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
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 Outcomes
Upon successful completion of Advanced Clinical Practice with Families students will:
- 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)
- 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)
- Demonstrate knowledge of the concepts of interdisciplinary collaboration, community building, and clinical practice for social justice. PROGRAM OUTCOME #5 (As measured by discussion)
- 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)
- 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
| Assignment | Point Value | Percentage of Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Weekly Participation in All Discussions | 320 points (40 points * 8 weeks) | 32% |
| Reflective Journal Entries | 180 points (30 points * 6 modules) | 18% |
| Comparison of Family Therapy Approaches Paper | 200 points | 20% |
| Complex Practice Case Assignment (Nancy Troy Case) | 200 points | 20% |
| Personal Practice Philosophy Statement - Final Revision | 100 points | 10% |
| 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: October 25, 2017 – December 17, 2017
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: Wednesday, October 25 – Tuesday, November 14
Week 1 | Dates: Wednesday, October 25 – Tuesday, October 31
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: Wednesday, November 1 – Tuesday, November 7
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: Wednesday, November 8 – Tuesday, November 14
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: Wednesday, November 15 – Tuesday, November 21
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: Wednesday, November 22 – Tuesday, November 28
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: Wednesday, November 29 – Tuesday, December 5
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: Wednesday, December 6 – Tuesday, December 12
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: Wednesday, December 13 – Sunday, December 17
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
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
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.
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.