University of Belize
Faculty of Nursing, Allied Health & Social Work
Social Work Programme
University Drive, P.O. Box 990, Belize City Belize
COURSE NAME & CODE:
CREDITS:
CLASS HOURS:
INSTRUCTOR:
CONSULTATION HOURS:
OFFICE LOCATION:
CONTACT INFO:
Pre-requisite:
Social Work Ethics and Critical Thinking
SWRK 336
Six (3) Credit Hours
Tuesdays, 5:30-8:00pm Room: E136
Starla Acosta, MSW
Tuesdays: 4:00-5:15pm
E-105
223-3562 or 223-0256
ext. 260
sun_moon_starls@yahoo.com
Pre/ Co requisite, first year professional core
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Examines the moral fabric of the human condition, the exploration of selfquestioning, and helps students to develop their critical thinking skills in the context
of social work practice. Taught in a seminar format, students examine current issues
confronting society and select specific ones for discussion and debate. In addition,
the ethics of the social work profession are integrated with the field internship and
applied to actual cases presented by each student. Issues of confidentiality are
emphasized especially in the Belizean context.
Ethical problems arise whenever and wherever people deal with human lives, human
survival and human welfare, activities that social workers are involved in on a daily
basis. Ethics and Critical Thinking is a course designed to assist students in analyzing
ethical quandaries, to learn techniques in making better ethical decisions and become
aware of the ethical aspects of the practice of Social Work in Belize. Ethics and
Critical Thinking examines the moral fabric of the human condition and the
exploration of self-questioning and helps students to develop their critical thinking
skills in the context of social work practice. Students examine current codes of ethics
from other countries and present current issues confronting the Belizean society with
a goal of drafting a professional code of ethics for the developing profession of Social
Work in Belize.
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COURSE OBJECTIVES:
To provide a forum for integrating social work values and ethics into social work
practice with a special emphasis on confidentiality in Belize.
Specific Objectives:
1. Review key principles, functions and values of the social work profession.
2. Develop skills using ethical screening.
3. Familiarize students with the position and actions of international social work
associations.
4. Introduce students to professional codes of ethics.
5. Analyze major social issues in Belize.
6. Develop self-evaluation and self-awareness skills when discussing sensitive
topics.
7. Develop a draft of Social Work Code of Ethics for Belize in groups and suggest
methods of implementation.
8. Describe the concept of Human Diversity, and describe how social work ethics
and values guide professional behaviour
9. Explain the importance of social work values and ethics as a Social Worker
when working within a social service agency
Required Text:
Loewenberg, F. M., Dolgoff, R., & Harrington, D. (2000). Ethical Decisions for Social
Work Practice. Itasca, IL: Peacock.
References: http://www.ifsw.org/home, http://www.naswdc.org
The University Library
Handouts and additional readings to be given out in class.
METHODS OF INSTRUCTION
This class will utilize primarily class discussion, combined with lectures,
presentations, guest speakers, videos, group work and debates.
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CONTENT/SCHEDULE FOR TOPICS:
Date
January 20th
January 27th
February 3rd
February 10th
February 17th
February 24th
March 3rd
March 10th
March 17th
March 24th
March 31st
Topic
Welcome
Review Course Content
Look at Course Syllabus
Setting Classroom Rules
In class, you will write a letter of
your expectation of this course and
how you want to grow in the aspect
of ethics and critical thinking
What are Ethics?
Difference between values, ethics,
morality, and legality
Where do Values come from?
