Syllabus
Master of Social Work
SSWO 628 – Use of Creative Arts in Social Work Practice
Credits - 3
Description
This course relates the application of creative arts, including music, literature, theatre, art, poetry, movement, and dance, to increasing self-awareness, working directly with clients, enhancing social awareness of core social issues, and enhancing civic dialogue. Includes presentations by diverse community artists.
Materials
Learning Objectives and Outcomes
School of Social Work Program Outcomes:
Graduates of the UNE SSWO will demonstrate knowledge, skills, and leadership in the following:
- Demonstrates ethical and professional behavior.
- Advance human rights and social, racial, economic, and environmental justice.
- Engage in anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion (ADEI) in practice.
- Engage in practice-informed research and research-informed practice.
- Engage in policy practice.
- Engage with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
- Assess individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
- Intervene with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
- Evaluate practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Employ creative arts in one’s micro social work practice to deepen their self-awareness and elicit emotional and cognitive growth in their clinical practice. (EPAS 1 and 9)
- Employ strategies for integrating creative arts in their macro social work practice to transform identity-based social position, exclusion, power, privilege, and disadvantage. (EPAS 1, 2, 5, and 8)
- Evaluate the use of creative arts as interventions in service delivery with individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations. (EPAS 9)
COURSE EXPECTATIONS:
Students will not need to have any particular artistic talent to take this course. However, all students are encouraged to see themselves as having creative potential and to be prepared to explore and develop personal and collective creativity. Grading will not be based on artistic merit, but on how projects meet the stated objectives of the course. Participation in the course is critical, and the content and process of this class will be greatly enhanced by consistent participation.
Assignments
LEARNING ACTIVITIES
A variety of learning activities are designed to support the course objectives, facilitate different learning styles, and build a community of learners. Learning activities for each module include the following:
Readings and Multimedia: This course will use an array of readings, websites, and videos to present the important concepts in the various modules. The readings and media resources provide the foundation and background for student discussion threads and assignments.
Discussions (32%): An important learning method in this course is student participation and interaction in the discussion threads within each module. Students are expected to actively and respectfully contribute an initial post and two replies to classmates each week. Please refer to Course Policies about participation for a full discussion of expectations.
Grading and Feedback Method: Grading and feedback methods are listed with each specific discussion assignment. Please refer to the Learning Modules and Discussion Boards for more information.
Writing Assignments, Projects, and Assessments
Analysis of an Artist: Movie Critique (20%): The assignment will be an analysis of an artist featured in a film. These films raise questions about the relationship between mental illness and creativity, the positive and negative aspects of becoming a celebrated artist, and how one’s family, culture, and society impact one’s creative work.
Creative Reflection Journals (48%): Throughout the course, you will reflect on your thoughts, feelings, ideas, and reactions to course content in a weekly journal. You are encouraged to explore new modalities of creative expression in your reflections.
Grading and Feedback Method: Grading and feedback methods are listed with each assignment. Please refer to the Learning Modules for more information.
Due Dates: Due dates for all learning activities are provided in the Course Schedule.
Grading Policy
The School of Social Work uses the following grading system for all courses with the exception of field education courses. Students are expected to maintain a “B” (3.0) average over the course of their study. Students with less than a GPA of 3.0 will be placed on academic probation. Students must have an overall GPA of 3.0 in order to receive their Master’s Degree.
Your grade in this course will be determined by the following criteria:
Grade Breakdown
| Assignment | Point Value | Percentage of the final grade |
|---|---|---|
| Acknowledgement of Academic Engagement | 1 points | 10% |
| Discussions | 32 points | 32% |
| Critical Analysis of Film Portraying an Artist | 19 points | 19% |
| Creative Reflection Journal | 48 points (6 points for reflection journal x 8 weeks) | 48% |
| Total | 100 points | 100% |
Grade Scale
| Grade | Points Grade | Point Average (GPA) |
| A | 94 – 100% | 4.00 |
| A- | 90 – 93% | 3.75 |
| B+ | 87 – 89% | 3.50 |
| B | 84 – 86% | 3.00 |
| B- | 80 – 83% | 2.75 |
| C+ | 77 – 79% | 2.50 |
| C | 74 – 76% | 2.00 |
| C- | 70 – 73% | 1.75 |
| D | 64 – 69% | 1.00 |
| F | 00 – 63% | 0.00 |
Schedule
Course Dates:
Week 1: Oct 30 – Nov 5
Week 2: Nov 6 – Nov 12
Week 3: Nov 13 – Nov 19
Week 4: Nov 20 – Nov 26
Week 5: Nov 27 – Dec 3
Week 6: Dec 4 – Dec 10
Week 7: Dec 11 – Dec 17
Week 8: Dec 18 – Dec 22
All assignments are to be submitted by 11:59 PM ET on the dates listed below.
All initial discussion posts are to be submitted by Saturday 11:59 PM ET for all except last week (in Week 8, your initial post is due by Friday 11:59 PM ET); all responses are due by the end of the course week. Active participation is encouraged.
