Mississippi College Department of sociology and social Work
SWK225-Introduction to Social Work and Social Policy
Fall 2013 Course Syllabus
Course Title
Introduction to Social Work and Social Policy
Course Credit
3 semester credit hours
Co Requisite(s)
SWK 333; SWK 331; PSY 301 or MAT 207; PSY 423-(if not taken prior)
Professor: Mary T. Johnston Nicholas, LCSW
Office: Jennings Hall 114
Phone: 601 925-3831 (W); 601 668-6399 (C)
Office Hours: As Posted
E-mail address: mjohnsto@mc.edu
Required Textbook:
DuBois, Brenda; Miley, Karla Krogsrud (2011). Social Work an Empowering Profession,
seventh edition. Allyn &Bacon. ISBN-10: 0-205-76948-9
Course Description
An introduction to the social work profession and to the philosophy, concepts and major methods
of social work practice. Historical development of the profession is discussed, as well as the
relationship to the development of social welfare. Also included in course content is an overview
of current fields of practice.
Course Rationale
To provide students an elective (required for Social Work majors) with an opportunity to achieve
competence in understanding the profession of social work and social welfare by stimulating
their intellectual, spiritual, social and emotional development thus preparing them to perform
successfully in professional enterprises, and to utilize their skills, talents and abilities in service
to God and fellow man.
Program Objectives
The objectives of the Social Work Program are consistent with the Educational Policy of Council
on Social Work Education. Program objectives include:
1.1. apply critical thinking skills within the context of professional social work practice
1.2. understand the value base of the profession, its ethical standards, principles, and
practice accordingly
1.3. practice without discrimination and with respect, knowledge, and skills related to
client’s age, class, color, culture, disability, ethnicity, family structure, gender, marital
status, national origin, race, religion, sex, and sexual orientation
1.4. understand and interpret the history of the social work profession, its contemporary
structures and issues
1.5. apply the knowledge and skills of generalist social work practice systems of all sizes
1.6. use supervision and consultation appropriate to social work practice
2.1. evaluate research studies, apply research findings to practice, and evaluate their own
practice interventions
3.1. identify and evaluate social problems
3.2. analyze, formulate, and influence social policies
3.3. function within the structure of organizations, service delivery systems and seek
necessary organizational change
3.4. use communication skills differently across client populations, colleagues, and
communities
4.1. understand the forms and mechanisms of oppression, discrimination, and
apply strategies of advocacy and social change that advance soc
Course Objectives
1. To develop a basic understanding of the philosophical underpinnings of a generalist
social work practice and the historical development as it impacts our current social
welfare system. Meets CSWE EP as evidenced by assignments #2 and #3.
2. To gain a basic understanding of one’s agency, its function, and population served
including its current welfare programs, benefits, funding sources, etc. Meets CSWE EP as
evidenced by assignment #2.
3. To gain an understanding of the major areas of social work practice and the role of the
social worker in each one of those areas. Meets CSWE EP as evidenced by assignment
#3.
4. To gain an understanding of how issues of human diversity and oppression are addressed
by the social work profession, specifically through policy formulation. Meets CSWE EP
as evidenced by assignment #2.
5. To develop an understanding of the relationships between the historical development of
social work and social welfare. Meets CSWE EP as evidenced by assignment #2.
6. To develop an understanding of values (professional, social, cultural, and personal) and
ethics and the role-played by each in policy development and implementation. Meets
CSWE EP as evidenced by assignment #1 and #3.
7. To develop an understanding of how the social work profession addresses issues of
human diversity and oppression. Meets CSWE EP as evidenced by assignment #2 and #3.
8. To understand policy changes as a response to population changes and trends. Meets
CSWE EP as evidenced by assignment #2.
9. To obtain a working knowledge of existing programs and their application in the social
service delivery system. Meets CSWE EP as evidenced by assignment #2.
Methods of Instruction
Lectures by the professor and guest speakers, audio-visual presentations, online/internet research
assignments, small group activities, group discussions, and student presentations will be used to
help students learn the content outlined in the course syllabus. Various methods of instruction
are used to appeal to all types of learning styles (visual, auditory, interactive, and kinesthetic).