Different levels of values
Not imposing values
The Development of Formal Code of
Ethics for different Professionals
Need for a Professional Code of
Ethics
Discuss homework
Decide on Debate Topics
Ethical Relativism vs Ethical
Absolutism
Guidelines for Decision Making
Principles and Consequences
Anti-oppressive Practice
Other Document that influence
decisions:
UN Declaration of Human Rights
Convention of the Rights of the
Child
And others
Form Group and Discuss Belizean
Code of Ethics
Key Values of Social Work
Confidentiality, Privacy and
Informed Consent
Self-Determination and Dual
Relationship
Integrity of the Professional and
Profession
Assignment
Brainstorm three topics you
would like to debate (to be
turned in)
Read: Chapter 1, 2, & 6
Read: NASW Code of Ethics
IFSW Code of Ethics
Find: Another country or
organizations of Social Workers
Code of Ethics
Come up with three comments
about each code and how it
pertains to Belize
Will be discussed in class
DUE: Initial Self Awareness
Paper
Read: Chapter 3
DUE: Professional/Personal
Values Paper
Read: Human Rights, CRC, &
Other Document
Read: Chapter 4
Read: Chapter 5
Read: Chapter 6
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April 7th
April 6 – 12th
April 14th
April 21st
April 28th
May 5th
May 12th
May 18th–25th
Being accountable
Managing risk
EASTER BREAK
Advocacy
Ethics of partnership working
Debate
Debate
Debate
Discuss Final Self Awareness/
Ethical Dilemma
FINAL EXAM
Read Chapter 7
DUE: Belizean Code of Ethics
DUE: Research Paper
DUE: Final Self –Awareness
KEEP IN MIND THAT COURSE CONTENT IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE!!!!
METHODS OF EVALUATION
ASSIGNMENTS:
Class Debate and Research Paper
DUE:
In class, you will debate on a current social work issue in Belize. The student will
decide on a topic and will decide if s/he will be for or against the issue. The debate
will be approximately 20 minutes long. The student must include research materials
that may include newspaper, the Internet, books. The student must use elements
from NASW Code of Ethics and other ethical documents discussed in class to support
your argument. You will pick the day during the semester you wish to present.
Format will be given later in the semester.
Using the same topic as the debate, the student will write a minimum 6 page research
paper on the debate topic and explain how s/he comes up with his/her conclusions.
Format will be given later in the semester.
Belizean Code of Ethics
DUE:
After learning about other social work codes of ethics of other associations, the
student, in groups, will create a Belizean Social Work Code of Ethics. Students will
think of Belize’s unique culture and society and develop a Code of Ethics catered to
this environment. Again at the end of the semester, the same groups will review
their initial Code of Ethics. They will use the knowledge gained through out the
semester and their internship to make appropriate changes and suggest a possible
forum for the implementation.
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Self Awareness/ Self Evaluation (Initial and Final)
Knowing yourself and who you are is critical in a successful Social Work practice. At
the beginning of the semester the student will go though a series of questions to gain
self-awareness. With this information, the student will write a 4 page essay on
his/her perspective. At the end of the semester the student will answer the same
questions and see how much s/he has grown from his semester of schooling and
especially internship. Also the student will ask himself or herself how they can
continue to grow and become more self aware in his/her profession. List of questions
will be handed out later in the semester those from the first day of class can be used
as well.
Values Essay
After learning about the values and ethics of the social work profession and evaluating
his/her own value system. The student will then compare and contrast the two value
systems. S/he will discuss his own value system, how it has impacted their life, how
the two values mix or don’t mix and discuss times when your values impacted an
important decision. This will be approximate a 4 page paper. Need to follow APA
format and use correct English.
Ethical Dilemma Case Study
Throughout the internship semester, it is highly probable that the student will face an
ethical dilemma. Observing confidentiality, the student will write a paper describing
their ethical dilemma. After describing their dilemma, the student will discuss the
steps they took to resolve their dilemma, what/who did they reference, and how s/he
felt about their decision. A detailed format will be handed out later in the semester.
Students will have the chance to work on the Ethical Dilemma before the final, but
will write out their experience on the Final Exam.
Participation and Attendance
During the 16-week semester, a possible 25 points may be earned for twelve classes.
The lowest grades will be adjusted accordingly. Students will self evaluate at the end
of each class based on timeliness, participation and self-awareness. Students will
give themselves a between a 0 points to 2 points and explain their rational for the
grade. Students will also have a chance to evaluate the Lecturer and give suggestions
for improving the class. Classes that are to be evaluated will not be announced, just
like pop-quizzes. Weekly evaluation sheets will be turned into the professor who will
in turn co-evaluate the student. Students will be able to track their progress
throughout the semester. As the evaluation is based on professional time
management including punctuality and commitment, there are no substitutes or make
ups for this process.
Professionalism and respect for others opinions will be held with the utmost regard
and can affect participation grade.