Week 1: The Use of Creative Arts in Social Work Practice
- Readings: Introductory Lecture, textbook chapters, articles (EPAS 1, 2, 4, 5 and 9)
- Multimedia: Videos and sites as listed (EPAS 1, 2, 4, and 9)
- Discussions: Whole-class discussion (EPAS 4)
- Assignments: Creative Reflection Journal (EPAS 1, 2, 3, 4, 7 and 9); Analysis of an Artist: Movie Critique Paper – Introduction (due in Module 6) (EPAS 1, 2 and 4)
Week 2: The Use of Studio Arts in Macro Practice
- Readings: Introductory Lecture, textbook chapters, articles (EPAS 2, 3, 4, 5, 8 and 9)
- Multimedia: Videos as listed (optional – library tutorial to locate ebooks) (EPAS 2, 3, 4, 5, 8 and 9)
- Discussion: Whole-class discussion (EPAS 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 and 9)
- Assignments: Creative Reflection Journal (EPAS 1, 2, 3, 4, 7 and 9); Analysis of an Artist: Movie Critique Paper – Continue working (EPAS 1, 2 and 4)
Week 3: Phototherapy, Therapeutic Photography and Other Uses of Photography in Social Work
- Readings: Introductory Lecture, textbook chapters, articles, ebooks (EPAS 1, 2, 3, 5, 4 and 6)
- Multimedia: Videos and sites as listed (EPAS 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6)
- Discussions: Whole-class discussion (EPAS 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6)
- Assignments: Creative Reflection Journal (EPAS 1, 2, 3, 4, 7 and 9); Analysis of an Artist – continue working (EPAS 1, 2 and 4)
Week 4: The Use of Expressive Arts in Micro Practice
- Readings: Introductory Lecture, textbook chapters, articles, ebooks (EPAS 1, 4, 5, 6 and 7)
- Multimedia: Videos and sites as listed (EPAS 2, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8)
- Discussions: Whole-class discussion (EPAS 2, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8)
- Assignments: Creative Reflection Journal (EPAS 1, 2, 3, 4, 7 and 9); Analysis of an Artist – continue working (EPAS 1, 2 and 4)
Week 5: The Use of Drama Therapy in a Micro Social Work Practice
- Readings: Introductory Lecture, textbook chapters, articles, ebooks (EPAS 1, 2, 6 and 7)
- Multimedia: Videos and sites as listed (EPAS 1, 4, 6, 7 and 8)
- Discussions: Whole-class discussion (EPAS 1, 4, 6, 7, 8 and 9)
- Assignments: Creative Reflection Journal (EPAS 1, 2, 3, 4, 7 and 9); Analysis of an Artist – due next week (EPAS 1, 2 and 4)
Week 6: The Use of Theater in Macro Social Work Practice
- Readings: Introductory Lecture, textbook chapters, articles, ebooks (EPAS 4, 6, 7 and 8)
- Multimedia: Videos and sites as listed (EPAS 4, 6, 7 and 8)
- Discussions: Whole-class discussion (EPAS 4, 6, 7, 8 and 9)
- Assignment: Creative Reflection Journal (EPAS 1, 2, 3, 4, 7 and 9); Submit the Analysis of an Artist: Movie Critique Paper (EPAS 1, 2 and 4)
Week 7: Introduction to Music, Dance, and Movement
- Readings: Introductory Lecture, textbook chapters, articles, ebooks (EPAS 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9)
- Multimedia: Videos and sites as listed (EPAS 2, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8)
- Discussions: Whole-class discussion (EPAS 2, 4, 6, 7 and 8)
- Assignment: Creative Reflection Journal (EPAS 1, 2, 3, 4, 7 and 9)
Week 8: How Writing Journals and Poetry Can be Beneficial in Social Work
REMINDER: WEEK 8 is a SHORT WEEK which ENDS on Sunday.
- Readings: Introductory Lecture, textbook chapters, articles. (EPAS 2, 4, 6, 7 and 8)
- Multimedia: Videos and sites as listed (EPAS 2, 4, 6, 7 and 8)
- Discussions: Whole-class discussion (EPAS 2, 4, 6, 7 and 8)
- Assignment: Creative Reflection Journal (EPAS 1, 2, 3, 4, 7 and 9)
Student Resources
Online Student Support
Your Student Support Specialist is a resource for you. Please don't hesitate to contact them for assistance, including, but not limited to course planning, current problems or issues in a course, technology concerns, or personal emergencies.
Questions? Visit the Student Support Social Work page
UNE Libraries:
- Library Access for all students: Your library login ID and password are the same as the ones you use to log into Brightspace.
- Social Work Databases: https://library.une.edu/library-materials/find/research-by-subject/social-work/
- Library Questions: Ask a librarian or phone library staff at (207) 602-2361 or (207) 221-4330.
Information Technology Services (ITS)
ITS Contact: Toll Free Help Desk 24 hours/7 days per week at 1-877-518-4673
Accommodations
Any student who would like to request, or ask any questions regarding, academic adjustments or accommodations must contact the Student Access Center at (207) 221-4438 or pcstudentaccess@une.edu. Student Access Center staff will evaluate the student's documentation and determine eligibility of accommodation(s) through the Student Access Center registration procedure.
