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INTRODUCTION TO SOCIAL WORK
SWK 21103
SPRING, 2008
BARBARA J. BOLEY, M.S.W., Ph. D.
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University of Rio Grande
Social Work Program
Spring Semester-2008
SWK 21103 Introduction to Social Work
M-W-F, Wood Hall 104
10:30-11:20am
Office hours- M-W-F---- 9:30-10:30
Tu 1:30-4:00
Others by appt.
Instructor: B. J. Boley, Ph.D.
Office: Rm 251, Wood Hall
Telephone: 245-7280
email-bboley@rio.edu
I. Course Content: A survey course to orient the student to the field of social work. Introduces an
understanding of people as individuals, as members of groups, and members of communities.
Generic roles emphasizing change and responsibility are explored and identified. Major topics
include: history of social work, professional value assumptions, nature of social work relationship,
and social work settings.
II. Course Procedure: Using multiple methods, the course employs a textbook of primary sources
which provides the outline for course content. Lecture-discussions include various themes and issues
introduced in the assigned readings, provides knowledge from work experiences, and seeks to
establish continuity from session to session. Students are expected to be active learning partners by
completing each session’s primary readings, related assignments, and participating in class
discussion and in-class activities. Films and other media will enhance our collective effort to
understand the social work profession, social work values and ethics, diversity of clients, and the role
of the social worker. Regular attendance, completion of all assignments when due, and active class
participation is expected of each student and will make a better quality learning experience for all.
III. Learning Objectives: Objectives for the Introduction to Social Work curricula are designed to
enable the student to:
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DV
SW
SW
SW
PR
PJ
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1. develop an understanding of the basic social work theories, values and ethics, practice
roles and functions, and the settings in which they take place
2. develop an understanding, affirmation, and respect for people from diverse
backgrounds
3. become cognizant of the major events in the history and continuing development of our
social work profession
4. begin to appreciate the efficacy of institutional social welfare
5. develop an understanding of the social welfare perspective on critical issues in social life,
including homelessness, racism, sexism, poverty, homosexuality, disability (mental
and physical), unemployment, and others
6. develop beginning skills in the art of interviewing and counseling as a basis for Methods I,
II, and III to build on and develop practice skills.
7. develop an understanding of populations-at-risk and contributing factors
8. develop a beginning understanding of social and economic justice
IV. Evaluation
A. Two quizzes and two exams
B. A 4-8 page paper based on a personal interview with a qualified social worker (i.e. Bachelor’s or
Master’s of Social Work). See interview outline in this syllabus and use cover page outline
included in this syllabus.
C. Scholastic achievement (i.e. 2 assigned self-assessment papers). See guidelines in syllabus and use
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the cover page outline in this syllabus.
D. Weekly out-of-class chapter assignments-See semester outline in this syllabus. Assignments need
to be e mailed as an attachment by the next day after they are due if you are unable to attend
class.
E. Regular attendance and active class participation (Each student has much to offer to others). See
Professionalism, Classroom Etiquette, and Participation Rubric attached to this syllabus.
F. Conformity with the University of Rio Grande policies on academic honesty.
G. Late work will receive a points deduction at the discretion of the professor.
V. Basis for Grading
Learning Products
1. Two quizzes
2. Interview paper
3. Scholastic papers(2)
4. Exam I
5. Exam II
6. Out-of-class assignments
7. Profess., classroom etiq., part.
rubric
Ave. Points
100 pts each
100 pts
100pts
100pts
100pts
100pts
100pts
TOTAL PTS.
Total Points
200pts
100pts
200pts
100pts
100pts
100pts
200pts
1,000
Grading Scale
A= 900-1000
B= 800-899
C= 700-799
D= 600-699
F= 0- 599
VI. Required Textbook:
Kirst-Ashman, K.K., (2007). Introduction to Social Work and Social Welfare, 2nd. ed, CA:
Brooks/Cole. We will also use the companion student workbook for weekly assignments.
VII. Instructor Availability:
It is important to me and to the profession that you be able to assess the “fit” between you and the
field of social work. I am happy to meet with you and I am available in my office (WH 251-see posted
hours), by phone-245-7280, and email-bboley@rio.edu. Office appointments may be made upon
request at hours other than those posted.
Please note that the social work program has a secretary available for you to leave messages. Call
extension 7470.
ADA STATEMENT: If a student wishes to be identified as having a physical, mental, or learning
disability that may require accommodation, he/she must register with the Office of Accessibility,
located in the Department of health Services, prior to the end of the first week of classes for each
semester. These registered students must identify themselves to their instructors and provide them
with a copy of a letter from the Accessibility Office that identifies appropriate accommodations at the
first class meeting no later than the end of the first week of classes for each semester.
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COURSE OUTLINE
INTRODUCTION TO SOCIAL WORK
SPRING SEMESTER, 2008
WEEK (DATE) TOPIC
OUT-OF-CLASS
ASSIGNMENT
IN-CLASS
ASSIGNMENT
1. Introductions
2. Ch1
3. Ch 2
4. Ch 3
5. Ch 4
6. Ch 5
Ex. 1.2 Student manual
Ex. 2.1, 2.2, 2.3
Ex 3.1, 3.2, 3.4
Ex. 4.1, 4.2, 4.3
Ex. 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4
Ex. 1.1, 1.3
7. Ch 6
Ex. 6.1, 6.3, 6.5
Ex. 6.2
8. Ch 7
MISC.
