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Syllabus

Master of Social Work

SSW 553 – Advanced Clinical Practice with Families

Credits - 3

Description

This second semester advanced practice course critically analyzes how contemporary clinical theories explain the inner dynamics and external experiences of family systems. Practical applications of family theory are explored through case examples, role play and reflective writing that includes both self analysis and critique of how sociocultural factors influence how we assess and work with families. Students are exposed to a range of family structures and caregiving systems and also to the larger social contexts of race, social class, gender, age, ability, sexual orientation, gender identification, spirituality and culture, which influence the distribution of resources made available to these families. The role of the clinician as activist is explored as students reflect upon what their professional roles will be as community practitioners.

Materials

Required Readings

  • Goldenberg, I. & Goldenberg, H. (2013). Family therapy: An overview. Belmont, CA: Brooks/ Cole, Cengage Learning.
  • Walsh, J. (2014). Theories of direct social work practice, Third Edition. Belmont, CA: Thomson Brooks/Cole. (This was used in SSW 552.)

Recommended Reading

  • Thomlison, B. (2016). Family Assessment Handbook: An Introduction and Practical Guide to Family Assessment. Boston: Cengage Learning.

Learning Objectives and Outcomes

School of Social Work Program Outcomes:

Graduates of the UNE SSWO will demonstrate knowledge, skills, and leadership in the following:

  1. Demonstrates ethical and professional behavior.
  2. Advance human rights and social, racial, economic, and environmental justice.
  3. Engage in anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion (ADEI) in practice.
  4. Engage in practice-informed research and research-informed practice.
  5. Engage in policy practice.
  6. Engage with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
  7. Assess individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
  8. Intervene with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
  9. Evaluate practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.

Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of Advanced Clinical Practice with Families students will:

  1. Identify and critically analyze the theoretical underpinnings and assumptions of selected approaches to social work practice with individuals, families, and groups. PROGRAM OUTCOME #3 and #6 (As measured by discussion and the Comparison of Family Therapy Approaches Paper)
  2. Apply advanced knowledge and skills including engagement, strengths-based and co-constructed assessment, intervention selection, implementation, outcome evaluation and termination. PROGRAM OUTCOME #3 and #6 (As measured by the Complex Practice Case Assignment and discussion)
  3. Demonstrate knowledge of the concepts of interdisciplinary collaboration, community building, and clinical practice for social justice. PROGRAM OUTCOME #5 (As measured by discussion)
  4. Demonstrate the ongoing process of self in relation to social work practice and the awareness of the knowledge and experiences that both worker and client bring to the therapeutic relationship. PROGRAM OUTCOME #4 (As measured by journal entries and discussion)
  5. Demonstrate the abilities to work effectively and compassionately with clients from all walks of life and across the life course including those from unfamiliar backgrounds or cultures, and those who experience oppression and discrimination as a consequence of class, race, gender, age, sexual orientation, ability or belief system. PROGRAM OUTCOME #3 and #6 (As measured by the Comparison of Family Therapy Approaches Paper and discussion)

Assignments

Writing Assignments, Projects and Assessments

Description: Students will have one writing assignment (a reflective journal entry) with each module. You will submit your weekly Journal Entry via the “Reflection Journal” link in the main menu of the course. In Module 1, Week 3, you will complete a paper comparing the approaches of Bowenian and structural family therapy, using a case provided to you. In Modules 5 and 6, you will analyze a case provided you using the case study method. You will also review and complete a final revision of your personal practice philosophy that you originally created in SSW 552. Students are expected to integrate the learning materials of the course modules into writing assignments as a method of demonstrating achievement of module objectives.

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

AssignmentPoint ValuePercentage of Grade
Weekly Participation in All Discussions320 points (40 points * 8 weeks)32%
Reflective Journal Entries180 points (30 points * 6 modules)18%
Comparison of Family Therapy Approaches Paper200 points20%
Complex Practice Case Assignment (Nancy Troy Case)200 points20%
Personal Practice Philosophy Statement - Final Revision100 points10%
Total1,000 points100%

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: June 28 – August 20

All assignments are to be submitted by 11:59PM EST on the dates listed below.