Online Peer Support
Togetherall is a 24/7 communication and emotional support platform monitored by trained clinicians. It’s a safe place online to get things off your chest, have conversations, express yourself creatively, and learn how to manage your mental health. If sharing isn’t your thing, Togetherall has other tools and courses to help you look after yourself with plenty of resources to explore. Whether you’re struggling to cope, feeling low, or just need a place to talk, Togetherall can help you explore your feelings in a safe supportive environment. You can join Togetherall using your UNE email address.
Information Technology Services (ITS)
Students should notify their Student Support Specialist and instructor in the event of a problem relating to a course. This notification should occur promptly and proactively to support timely resolution.
ITS Contact: Toll-Free Help Desk 24 hours/7 days per week at 1-877-518-4673.
Career Ready Program
The College of Professional Studies supports its online students and alumni in their career journey!
The Career Ready Program provides tools and resources to help students explore and hone in on their career goals, search for jobs, create and improve professional documents, build professional network, learn interview skills, grow as a professional, and more. Come back often, at any time, as you move through your journey from career readiness as a student to career growth, satisfaction, and success as alumni.
Policies
Essential Academic and Technical Standards
Please review the essential academic and technical standards of the University of New England School Social Work (SSW): https://online.une.edu/social-work/academic-and-technical-standards-une-online-ssw/
Turnitin Originality Check and Plagiarism Detection Tool
The College of Professional Studies uses Turnitin to help deter plagiarism and to foster the proper attribution of sources. Turnitin provides comparative reports for submitted assignments that reflect similarities in other written works. This can include, but is not limited to, previously submitted assignments, internet articles, research journals, and academic databases.
Make sure to cite your sources appropriately as well as use your own words in synthesizing information from published literature. Webinars and workshops, included early in your coursework, will help guide best practices in APA citation and academic writing.
You can learn more about Turnitin in the guide on how to navigate your Similarity Report.
Technology Requirements
Please review the technical requirements for UNE Online Graduate Programs: Technical Requirements
Confidentiality Statement
Student and faculty participation in this course will be governed by standards in the NASW Code of Ethics relating to confidentiality in sharing information from their placement sites and practice experiences. Students should be aware that personal information they choose to share in class, class assignments or conversations with faculty does not have the status of privileged information.
Late Policy
Assignments: Late assignments will be accepted up to 3 days late; however, there is a 10% grade reduction (from the total points) for the late submission. After three days the assignment will not be accepted.
Discussion posts: If the initial post is submitted late, but still within the discussion board week, there will be a 10% grade reduction from the total discussion grade (e.g., a 3 point discussion will be reduced by 0.3 points). Any posts submitted after the end of the Discussion Board week will not be graded.
Please make every effort ahead of time to contact your instructor and your student support specialist if you are not able to meet an assignment deadline. Arrangements for extenuating circumstances may be considered by faculty.
Attendance Policy
8 week: Students taking online graduate courses through the College of Professional Studies will be administratively dropped for non-participation if a graded assignment/discussion post is not submitted before Sunday at 11:59 pm ET of the first week of the term. Reinstatement is at the purview of the Dean's Office.
16 week: Students taking online graduate courses through the College of Professional Studies will be administratively dropped for non-participation if a graded assignment/discussion post is not submitted before Friday at 11:59 pm ET of the second week of the term. Reinstatement is at the purview of the Dean's Office.
Student Handbook Online - Policies and Procedures
The policies contained within this document apply to all students in the College of Professional Studies. It is each student's responsibility to know the contents of this handbook.
UNE Course Withdrawal
Please contact your student support specialist if you are considering dropping or withdrawing from a course. The last day to drop for 100% tuition refund is the 2nd day of the course. Financial Aid charges may still apply. Students using Financial Aid should contact the Financial Aid Office prior to withdrawing from a course.
Academic Integrity
The University of New England values academic integrity in all aspects of the educational experience. Academic dishonesty in any form undermines this standard and devalues the original contributions of others. It is the responsibility of all members of the University community to actively uphold the integrity of the academy; failure to act, for any reason, is not acceptable. For information about plagiarism and academic misconduct, please visit UNE Plagiarism Policies.
Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to the following:
- Cheating, copying, or the offering or receiving of unauthorized assistance or information.
- Fabrication or falsification of data, results, or sources for papers or reports.
- Action which destroys or alters the work of another student.
- Multiple submissions of the same paper or report for assignments in more than one course without permission of each instructor.
- Plagiarism, the appropriation of records, research, materials, ideas, or the language of other persons or writers and the submission of them as one's own.
Charges of academic dishonesty will be reviewed by the Program Director. Penalties for students found responsible for violations may depend upon the seriousness and circumstances of the violation, the degree of premeditation involved, and/or the student’s previous record of violations. Appeal of a decision may be made to the Dean whose decision will be final. Student appeals will take place through the grievance process outlined in the student handbook.