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. REFERENCES Abbott, A.A. (2010). (Ed.). Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs: Challenging Myths, Assessing Theories, Individualizing Interventions. 2nd Ed. Washington, DC: NASW Press. Allen-Meares, P., &. Garvin, C. (Eds.). The Handbook of Social Work Direct Practice (89-112). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. Billups, J.O. (2002). Faithful Angels: Portraits of International Social Work Notables of the Late Twentieth Century. Washington DC: NASW Press. Canda, E.R., & Furman, L.D. (2010). Spiritual Diversity in Social Work Practice: The Heart of Helping. 2nd Ed., NY: Oxford. Chang-Muy, F., & Congress, E.P. (Eds.) (2008). Social Work with Immigrants and Refugees: Legal Issues, Clinical Skills, and Advocacy. NY: Springer. Collins, P. (2000). 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Journal of Evidence-Based Social Work: Advances in Practice, Programming, Research, and Policy,1(1), 7-25. Meisinger, S. (2009). Stories of Pain, Trauma, and Survival: A Social Worker’s Experience & Insights from the Field. Washington, DC: NASW Press. Ramanathan, C. S., & Link, R. J. (Eds.). (2004). All our futures: Principles and resources for social work practice in a global era. Florence, KY: Brooks/Cole. Reamer, F.G. (1020). A Guide to Essential Human Services, 2nd Ed. Washington, DC: NASW Press. Reichert, E. (2007). Challenges in Human Rights: A Social Work Perspective. New York: Columbia University Press. SW 200 Krcek Spring 2012 Risley-Curtis, C., Holley, L.C., & Wolf. (2006). The animal-human bond and ethic diversity. Social Work, 51:3, pp. 257-268. Roberts, A.R. (Ed.). (2008). Social Work Desk Reference. (2nd ed.) Washington, DC: NASW Press. Siniscalchi, A.R., & Jacob, B. (2010). An effective model of case management collaboration for victims of human trafficking. 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