Missouri Western State University
Practice II-Three Credit Hours
SWK 360-01 Room # Wilson 205
Thursday 12:30-15:20pm- Wilson Hall Room 205
Department of CJLSSW- Spring 2014
Geri Dickey, Ph.D., LCSW
Office #: 203C Wilson Hall
Office Hours: (Monday-1pm-2:00pm), (Tuesday-11:00am -12:00pm), (Wednesday-1pm – 2:00pm),
(Thursday-11am- 12:00pm), or by appointment.
Office Phone: 816-271-4350
E-mail gdickey@missouriwestern.edu
Course Description
Social Work 360 focuses on group work using the generalist social work perspective. The course
covers group theory, ethics and values, planned change process, assessment, planning,
intervention and practice evaluation as applied to task and treatment groups. It is the second of
three social work practice courses designed to teach the student theories and skills necessary to
effectively design, implement and evaluate task and treatment groups. It builds on the previous
social work courses in the areas of ethics and values, working with families, social work history,
and generalist practice, the planned change process, utilizing systems and ecological perspectives
along with group development theories.
Student Learning Objectives for Course
Students will demonstrate knowledge about:
1
The historical, philosophical and methodical roots of group work and the development of
group work as a distinct social work practice method;
2
Groups as effective mutual aid systems that can assist individuals, groups, and
communities to address personal and collective issues;
3
Different group types and their distinct purposes;
4
The use of groups within the generalist framework;
5
The planned change process with individuals, families, communities and organizations;
6
How to plan (content, schedule, setting, group membership), implement (beginning,
middle and termination), and evaluate task and treatment groups;
7
Systems theory/the Ecological Perspective and the bio-psycho-social variables that effect
individual behavior in groups and the group as a whole;
8
Group work theory including group dynamics and group development;
9
Leadership theory and how to effectively function as a leader/co-leader in task and
treatment groups;
10
Professional use of self in groups, particularly knowledge about one’s own strengths,
areas for growth, and values that influence one’s group work ability;
11
Knowledge of appropriate group techniques and activity designed for different group
types;
12
Forces such as race, class and gender and how they impact groups, its members and the
worker;
13
The importance of ethnic sensitive group work practice; and
14
The legal, ethical and value issues related to group work.
Student Competencies:
1
Utilize contemporary techniques to plan, implement and evaluate task and treatment
groups;
2
Demonstrate the skills necessary to lead or co-lead task and treatment groups in the
preparation, beginning, middle and ending group phases;
3
Demonstrate the skills necessary to interview and work with families;
4
Demonstrate the professional use of self in groups;
5
Utilize the planned change method to analyze (both orally and in writing) group
dynamics and the different stages in group process;
6
Recognize and alleviate mechanisms of oppression and discrimination that may emerge
through group processes;
7
Demonstrate the ability to problem solve ethical issues that arise in group settings; and
8
Critically examine and apply group theory and research to group work practice.
Students will also:
1
Adhere to the social work values, such as self-determination and confidentiality,
embodied in the NASW Code of Ethics and Standards for Social Work Practice with
Groups; as well as, outline the Code of Ethics. (Assignment #1)
2
Read assignments by the assigned class period.
Classroom Policies
Make-up exam and late assignments policies:
1
Students must contact the instructor if they are having problems with assignment due
dates before the due date!
2
Five points per day will be deducted for late assignments.
3
Students must complete all assignments to pass this course!
Attendance policy:
Because of the experiential nature of the class, attendance is essential!!! Poor attendance could
lower students’ final grade by a letter grade. Please contact the instructor if you cannot attend
class.
Students with disabilities:
If you have been diagnosed with a disability or if you suspect that you may have a disability that
has never been diagnosed and would like to find out what services may be available, please visit
the Office of Disability Services (ODS) in Eder Hall, room 203N or visit the ODS website at
http://www.missouriwestern.edu/ds/ as soon as possible. This syllabus, as well as all other
printed or electronic materials, can be made available in alternative/accessible formats if
requested with sufficient prior notice. Missouri Western is an equal opportunity/affirmative
action institution.
Classroom use of technology:
Cell phones are to be turned off (put away) during class. Computers can be used
for note taking, but permission must be granted, and will be subject to checks
during class time. If students are using the computer for anything other than note
taking sanctions will be applied.
Academic Misconduct:
Academic honesty is required in all academic endeavors. Violations of academic honesty include
any instance of plagiarism, cheating, seeking credit for other’s work, falsifying documents,
academic records, or any other fraudulent activity. Violations of academic honesty may result in
a failing grade on the assignment, failure in the course, or expulsion from the University. When a
student’s grade has been affected, violations of academic honest will be reported to the Provost
or designated representative on the Academic Honesty Violation Report forms. Please see 20082009 Student Handbook and Calendar for specific activities identified as violations of this policy
and the student due process procedure. This handbook is also available online at… (University
policy) www.missouriwestern.edu/handbook/index.pdf ...any student who submits someone
else’s work as his/her own will receive a grade of zero on that assignment. Cheating on an exam
will result in a zero for that exam. Plagiarism on any written assignments will result in a zero for
that assignment. Further disciplinary action may also be employed at the discretion of the
instructor.
