Syllabus
Master of Social Work
SSW 510 – Social Work Practice I
Credits - 3
Description
Social Work Practice (SSW 510 & SSW 511) is a two-semester foundation course. Social Work Practice II (SSW 511) builds on students’ understanding of generalist social work practice, beginning with the planned change process within larger systems and moving into integrative multilevel practice. The theoretical framework of this course is based on empowering and organizational change theories for practice, informed by the core social work values of self-determination, diversity, human dignity and social justice. Students are encouraged to critically examine knowledge and to develop skills for culturally attuned practice. Students are exposed to tenets of evidence-guided practice utilized within larger systems. Students learn and apply skills for change with and within organizations and communities including assessment and planned change strategies. Practice skill development on all systems levels values people’s strengths, supports and enhances individual and collective self-determination and influences social systems to promote human rights to health, equitable distribution of resources and social justice.
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.
Learner Characteristics
Students taking this class will have completed the SSW 501 and SSW 502 in the traditional track.
Course Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, students will:
- Engage in ethical reflection and critical consciousness within the context of the values of the social work profession. Program Objective 4 (Assessed in Assignment 2, Mutual Goal Setting Paper
- Demonstrate self-reflective practice that includes awareness and integration of personal, professional, social, economic, political, and cultural forces that promote and/or impede social inclusion and compassionate client-centered practice. Program Objective 1 (Assessed in Assignment 1 and 2, Goal Setting Paper and Group Observation Assignment)
- Facilitate change with individuals, families, and communities at all systems levels, using empowering and reflexive theories of practice to:
- foster health-promoting client-worker alliances,
- conduct client-centered and resiliency based assessments,
- create collaborative community partnerships for client-driven service delivery, and
- apply principles of evidence-guided and client-centered practice evaluation. Program Objective 3 and 7 (Assessed in Assignment 3, Strengths Oriented Assessment Paper)
Accreditation Standards Addressed:
Council on Social Work Education Educational and Practice Standards (EPAS) (Also See Program and Course Objectives Above)
- Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior (EPAS 1)
- Engage Diversity and Difference in Practice (EPAS 2)
- Engage with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities (EPAS 6)
- Assess Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities ( EPAS 7)
Assignments
Learning Activities
A variety of learning activities 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, podcasts, and videos to present the important concepts in the various modules. The readings and media sources provide the foundation and background for student discussion threads, the portfolio assignment, and written assignments.
Discussions
An important learning method in this course is student participation and interaction in the discussion threads within each module. Students are expected to participate actively and in a respectful manner. Please refer to Course Policies about participation for a full discussion of expectations.
Writing Assignments, Projects, and Assessments
You will have three major writing assignments in this course: In Week 3, you will submit a Group Observation Paper. In Week 4, you will submit your Engagement, Relationship Building and Mutual Goal Setting Paper to your group members for their feedback. You will then turn in Engagement, Relationship Building and Mutual Goal Setting Paper with a summary of the input from your group colleagues in Week 5. Your final Strengths-Oriented Assessment Paper will be turned in during Module 7. In addition, you will have weekly discussion questions to answer and discuss with your peers.
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
| Assignments | Point Value | Percentage of the Final Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Participation | 240 points (30 points x 8 weeks) | 24% |
| Group Observation Paper | 160 points | 16% |
| Engagement, Relationship Building and Mutual Goal Setting Paper | 280 points | 28% |
| Strengths-Oriented Assessment Paper | 320 points | 32% |
| Total | 1,000 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: 05/04/16 – 06/26/16
All assignments are to be submitted by 11:59PM EST on the dates listed below. Unless otherwise specified, all module discussions and assignments are due the last day of the module or unit week.
