified by time indicated on the assignment and on the assignment table on this syllabus.
4. Assignments must be well-written, edited, and spell checked prior to submission. This is an
expectation of the profession. Repeated writing issues will be reflected via a lower grade.
ASSIGNMENTS
Along with weekly assigned readings, there are four assignments due for this class: 1. A
Community Assessment (35 pts.) and oral presentation (15 pts.), 2. The Community Involvement
Assignment (30 pts.), 4. Reading Reflections (20 pts.). Each of these projects is outlined in a
Blackboard folder. There are instructions on how to complete these projects. Due dates are in
the Assignment Table attached to the end of this document and noted on each assignment.
Week-by-week assignments are listed in the Assignments Table for this course and will be
available on the first day of class. Weekly assignments are subject to change.
GRADING
A final letter grade is based on a 100-point system. No pluses or minuses will be given. There
will be a graded assignment due and returned prior to the last day to drop this course (2/28). Do
not make a personal appeal to me regarding a final grade for this class. It will not be changed.
Know your points for this course as they accumulate. See me well in advance of receiving a
final grade if you feel I can be of assistance in helping you understand the material well enough
to pass the class. Lobbying for a grade will not take the place of hard work and effort.
A = 90 – 100
B = 80 – 89
C = 70 - 79
D = 60 – 69
59 and below = fail
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
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.
CAMPUS ASSISTANCE FOR THIS COURSE
Much assistance is available on campus to help you succeed in this course. A Randall librarian is
assigned to the School of Social Work. The Writing Place is available to you for paper-writing
assistance.
USE OF ELECTRONICS
Use of electronics in class is prohibited unless you are using your laptop to take notes for this
class. You may be asked to provide me with a copy of your notes.
UNCW Student Gender-Based/Sexual Misconduct Policy
UNCW takes all forms of interpersonal violence very seriously. When students disclose, first
or third-hand, to faculty or staff about sexual misconduct, domestic violence, dating violence
and/or stalking, this information must be reported to the administration in order to ensure that
student’s rights are protected, appropriate resources are offered, and the need for further
investigation is explored to maintain campus safety.
There are three confidential resources who do not need to report interpersonal violence:
UNCW CARE, the Student Health Center, and the Counseling Center. If you want to speak to
someone in confidence, these resources are available, including CARE’s 24-hour crisis line (910512-4821). For more information, please visit www.uncw.edu/sexualmisconduct
or www.uncw.edu/care.