Small group activities and student presentations will assist students in developing effective
critical thinking and communication skills. The class participation and grade requirements will
help students develop discipline and personal responsibility.
Course Requirements
 Autobiography
 First Exam
 Second Exam
 Agency Scavenger Hunt
 Social Work Interview
 Final Exam
Due Date: September 12
Due Date: September 26
Due Date: October 24
Due Date: November 7
Due Date: November 21
Due Date: December 14
10% of final grade
20% of final grade
20% of final grade
15% of final grade
15% of final grade
20% of final grade
Grading Scale:
93-100 = A
85 - 92 = B
75 - 84 = C
69 - 74 = D
Tests feature a variety of examination formats such as multiple choices, true/false, listing, short
answer and essay with a multiple choice preference. Students are responsible for content in
assigned text. Additionally, students are responsible for class handouts, class discussion, class
exercises, films, student presentations and lectures that supplement readings in text.
Academic Integrity and Honesty
Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated in any form. Please refer to the current year’s
Mississippi College Undergraduate Catalog at http://catalog.mc.edu.
Plagiarism is the presentation of someone else's information as though it were your own. If
you use the words or ideas of another person; or if you use material from any source-whether a book, journal, magazine, newspaper, business publication, broadcast, speech,
electronic media, or any other source--you must acknowledge that source. Plagiarism on
the papers/presentations will result in the student not receiving credit for the
assignment(s).
Attendance
A student will receive a grade of F in a course immediately upon accumulating 8 absences in
classes meeting twice a week. Please refer to the Mississippi College Undergraduate Catalog for
further attendance policy. Tardiness will reflect negatively on student’s grade. If a pattern
persists in being late for class the professor has a right to count tardiness as an absence.
Class Policies:
 The instructor retains the right to deviate from this syllabus throughout the
semester.
 The use of cell phones during class time is prohibited. Cell phones must be in the off or
silent mode during class unless otherwise discussed with the instructor prior to class time.
Cell phone ear pieces are not allowed to be worn in class.
 Personal computers may be used in class for the purpose of note taking only.
 The official drop date for class in the Fall Semester 2013 is Friday, October 25.
 If a student is absent for a test he/she must contact the instructor prior or the same day
to the test and provide documentation and/or an official excuse concerning the absence as
requested. The possibilities of test retakes will be at the discretion of the instructor.
Quizzes and class activities may not be made up.
 Late papers/presentations will receive a deduction of several points each day they are late
at the discretion of the instructor. If a student knows s/he will be unable to attend class
on the day papers or projects are due the student is expected to contact the instructor
prior to class and present documentation concerning the absence as requested.
 If a student is involved in outside activities as a representative of Mississippi College, the
student is responsible for informing the instructor of the excused absence prior to the
missed class. This supplements the information that is disseminated by the Office of
Student Affairs.
 Students are responsible for class assignments and for obtaining missed material from
other classmates.
 Students are responsible for maintaining their own academic standing and attendance
record for the class.
Statement of Disability Accommodation
In order for a student to receive disability accommodations under Section 504 of the Americans
with Disabilities Act, he or she must schedule an individual meeting with the Director of Student
Counseling Services (SCS) immediately upon recognition of their disability (if their disability
is known they must come in before the semester begins or make an appointment immediately
upon receipt of their syllabi for the new semester). The student must bring with them written
documentation from a medical physician and/or licensed clinician that verifies their disability. If
the student has received prior accommodations, they must bring written documentation of those
accommodations (example Individualized Education Plan from the school system).
Documentation must be current (within 3 years). The student must meet with SCS face-to face
and also attend two (2) additional follow up meetings (one mid semester before or after midterm
examinations and the last one at the end of the semester). Please note that the student may also
schedule additional meetings as needed for support through SCS as they work with their
professor throughout the semester. Note: Students must come in each semester to complete
their Individualized Accommodation Plan (example: MC student completes fall semester IAP
plan and even if student is a continuing student for the spring semester they must come in again
to complete their spring semester IAP plan).