No class 1-21-08
Ex. 3.3
No class 2-18-08
Quiz 1-Ch1-4
TBA
Video-100 Yrs of SW
Interview paper Due
9. Ch 8
Ex. 8.1, 8.3
Ex. 8.2
10. Ch 9
Ex. 9.2, 9.4
Ex. 9.1, 9.3
11. Ch 10
Ex. 10.2, 10.3, 10.4
Ex. 10.1
12. Ch 11
Ex. 11.2, 11.4
Ex. 11.1, 11.3
13. Ch 12
Ex. 12.2, 12.3
Ex. 12.1
14. Ch 13
Ex. 13.2
15. Ch 14-15
Ex. 14.1, 15.1, 15.3
Exam 1-Ch 1-8
Spring Break-3-17-3-21
Self-Analysis I due
Quiz II-Ch 9-11
Self-Analysis II due
16. Final Exam-TBA
NOTES---------ALL WEEKLY OUT-OF-CLASS ASSIGNMENTS ARE DUE ON THE FRIDAY OF
THE WEEK THAT WE DISCUSS THE CHAPTER.
THERE IS A COMPANION WEBSITE THAT WILL HELP YOU PREPARE FOR QUIZZES AND
EXAMS AND CHAPTER ASSIGNMENTS. The URL is www.brookscole.com
1. click on social work
2. click on Introduction to Social Work and Social Welfare
3. click on student companion resources for our text
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INFORMATION ABOUT ASSIGNMENTS
INTERVIEW WITH A SOCIAL WORKER OUTLINE
The interview must be with a social worker who has either a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree
in social work. Use Title Page Format on page 7 of this syllabus.
Paper must be a minimum of four (4) pages but no more than eight (8) pages in length. The
paper is to be typed double spaced with 1” margins on all sides. In addition to the minimum required
4-8 pages, a one (1) page opinion paper is to be attached. An opinion paper contains a critical
analysis of the one-to-one interview process (e.g. your thoughts, perceptions, rejection or approval of
the profession).
Select a social worker from a local agency, or one in your own community to conduct a
personal interview with in the practice setting. She/he must have the job title of either Social Worker or
Case Worker, and have a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in social work. Use the questions below but feel
free to supplement your own questions.
1. What is their job description?
2. What are the tasks associated with their job?
3. How did they come to choose social work as a field of work?
4. How did they choose the setting in which they are employed?
5. What is the pay scale for social work in their agency?
6. What types of problems do they encounter whiled doing their job?
7. What do they like/dislike about their jobs?
8. What other professionals do they work with and how do they interact?
9. If starting a career over would they choose social work? Why or why not?
10. What profession would they choose if they went to another profession and why?
11. What are the major social issues in serving their populations.
SCHOLASTIC PAPER I-SELF-ASSESSMENT EXERCISE
The paper must be three (3) full pages in length, typed double-spaced with 1” margins on all
four sides. The exercise requires you to stand in front of a full length mirror for 20 minutes and
conduct a visual self-examination of your appearance, facial expressions, attitudes, behaviors, beliefs,
values, and morals. While conducting the observation, the self-talk part of the exercise should
address the following questions:
1. What do I see? Do I like what I see? Why or why not?
2. How do I appear to other people (e.g. what do they see when they look at me)?
3. What do my facial expressions convey to the observer?
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4. Do I seem relaxed, self-assured, insecure?
5. What behaviors am I exhibiting at this time?
6. How was I socialized?
7. Can people identify the morals and values that were part of the socialization process?
8. What is the level of self-esteem? Am I confident, self-assured, shy, an introvert or
extrovert, assertive or aggressive?
9. If my appearance, attitudes, actions, and beliefs changed during these 20 minutes, have
they also changed over time? Will they change in the future? How?
10. Is this what a social worker looks like?
SCHOLASTIC PAPER II-SELF-STUDY
This paper must be three (3) full pages in length, typed double-spaced with 1”
margins on all four sides. At the completion of the first social work class your instructor
wants you to explore your expectations at the beginning of the course; share discovery of
potential professional growth areas; reflect on the knowledge gained from this introduction
to social work class; and identify your achievements and/or failures. Examine your
strengths and your areas of potential growth and formulate a time limited program to
improve what you do not like about yourself.
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UNIVERSITY OF RIO GRANDE
School of Social Sciences
Social Work Department
Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements of
Social Work 21103 Introduction to Social work
(Name of paper)
(Student’s Name)
(Date)
Submitted to Barbara J. Boley, M.S.W., Ph.D.
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INCORPORATING TECHNOLOGY IN THE COURSE
(A) You are to submit ALL out of class assignments via attachments to an
email if you cannot attend class. They need to be sent to me at bboley@rio.edu by
the next day. Assignments may also be sent prior to the deadline.
1. Save your work. Save it in rich text if your program isn’t WORD.
2. Send an e mail and attach the document by clicking on attach and
following the instructions. Be SURE to hit send after the document is
attached.
3. Place the name of the document in the Subject line of the email. i.e.
Chapter 1 assignment or Self-assessment 1 etc.
A hard copy of the document needs to be submitted in class the next class day.
In the interest of efficiency and future social work classes, you need to save all of
your work for this class on one disk as well as on your hard drive. This work will be
needed in further social work courses so save your work. It’s always wise to back up
your work.
(B) We will be sharing a list of class members e mail addresses so that you
can stay in touch about assignments during the semester. I will also be sending e
mails to the class from time to time.
Let me know if you have questions about using technology in this course. I’ll be
happy to direct you to resources.