REQUIRED TEXT;
Toseland, Ronald W. and Rivas, Robert F. An Introduction to Group Work Practice (6th or 7th
edition). Boston: Allyn and Bacon.
Purchase of an APA manual is seriously encouraged for this course.
Additional readings will be distributed in class. The instructor reserves the right to add
additional readings or change reading assignments on the course outline.
Course Requirements
Each student will outline the Code of Ethics. (Assignment #1)
Task Group (Assignment #2)
Each student will identify and attend a task group meeting. You will complete a group recording
(use SYMLOG 6th edition pp. 240 & 7th edition pp. 253), take minutes of the meeting (6th
edition pp.317 & 7th edition 426-428) and write a report as outlined by the text on (pp. 229231). Note page #’s correlate with the Sixth & Seventh Editions only, if you have another edition
of the text you will need to adjust the page numbers.
Treatment Group (Assignment #3)
In pairs, you and a co-leader will identify a population or mental health issue that you feel could
benefit from group treatment. Together, you will write a report that will demonstrate your ability
and understanding of concepts outlined in class. (To assist with writing the group report look
at “assessing the functioning of the group as a whole” on pp. 229-231 6th edition of your text
& pp. 243-255 7th edition text)
Written Proposal; Mid-Term (Assignment #4)
Co-leaders must find at least six references related to the chosen treatment population. All
sources used for the proposal must be referenced and one of the references must be a book OR
article that discusses how to run a group related to this population. References should also
include information on problems faced by this population, the problems they face, the
assessment tools/approaches and available treatment approaches. Please use APA format to cite
and reference sources.
After researching the group, co-leaders will submit a group proposal that discusses the
population and its problems. The proposal also will outline the design of the mock treatment
group. The proposal will be graded on its written quality as well as criteria outlined in the text on
pp. 181 6th edition & 186 7th editions (please use sample proposals presented in Appendices
D & E as guideline examples). Note page #’s correlate with the Sixth &Seventh Editions onlyif you have another edition of the text you will need to adjust the page numbers.
Beginning stage of treatment group: (Assignment #5)
Co-leaders from (five groups) will conduct the beginning stage group meeting. This roll play is
designed to demonstrate co-leaders ability to meet the criteria for beginning a treatment group.
This meeting is to be 25 to 30 minutes long and co-leaders must demonstrate their ability to meet
criteria of information in the text for beginning treatment group.
Co-leaders will submit a group record (notes of the meeting- pp. 229-231 6th edition & 243255 7th editions.) When assessing your group use “methods for assessing the group” pp. 235250 6th edition & pp. 243-255 7th edition). Also pp. 244 has a 4 point list in the 7th edition of
your text.
Treatment Demonstration (middle stage of group): (Assignment #6)
Middle stage treatment group meeting (five groups) will conduct the middle stage group
meeting. This roll play is designed to demonstrate co-leaders ability to meet the criteria for
middle stage of a treatment group. This meeting is to be 25 to 30 minutes long and co-leaders
must demonstrate their ability to meet criteria in of information in the text for middle treatment
group. Co-leaders will submit a group record (notes of the meeting- for assistance see pp. #’s
from Assignment #5).
Final stage of treatment group: (Assignment #7)
Co-leaders from (five groups) will conduct the final stage group meeting. This roll play is
designed to demonstrate co-leaders ability to meet the criteria for final stage of treatment group.
This meeting is to be 25 to 30 minutes long and co-leaders must demonstrate their ability to meet
criteria in information in the text for final stage treatment group. Co-leaders will submit a group
record (notes of the meeting-see pp. #’s from Assignment #5).
Test: (Assignment #8)
There will be one test this semester, the final
Grading Policy:
100% - 90% = A
80% - 89% = B
70% - 79% = C
60% - 69 % = D
59% & below = F
Outline of Code of Ethic’s = 5%
Task Group Symlog Report =10%
Treatment Group Report =10%
Proposal (Mid-term) = 25%
Beginning Stage Treatment group roll play & report = 10%
Middle Stage Treatment Class Participation & group report = 10%
Final Stage Treatment group roll play & report = 10%
Final TEST = 20%
Individual assignments are graded on a percentage. Therefore, they are weighted. To
calculate your final grade you must multiply (the grade you made for each assignment)
by the assigned percentage prior to totaling the grade for all assignments and dividing
by one hundred.
***All written assignments must be neatly typed, and turned in on time. Failure to do so will
result in an immediate lower grade. Diagrams can be hand drawn, but creativity preferred.
Points will be given for use of creativity and technology.
Tentative Schedule
(All chapters correspond to the 6th edition- it is your responsibility to adjust if you have a different edition.)