Student Counseling Services is located in Alumni Hall 4th floor or they may be contacted via
email at Kelly22@mc.edu. You may also reach them by phone at 601-925-7790.
Statement of Compliance
Please refer to the Mississippi College Undergraduate Catalog for further information on the
Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Title II of
the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and Title IX.
Non-Discrimination Policy
Within the university’s structure as a faith-based university, the Social Work Program and
faculty makes continuous efforts to promote, demonstrate professional behavior and maintain a
strong value base with regard to diversity, equality, and social justice. Students are admitted to
MC and the Social Work program without regard to race, ethnicity, gender, age, creed,
physically challenging conditions, political philosophy, or sexual orientation. The Social Work
program embraces the University’s policies on non-discrimination as exemplified on page 5 of
the 2013-2014 Mississippi College
Undergraduate Catalog:
In compliance with federal law, including provisions of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of
1973, and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Mississippi College does not illegally
discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, age, disability, or military
service in admissions, in the administration of its education policies, programs, and activities or
in employment. Under federal law, the university may exercise religious preferences in
employment in order to fulfill its mission and purpose.
Course Outline
Unit One
The Social Work Profession
-Introduction to Social Work and Social Welfare
-Social Work Values and Ethics
-Empowerment and Human Diversity
Unit Two
Social Work Practice
-The Process of Generalist Practice
-Practice Settings
Unit Three
Social Welfare Policy
-Overview of Social Welfare and Social Work History
-Policy, Policy Analysis, and Policy Advocacy
-Policies and Programs to Combat Poverty
Unit Four
Fields of Social Work Practice
-Children and Families
-Elderly
-People with Disabilities
-Health Care
-Mental Health
-Criminal Justice System
-School system
Course Schedule
Week 1
Course Introduction:
Syllabus review
The job of a social
worker
Reading:
DuBois & Miley
Ch. 1 Social Work: A
helping profession
Week 2
What is social
work?
Reading:
DuBois & Miley
Ch. 2 Social Work: An
evolving profession
Current
Event: Bring in
newspaper,
magazine, or online
article that features
an aspect of social
work, especially an
ethical dilemma.
Week 3
Ecosystems
perspective; client
systems
Reading:
DuBois & Miley
Ch. 3 -
Social work & social
systems
Review for first Exam
Week 4
Continuation of Chapter 3
How the social
system works
Reading:
DuBois & Miley
First Exam
Week 5
Ch. 4 The social services
delivery system
Week 6
Social Work
Values & Ethics
NASW Code of
Ethics
Ethical Dilemma
Activity
Reading:
DuBois & Miley
Ch. 5 Values & ethics in
social work
Week 7
10/8-NO CLASS- FALL BREAK
Human Rights and Society Injustices
Event: Bring in
newspaper, magazine, or online
article that features
an issue with human rights or social injustice.
Social justice Reading:
DuBois & Miley
Ch 6 –
Social Work and
Social Justice
Ch. 7-Diversity & social work
Week 8
Generalist Practice-Empowerment
Reading:
DuBois & Miley
Ch.8 Empowering
processes for social
work practice
Review for 2nd Exam
Week 9
Continuation of Social Work Empowerment and
Social Work Roles
Reading:
DuBois & Miley
Ch.8 Empowering
processes for social
work practice
2nd Exam
Week 10
Ch. 9-Social Work Functions and Roles
The role of the
social worker in
social policy
Reading:
Handout give by Professor and
DuBois & Miley
Ch. 10 Social work &
social policy
Week 11
Agency Scavenger Agency Hunt Due
Issues of poverty
Speaker: Emergency
Shelter
Reading:
DuBois & Miley
Ch. 11 Social work and
poverty:
Homelessness,
unemployment &
criminal justice
Week 12
Health & mental
health
Reading:
DuBois & Miley
Ch 12 –
Social work in
health,
rehabilitation, and
mental health
Week 13
Social Work Interview Due
Families & youth
Speaker: Child
Protection Services
Reading:
DuBois & Miley
Ch 13 –
Social work with
families and youths
Week 14
NO CLASS –THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY
Week 15
School social work,
Developmental &
cognitive
disabilities
Review for Final
Week 16
SATURDAY, 12/14-FINAL EXAM AT 12:00-2:00
Description of Assignments
1. Autobiography Meets CSWE EO 2.1.1; 2.1.2; 2.1.3; 2.1.4
Students will write an autobiographical paper of 5-7, double-spaced, typed written pages.