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Final Exam
The Ethical dilemma paper will be a part of the exam. We will use a series of case
studies (about 5) to read and discuss in essay format to incorporate and application of
your critical thinking and all that we have discussed in the semester. These will be
short essay form. .
TEST: Participation in class is a must
EVALUATION CRITERIA
GRADING:
Class Participation and Attendance
Initial Self Awareness
Values Paper
Code of Ethics
Class Debate
Research Paper
Final Self Awareness
Ethical Dilemma & Final Exam
25 points
10 points
15 points
20 points
20 points
20 points
10 points
20 + 60 = 80 points
CLASS POLICIES
UB ATTENDANCE POLICY
If a student is to obtain maximum benefits from taking a course, regular attendance is
essential and the responsibility of the student. University policy requires that in
order to receive full credit for any course taken, a student must attend no less than
eighty percent (80%) of the classes scheduled for the course. A student who does not
meet this requirement and has less than eighty percent of the contact hours for a
course may be required to withdraw from that course or the final grade for the course
may be reduced in proportion to the number of classes missed beyond the maximum
allowed.
Participation will be evaluated by the following:
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Commitment to learning as demonstrated by class attendance and positive and
appropriate participation in class exercises, activities and discussions; honesty,
integrity, and perseverance; initiative, dependability and punctuality; meeting
deadlines and following instructions; openness to new learning; openness to
examining own values and attitudes; capacity to work under pressure; maturity and
emotional stability; respect for clients and other students; self-awareness;
professionalism; ability to achieve goal and objective; ability to plan and organize
work.
SUBMISSION OF ASSIGNMENTS
All assignments are due on the date specified on the course outline, unless otherwise
stipulated by the instructor. Students are to put their University ID numbers on ALL
submitted assignments, including final papers and exams. DO NOT PUT YOUR NAME
ON YOUR ASSIGNMENTS – USE YOUR STUDENT ID NUMBER.
Assignments will be collected during the FIRST 15 (fifteen) MINUTES of class.
Assignments presented to the instructor thereafter, IF ACCEPTED, will be considered
late and points will be deducted accordingly.
Students must submit a hard copy of all assignments. Electronic copies WILL NOT BE
ACCEPTED without prior permission from the instructor, and will only be accepted
under emergency circumstances. If an assignment is accepted electronically, it is the
student’s responsibility to submit a hard copy to the instructor as soon as possible.
It is the student's responsibility to submit the assignment on time.
Late
papers/assignments will not be accepted unless there is an extreme personal
emergency. One (1) letter grade will be subtracted for each day the assignment is
late.
Students are also encouraged to approach lecturer(s) to discuss difficulties, as they
arise, that might impact their ability to meet deadlines.
PROFESSIONAL PAPERS
Quality of Written Papers
When preparing your papers and reports, assume that you are preparing a professional
report that will be read by social work colleagues, attorneys, doctors, and judges. If
you have difficulty with writing, immediately seek help from your advisor, who might
be able to recommend an additional course to help you with this critical skill.
To qualify for the grade of "A" the student must complete all assignments at an
excellent level within professional standards. All written assignments must be
consistent with the APA format: type-written, double-spaced, 12 point font,
1”margins. Give special attention to grammar and spelling. Use complete sentences.
Your student ID number and page number are to appear on all pages of your papers.
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Staple the pages together. Please DO NOT submit assignments in folders, UNLESS
otherwise requested by the instructor.
The standard criteria for grading and scoring papers are as follows:
 Clearly written; easy to understand and read.
 Proper grammar and spelling.
 Submitted by due date, during the first 15 minutes of class.
 Adherence to instructions and format for assignment.
 Evidence of effort to think critically and learn from assignment.
TEST TAKING POLICY
Students are expected to take all tests. If a student misses as test due to unforeseen
circumstances such as illness, personal emergencies or death of an immediate family
member, she/he must inform the lecturer either in person or via a representative (if
the student is ill or unavailable) no later than the next meeting of the class. In such
cases, the lecturer will arrange a deferred test or other appropriate means of
evaluation. The deferred test must be a new test, written especially for the student
after a deferred test. If a student misses as test without any excuse or without
permission, she/he will automatically receive a grade of 0 for the test. In the
event that a lecturer does not accept a student’s justification for a deferred test, the
student can appeal this decision with his/her academic dean.