Unless otherwise specified below, all module discussions and assignments are due the last day of the module or unit week. Initial discussion posts are due by 11:59PM Saturday; and responses to classmates are due by the end of the week; except for the early discussion due-dates noted in Module Six.

MODULE 1 (Please Note: This module spans Weeks 1, 2, and 3)
Family Systems Approaches – Theory and Application | Dates: 6/28 – 7/18

Week 1 | Dates: June 28 – July 4

Opening Remarks: Module 1: What is a Family?

Readings:

  • Opening Remarks
  • Journal articles 
  • Textbook: Goldenberg, I. & Goldenberg, H. (2013). Family therapy in practice: An overview (8th ed.), pp. 1-15, 77-88, and 90-102.
  • Thomlison Excerpt

Discussions:

  • Culture and Social/Economic Class Discussion; Informal Discussion on family

Assignments Introduced:

  • Comparison Paper and Complex Case Paper

Week 2 | Dates: July 5 – July 11

Opening Remarks: Module 1: Family Therapy

Readings:

  • Journal articles as assigned
  • Textbook: Walsh, J. (2013). Theories for Direct Social Work Practice (3rd ed.). Belmont, CA:Thomson Brooks/Cole. 113-145 and 202-231 (Chapters 6 and 9).
  • Textbook: Goldenberg, I. & Goldenberg, H. (2013). Family therapy in practice: An overview (8th ed.), pp. 15-28, 221-232, and 285-301.
  • Thomlison Excerpt

Multimedia:

  • Watch: Videos as listed

Discussions:

  • Family Therapy Discussion; Informal Discussion

Assignments: 

  • Begin work on Comparison of Family Therapy Approaches Paper (This is to provide an early start on this paper – this assignment is due by the end of Week 3)

Week 3 | Dates: July 12 – July 18

Module 1: Introductory Remarks

Readings:

  • Journal articles as assigned
  • Textbook: Goldenberg, I. & Goldenberg, H. (2013). Family therapy in practice: An overview (8th ed.), pp. 358-361 and 400-407.
  • Documents: The Oliver Family

Discussions:

  • Critical Inquiry Discussion; Informal Discussion on hypotheses

Assignments:

  • Learning Resources and Readings Reflection Journal; Comparison of Family Therapy Approaches Paper Submission

MODULE 2: Framing Challenges of Life Cycle Transitions

Week 4 | Dates:  July 19 – July 25

Opening Remarks: Module 2: Introductory Comments

Readings:

  • Journal articles as assigned
  • Textbook: Goldenberg, I. & Goldenberg, H. (2013). Family therapy in practice: An overview (8th ed.), pp. 29-48.
  • Document: Case of Janelle

Multimedia:

  • Watch: Videos as listed

Discussions:

  • Impact of Chronic Illness and Loss and Death Discussion; Informal conversation on “transitions”

Assignments:

  • Learning Resources and Readings Reflection Journal

MODULE 3: Framing Challenges to the Family Structure

Week 5 | Dates: July 26 – August 1

Opening Remarks: Module 3: Introductory Comments 

Readings:

  • Journal articles as assigned
  • Textbook: Goldenberg, I. & Goldenberg, H. (2013). Family therapy in practice: An overview (8th ed.), pp. 48-61 and 62-70.
  • Document: The Case of Laura and Denise
  • Document: The Oliver Family

Multimedia:

  • Watch: Videos as listed

Discussions:

  • Family Restructuring and Individual and Family Life Cycles Discussion; Informal Conversation on family make-up

Assignments:

  • Learning Resources and Readings Reflection Journal

MODULE 4: Framing Challenges of Violence and Trauma

Week 6 | Dates:  August 2 – August 8

Opening Remarks: Module 4: Introductory Comments 

Readings:

  • Journal articles as assigned
  • Textbook: Goldenberg, I. & Goldenberg, H. (2013). Family therapy in practice: An overview (8th ed.), pp. 70-77 including Box 3.4 Case Study on Domestic Violence.
  • Document: Case of Pamela