DATE
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE OF TOPICS
READINGS
COURSEWORK
Week 1
1/16
Course introduction, objectives and outline, Social
Work Practice and Groups, History of Group
work: Focus of group work practice, values and ethics
in group work, definition of group work, classifying
groups, group versus individual, typology of treatment
and task groups, treatment groups, task groups
Text, chpt 1
WELCOME!
In order to be
successful in this
class….budget time for
reading the textbook.
Week 2
1/23
Historical developments: knowledge from group
work practice; treatment and task groups. Knowledge
from social science research, influential theories;
systems, psychodynamic, learning, field and social
exchange theories.. NASW Code of Ethics
Text, chpt 2
Appendix A
Week 3
1/30
Group dynamics: Group goals, communication and
interaction patterns, cues and reinforcers, emotional
bonds, hidden agendas, subgroups, size and physical
arrangements, power and status, group cohesion,
social control mechanisms, stages of group
development
Text, chpt 3
Week 4
2/6
Group dynamics: Group goals, communication and
interaction patterns, cues and reinforcers, emotional
bonds, hidden agendas, subgroups, size and physical
arrangements, power and status, group cohesion,
social control mechanisms, stages of group
development
Text, chpt 3
Co-leader for a
treatment group will be
assigned; begin
discussion of research
population
Begin COE outline
Research treatment
group
Begin identifying task
group for Symlog
report
Assignment #1
COE outline DUE
TODAY
Research treatment
group
Identify task group
for Symlog report
Week 5
2/13
Group leadership; Leadership theories, personal
styles of leadership, power, factors influencing group
leadership.
Group leadership and Diversity; approaches to
multicultural group work, developing cultural
sensitivity, assessing cultural influences on group
behavior, intervening with sensitivity to diversity
Text, chpt 4
Text, chpt 5
Week 6
2/20
Planning the Group: Planning focus, Planning Model
for group work, establishing purpose assessing
potential for sponsorship and membership recruitment,
orienting members, contracting preparing, planning
for virtual groups, preparing a written group proposal.
Text, chpt 6
Week 7
2/27
Task group; foundational methods leading,
preparing for, sharing info, getting members involved
and committed, dealing with conflict, making
decisions, understanding political ramification,
monitoring and evaluating, solving problems.
Effective problem solving, identify, develop goals,
collect data, develop plans
Text, chpt 11
Task groups, Specialized Methods: Small
organizational groups, large organizational groups,
community groups.
Text chpt 12
Week 8
3/6
Research treatment
group
Attend task group
meeting no later than
this date to have time
to develop a Symlog
report
Work on task-group
Symlog report
Research treatment
group
Finish task-group
Symlog report
Research treatment
group/ start writing
report & (mid-term)
proposal
Assignment #2- Taskgroup Symlog report
DUE TODAY Finish
research on treatment
group, and work on
proposal.
Week 9
3/13
Spring Break
Week 10
3/20
The beginning stage, the group begins; objectives in
the beginning stage, introductions, defining the
purpose, confidentiality, guiding the development,
task and sociaoemotional, goal setting, contracting,
facilitating members motivation, addressing
ambivalence and resistance, working with involuntary
clients, anticipating obstacles. Assessment; definition,
process, individual members, group as whole,
environment, linking to environment.
Week 11
3/27
Text chap 7 &8
A good time to
finalize (mid-term)
Proposal!!
Assignment #3
Treatment Group
Report-DUE TODAY
We will take a few
minutes to identify
group members for
Beginning treatment
group roll playing
Assignment #4 - Midterm) Proposal DUE
TODAY!!!!!
Beginning treatment groups roll playing…
All Groups
Assignment #5
Beginning Treatment
Group…Roll Playing
Week 12
4/3
Week 12
4/10
Middle stage, treatment groups foundation
methods/specialized methods: preparing for
meetings, structuring work, involving and
empowering members, helping members achieved
goals, working with resistant, monitoring and
evaluating progress, intervening with members,
intervening with group, changing
Middle stage, treatment groups foundation
methods/specialized methods: preparing for
meetings, structuring work, involving and
empowering members, helping members achieved
goals, working with resistant, monitoring and
evaluating progress, intervening with members,
intervening with group, changing environment
Week 13
4/17
Final treatment group roll playing,
Week 15
4/24
Ending group work/evaluation; Factors that
influence group ending, process, planned and
unplanned termination, ending group meetings, ending
the group as a whole, why evaluate, methods,
evaluation for planning a group, evaluations for
monitoring a group, evaluations for developing a
group, evaluations for determining effectiveness,
evaluating measures
Final – Thursday May 1
11:30 a.m. – 1:20 p.m.
Wilson 205
5/1
Text, chap 9 &
10
Beginning group
record DUE TODAY!
(group report from
last week’s rollplaying)
Text, chap 9 &
10
Assignment #6
Middle group roll
play TODAY!
All Groups
Course schedule subject to change
Test, chap 13 &
14
Middle Group record
DUE TODAY!
Assignment #7
Final Treatment
group…Roll Playing
Final group record
DUE TODAY
Discussion among
students absolutely
necessary for this class
period.
Assignment #8
FINAL EXAM