This course 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.
Graduates of the UNE SSWO will demonstrate knowledge, skills, and leadership in the following:
Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:
Discussions are an important part of the learning process in this course. In typical weeks, students are expected to post an initial response to the weekly discussion questions by Saturday, adhering to the requirements outlined in the prompt and Discussion Rubric. Most discussion activities also require you to respond to a minimum of 2 classmates in meaningful and substantive ways.
One of week 5’s discussion activities is unique in that you will create a group session agenda and critically respond to peers’ agendas. This activity builds on concepts from the group observation and evaluation activity from SSWO 510.
Four weeks in the course feature a brief reflective journal activity. Each journal requires you to comment on how a key concept from the week applies to your social work practice.
The two largest assignments in this course are called “Practice Video Assignments.” Their purpose is for you and a partner to implement a specified set of social work practice skills in a mock therapeutic setting. To do so, you and a partner will meet using Zoom. You will take turns portraying a social worker or a client in response to a case scenario. You will record and submit your work. You will also write a progress note for each mock client session.
In week 6, you will write a brief assessment using information about a fictional client named Rhonda following a format provided.
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:
Assignment | Point Value | Percentage of the Final Grade |
---|---|---|
Acknowledgement of Academic Engagement | 1 point | 1% |
Week 1 Introductions Discussion | 1 point | 1% |
Discussions | 39 points (3 points x 13 discussions) | 39% |
Reflective Journals | 8 points (2 points x 4 journals) | 8% |
Weeks 4 and 7 Practice Video Assignments | 36 points (18 points x 2 practice videos) | 36% |
Week 6 Brief Assessment Assignment | 15 points | 15% |
Total | 100 points | 100% |
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 |
Week 1: Oct 25 – Oct 31
Week 2: Nov 1 – Nov 7
Week 3: Nov 8 – Nov 14
Week 4: Nov 15 – Nov 21
Week 5: Nov 22 – Nov 28
Week 6: Nov 29 – Dec 5
Week 7: Dec 6 – Dec 12
Week 8: Dec 13 – Dec 17 (short week)
All assignments are to be submitted by 11:59 PM ET on the dates listed below, in the Eastern time zone. Unless otherwise specified, all assignments are due the last day of the course week.
Discussions: Initial posts are due by 11:59 PM ET on Saturday, except in Week 8 – the initial post is due by 11:59 PM ET on Friday; responses are due by the end of the course week in every week.
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 students are required to submit a graded assignment/discussion prior to Sunday evening at 11:59 pm ET of the first week of the term. If a student does not submit a posting to the graded assignment/discussion prior to Sunday evening at 11:59 pm ET, the student will be automatically dropped from the course for non-participation. Review the full attendance 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.
The policies contained within this document apply to all students in the College of Graduate and Professional Studies. It is each student's responsibility to know the contents of this handbook.
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.
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:
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.