Each paper should contain:
1.1 Family of origin—communication styles and patterns, conflict resolution,
interactions as a family, family structure, and any additional pertinent information.
1.2 Childhood and young adulthood—experiences during your lifetime that impacted in
the formation of who you are today.
1.3 Outside Sources—people and issues that influenced your life.
1.4 Spirituality—the awareness of your spiritual journey.
1.5 Career choices—reasons for choosing or exploring career choices such as Social
Work.
2. Agency Scavenger Hunt Meets CSWE EP 2.1.1; 2.1.2; 2.1.4; 2.1.8
Your task is to find as many of the items identified below as you can but you must have
a minimum of three of the items on the list..
The purpose of this assignment is to become familiar with local human service agencies,
to engage in teamwork, to advocate on your own behalf with agency staff to access the
needed resources, and to examine agency documents.
 You may receive these items from as many local agencies as you wish, though you
must have items from at least three different agencies.
 These items must be placed in a three ring binder with each item in a separate
plastic pocket page.
 A cover page is required.
 Also a cover page is required for each Agency with the name and address of
Agency at the beginning of each section.
Good luck and have fun!!!!
1. Agency Organizational Chart - nonprofit agency
2. Photograph of you in front of the sign of a Social Service Agency.
3. Board agenda for one month from the past year board meeting.
4. Agency brochure about services.
5. Client intake form or application for services.
6. Client rights information (confidentiality or affirmative action statement).
7. Agency budget or financial statement.
8. Spanish language agency newsletter or brochure.
9. Signature of social worker on business card or letterhead.
3. Social Worker Interview: Meets CSWE EP 2.1.1; 2.1.2;
Each student will interview a social worker in an agency of their choice (a list of interview
questions and agency choices will be given at later date). A report will be written based on
observations.
4. Second Exam
5. Final Exam
Rubrics for evaluation
Agency Scavenger Assignment
Excellent (93-100) – Students demonstrate complete and accurate understanding of the
assignment. Students provide a folder with cover page with more than the minimum three items
required and in the order listed.
Good (92-84) - Students demonstrate mostly complete and accurate understanding of the
assignment. Students provide a folder with cover page with the minimum three items required
and in the order listed.
Average (75-83) – Students demonstrate a somewhat complete and mostly accurate
understanding of the assignment. Students do have a folder but do not have a cover page and has
poor organization to the folder.
Below Average (70-74) – Students provide very little insight or understanding of the assignment.
Do not have the minimum required items and no cover page and/or not in the order listed.
Poor (0-69) – Students provide information that fails to show a complete or accurate
understanding of the assignment. Students provide less than the three items, not in a folder with
no cover page and/or not in the order listed.
Social Worker Interview
Excellent (93-100) - Student provides a comprehensive and thoughtful discussion of his/her
interaction with Social Worker, uses good writing skills, and follows correct written format.
Student also provides a thoughtful reaction to his/her experience.
Good (92-84)- Student provides a comprehensive and thoughtful discussion of his/her interaction
with Social Worker, uses appropriate writing skills, and follows correct written format. Student
also provides a good reaction to his/her experience.
Average(75-83)- Student provides a relatively comprehensive and thoughtful discussion of
his/her interaction with Social Worker, uses adequate writing skills and does not quite follow
required written format. Student also provides a relatively thoughtful reaction to his/her
experience.
Below Average (70-74)-Student provides a relatively limited and not very thoughtful narrative of
his/her interaction with Social Worker, uses poor writing skills and does not follow completely
the written format as required. Student does not provide a thoughtful reaction to his/her
experience.
Poor(0-69)-Students provides a relatively limited and superficial narrative of his/her interaction
with Social Worker, uses poor writing skills and does not follow written format as required.
Student’s reaction to his/her experience is limited and superficial.
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