When quizzes, tests and exams are being administered, students must adhere to the
following rules.
1. No cell phones are allowed on the student’s person during the quiz, test or
exam.
2. All bags are to be place in the front of the classroom.
3. Students are not allowed to leave the classroom during a test, quiz or exam. If
a students leaves, the student’s paper will be collected and considered as final
submission.
4. Students are not allowed to share materials.
5. Deferred quizzes, tests and exams can be arranged, BUT ONLY under
EMERGENCY circumstances.
CONFIDENTIALITY
Since the topics covered in this class are sensitive in nature, we want to create a safe
environment within which members of this class can share their thoughts, feelings and
experiences if they so choose. Students are therefore expected to behave in a
professional manner, respect colleagues and maintain the integrity of what is
discussed in class.
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ADHERENCE TO SOCIAL WORK CODE OF ETHICS: The student is expected to adhere
to the Social Work Code of Ethics. Unethical or professionally irresponsible behaviour
may, by itself, result in a low or failing course grade. Until Belize adopts a code of
ethics, the NASW code has and will continue to serve as a guideline for ethical
practice. Also refer to the International Federation of Social Workers:
(http://www.ifsw.org) The NASW Code of Ethics is available on the NASW website
(http://www.naswdc.org).
The same standards apply to all nursing students who are also expected to adhere to
the Nursing Code of Ethics. Please refer to the International Council of Nursing code
of ethics which can be found at: www.icn.ch .
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PUNCTUALITY
It is the mark of a true professional to be punctual at classes, appointments and
placements. In extreme emergencies when students are late, they are expected to
enter the classroom with minimal distractions. If the classroom has two entrances,
they are asked to enter from the rear of the classroom, i.e. the opposite end from
where the lecturer or presenter is.
EATING
There will be at least one break during class and students are expected to utilize this
break for eating and drinking.
CELL PHONES
All cell phones must be turned off before class begins. Answering calls during class
time is disruptive and detracts from your participation in class activities. Please
leave personal communication for before or after class time. Let us all be respectful
of each other’s time and investment in learning.
LECTURERS CELL PHONE POLICY
As a Social Work professional, I do my best to maintain healthy boundaries and
balance the demands of personal and professional life. As such, I request that
students who are privy to my cell phone number, not call me after normal working
hours or on weekends, unless the situation is deemed an emergency.
In general, you may send me text messages, however, I may or may not respond. If
the situation is urgent, and you are not getting a response from me (maybe I ran out
of credit), then it is your responsibility to call me (at a reasonable time, during
normal hours and not over the weekend).
**All other polices in the Student Handbook apply.
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UB GRADING SCALE
Letter Grade
Numerical Range
A
AB+
B
C+
C
D+
D
F
95-100
90-94
85-89
80-84
75-79
70-74
65-69
60-64
0-59
Grade
A
190 - 200 =
Quality Point Value
4.0
3.7
3.5
3.0
2.5
2.0
1.5
1.0
0.0
Description
Excellent
Good
Satisfactory
Passing
Failure
Standards
Exceptional work. Meets and exceeds all standards for the
assigned work. Student turns in all assignments on time with no
errors. Professional in attendance and punctuality.
A- 180 -189 =
Excellent work Meets and exceeds most standards for the assigned
work. Student turns in all assignments on time with no errors.
Professional in attendance and punctuality. Few if any errors.
B+ 170 - 179 =
Very good work, well above average. Timely in all assignments
and attendance is very good. Few errors. Professional quality
work.
B 160 - 169 =
Good work, generally above average. Timely and meets all
standards for the assigned work. Minimal errors
C+ 150 - 159 =
Satisfactory work, Adequately addresses all aspects of the
assigned work and strives to improve. Meets 80% attendance.
C 140 - 159 =
Satisfactory work. Addresses all aspects of the assigned work.
Meets 80% attendance.
D+ 130 - 139 =
Passing. Meets 80% attendance.
D 120 - 129 =
Below average work. Marginally acceptable. Meets 80%
attendance.
F Below 120
Failing.
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