Multimedia:

  • Watch: Videos as listed

Discussions:

  • Trauma and Culture Across the Family Life Cycle Discussion; Informal conversation on family violence

Assignments:

  • Learning Resources and Readings Reflection Journal; Complex Case Paper reintroduced

MODULE 5 Framing Challenges of Addictions and Mental Illness

Week 7 | Dates: August 9 – August 15

Opening Remarks: Module 5: Introductory Comments 

Readings:

  • Journal articles as assigned
  • Document: Case of Veronica
  • Document: Case of Nancy Troy

Discussions:

  • Addictions and Mental Illness Across the Family Life Cycle Discussion
  • Complex Practice Case Discussion (draft due in small group discussion board by Thursday of Week 7, feedback to small group members due Saturday of Week 7)
  • Informal conversation: Chicken or egg or ?

Assignments:

  • Complex Practice Case Assignment Submission (Draft due to group by Thursday; Paper and Conclusion Due Tuesday of Week 7)
  • Learning Resources and Readings Reflection Journal

MODULE 6 Reflections on Advanced Practice

(Please note the early assignment and discussion due dates the final week) 

Week 8 | Dates: August 16 – August 20 (short week)

Opening Remarks: Module 6: Introductory Comments 

Readings:

  • Journal articles as assigned
  • Textbook: Goldenberg, I. & Goldenberg, H. (2013). Family therapy in practice: An overview (8th ed.), pp. 415-421 and 476-492.

Discussions:

  • Life Cycle Interplay Within the Therapeutic Relationship Discussion
  • Reflexive Practice Within One’s Own Practice Discussion

Assignments: 

  • Personal Practice Philosophy Statement Final Revision; and Learning Resources and Readings Reflection Journal (Both Due: Saturday of Week 8)

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:

Information Technology Services (ITS)

ITS Contact: Toll Free Help Desk 24 hours/7 days per week at 1-877-518-4673

Policies

Discussion Participation:

Postings to the discussion board must add substantively to the discussion by building upon classmates’ ideas or posing critical questions to further the discussion. For example, a posting of “I agree with what people are saying” is not sufficient. Your course facilitator will be monitoring participation throughout each week and is available by course message or “Ask the Class” if you have any questions. Keep in mind that weekly postings make up a significant percentage of the final grade. All postings must be respectful. If at any time you are concerned with a posting, please notify your course facilitator immediately. Please refer to the Participation Rubric to see how your weekly participation will be evaluated.

Each discussion board requires students post an initial response to the discussion question(s) by Saturday (unless instructed otherwise in the module instructions) and then post subsequent responses to classmates over three different days of the class-week. Please note these are the MINIMUM requirements.

All posts to the discussion boards should be completed by 11:59 p.m. E.T. of the last day of the module as indicated in the “Course Schedule.” Any discussions that extend beyond that date and time will not be considered a part of the grade and/or assignment, but rather optional reading.

Writing Policy:

All written work should be typed and double-spaced. Papers should include appropriate citations and bibliography (APA format) as appropriate. Students who are not clear about proper format are encouraged to consult the UNE Student Academic Success Center or various library, online, and other resources to get this information. Material obtained from the Internet should be referenced and limited to recognized scholarly, academic, or client/consumer-oriented sources (such as online journals and information from advocacy-oriented organizations). Wikipedia does not fall into this category. Gender-neutral language should be used throughout all written assignments.

Extensions and incompletes: Under normal circumstances, there will be no extensions for papers or other assignments, or incompletes for the course. If you have concerns about an assignment, please discuss with the instructor will in advance of the due date. If you have reason to believe that you will be unable to complete the work, contact the Course Instructor immediately.

All work that is handed in for credit in this course is expected to be original and for the purpose of this course alone. It is unacceptable to use assignments from other course requirements. Instructor feedback on written assignments will be provided within 72 hours of the due date of each assignment.

Late Policy:

Ten percent of the total points allocated to a given assignment will be deducted for each day an assignment is 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.