MODULE 1
Introduction to Social Work Practice
Week 1 | Dates: 05/04/16 – 05/10/16
- Required and Optional Readings
- textbook and articles as assigned
- Multimedia: opening podcast and videos as assigned
- Discussions:
- Theories and Assumptions in Group Practice and Evidence-Guided Practice Group Discussions
- Assignments: Introduction to all major course assignments
MODULE 2
Social Work Values and Ethics
Week 2 | Dates: Dates: 05/11/16 – 05/17/16
- Required and Optional Readings: text, websites, documents and articles as assigned
- Multimedia: opening podcast and videos as assigned
- Discussions: Ethical Purposes and Codes Group Discussion; Apply Ethical Decision-Making Discussion
- Assignment reminder: Group Observation Paper due next week
Module 3: Critical Consciousness and Reflexive Social Work Practice
Week 3 | Dates: 05/18/16 – 05/24/16
- Required and Optional Readings: text and other readings
- Multimedia: opening podcast and videos as assigned
- Discussions: Critical Thinking Group Discussion; Critical Consciousness Group Discussion
- Assignments: Submit Group Observation Paper
Module 4: Building Relationships, Alliances, and Setting Goals
Week 4 | Dates: 05/25/16 – 05/31/16
- Required and Optional Readings: text and articles as assigned
- Multimedia: opening podcast and videos as assigned
- Discussions: Client Readiness and Worker Empathy Group Discussion; Case Study Group Discussion
- Assignment Submission to Group: Engagement, Relationship Building, and Mutual Goal Setting Paper
Module 5: Working with Groups
Week 5 | Dates: 06/01/16 – 06/07/16
- Required and Optional Readings: text and articles as assigned
- Multimedia: opening podcast and videos as assigned
- Discussions: Client Empowerment Group Discussion; Characteristics of Social Work Practice Group Discussion; Engagement, Relationship Building, and Mutual Goal Setting Paper Critique Group Discussion
- Assignment Submission to Instructor: Engagement, Relationship Building, and Mutual Goal Setting Paper and Summary
MODULE 6: Social Work Process
Week 6 | Dates: 06/08/16 – 06/14/16
- Required and Optional Readings: text and articles as assigned
- Multimedia: opening podcast and videos as assigned
- Discussions: Case Theory Group Discussion; Relational Engagement Group Discussion
- Assignment Reminder: Strengths-Oriented Assessment Paper due next week
Week 7 | Dates: 06/15/16 – 06/21/16
- Required and Optional Readings: text and articles as assigned
- Multimedia: opening podcast and videos as assigned
- Discussions:
- Social Contracts Group Discussion; Termination Process and Saying Good Bye Discussion
- Assignment Submission: Strengths-Oriented Assessment Paper
Module 7: Integrated Practice with Individuals and Families
Week 8 | Dates: 06/22/16 – 06/26/16
- Required and Optional Readings: text and optional readings as assigned
- Multimedia: opening podcast and videos as assigned
- Discussions: Adichie Group Discussion; Workers and Clients Group Discussion
Student Resources
Tips for Success
- The reading assignments present complex content that may be new to you. Please set aside time to have quiet, focused reading. It can also be helpful to outline the key concepts and definitions with the readings.
- The content within the course has been selected to provoke thoughtful, meaningful discussion. At times, this content may also raise personal issues for you – you may meet yourself in the readings or case presentations. This is not unusual in professional education; many chose to become social workers based on past personal experiences. As you become aware of issues, please remember you are a part of a learning community which is educationally focused. Be mindful of what you share with others. If you become overwhelmed personally with course content, please touch base with your instructor or academic advisor if necessary.
- You will be asked in your discussion boards to reflect on particular readings and/or multimedia. Reflection requires that you synthesize the material and place it in the context of your understand. Dialog with your fellow students will open new avenues or ideas that you may not have explored or thought about. Be open to “the new” – the “unknown.” Stretch!
- Do not wait until the end of the week to post to the discussion board. By posting early in the week, we as a class or small group have more time to delve deeper into the discussion threads.
- Do not be hesitant to ask questions! If you have a question or concern, contact the instructor. There is always the option of scheduling a phone meeting.
- Discussion postings are a reflection of the writer’s professionalism. Carefully proofread your post writing before posting it.
- If your writing skills need polishing up, contact the Student Academic Success Center early in the term!
- To create a learning community, we need to be able to take risks within a respectful and safe environment. Please be mindful of how you respond to others. Think about how your words will be received. Always use respectful communication.
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
Policies
Late Policy
Ten points will be deducted from assignments for each day they are late IF the instructor has not approved an extension in advance of the due date.
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.