Syllabus

Master of Social Work

SSWO 564 Program Development and Community Practice, (Spring B 2023)

Credits - 3

Description

This course builds upon the foundation year and introduces students to the changing context of community and inter-organizational linkages across human service systems. Major content focuses on community and organizational needs assessment, community building, understanding and working in multi-system service environments. Client empowerment, collaborative relationship building across various system levels, including coalition building, and across problem areas and settings are emphasized. Must be enrolled in: Master of Social Work.

Prerequisites:

Successful completion of SSWO 522 Field Integrating Seminar/Practicum II

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:

1. Practice social inclusion to enable people, populations, and communities to fully participate in society, enhance human bonds in the context of cultural diversity and ensure improved quality of life and equitable resource distribution. EPAS Competencies 2 & 3
2. Engage in culturally-informed relationship building, being respectful of the complexity and diversity of contexts and circumstances. EPAS Competencies 3 & 6
3. Utilize theories of human behavior, social systems and social inclusion when offering interventions with people and their environments. EPAS Competency 8
4. Promote ethical reflection, critical consciousness and shared decision-making based in social work values and with consideration of the broader contexts of the world in which we live. EPAS Competency 1
5. Balance the roles of helpers, activists, and advocates through collaboration with communities to build healthy and sustainable resources. EPAS Competencies 2, 5, & 6
6. Engage as critical consumers and producers of research as it relates to assessment, intervention and evaluation of clinical and community practices. EPAS Competencies 4, 7, 8 & 9
7. Practice person-centered and collaborative community partnerships across diverse settings. EPAS Competency 6

Course Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

1. Apply a social work macro practice perspective to the dynamic nature of community practice in collaboration with clients, systems, and community partners, demonstrating a connection with micro and mezzo social work practice. Program Outcomes 5 & 7; EPAS 6 & 7; Discussion Boards Week 1, 4, 5, & 6
2. Apply ethical values to decision-making in relation to ADEI in the broader context of communities and organizations. Program Outcome 4; EPAS 1 & 3; Discussion Boards Week 2 & 3, Week 3 Reflection Paper
3. Choose evidence-based interventions applicable to macro social work practice with communities and organizations. Program Outcomes 3 & 6; EPAS 6, 7, 8, & 9; Discussion Boards Week 4, 5, 6, & 8
4. Demonstrate skills for effective program development, utilizing community assets and participatory approaches that create change and promote ADEI. Program Outcomes 1 & 2; EPAS 3, 6, 7, & 8; Discussion Boards Week 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, & 7, Week 3 Reflection Paper, Week 8 Presentation
5. Evaluate program goals, objectives, and interventions for continuous improvement, sustainability, and promotion of ADEI. Program Outcomes 6 & 7; EPAS 3 & 9; Discussion Boards Week 6 & 8, Week 8 Presentation
6. Select appropriate policy advocacy practices for program development and implementation in social work community practice. Program Outcomes 5 & 7; EPAS 5; Discussion Board Week 7

Accreditation Standards Addressed: Council on Social Work Education Educational and Practice Standards (EPAS)

• Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior (EPAS 1)
• Engage anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion (ADEI) in practice (EPAS 3)
• Engage in policy practice (EPAS 5)
• Engage with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities (EPAS 6)
• Assess individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities (EPAS 7)
• Intervene with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities (EPAS 8)
• Evaluate practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities (EPAS 9)

Assignments

A variety of learning activities support the course objectives, facilitate different learning styles, and build a community of learners.  Learning activities for each week include the following:

• Readings and Multimedia: Online courses require different types of materials to enhance student understanding and knowledge of the course content. This includes websites, films, video clips, case studies, podcasts, and reading assignments.
• Discussions: The discussion forums require students to demonstrate a critical understanding and integration of the material covered. Please note the grade breakdown and the significance of discussion contributions.

Written Assignments:

Analyzing Personal Core Values and the Effects on ADEI in Community Social Work Practice: A Reflection Paper (EPAS 1 & 3)

For this paper, you will be reflecting on the work you completed on the Guiding Values and Ethics infographic to further reflect and assess how your core values affect ADEI practices in your work as a community practitioner.

This paper is three to four (3 – 4) pages (not including title or reference pages – please do not go over this limit). There should be at least four peer-reviewed, scientific, and/or academic writings to support your writing and thoughts. Please be sure to include main headings that utilize each of the four prompts provided in the instructions – include subheadings under main headings where appropriate. Please be sure you follow APA 7 style guidelines for the entire paper. You may use first-person narrative for your writing.

Video Presentation of Community Campaign 

On Friday of Week 8, you will submit the URL of your group’s video to the Whole Class Discussion Board that will provide a formal presentation of your community campaign. This presentation should be created with the audience of local community constituents you would be advocating to on behalf of the community campaign.

In addition to the group’s video presentation, please attach a one-page handout that covers the highlights of what you will present in the video. This handout should be in outline format with bulleted points under each main point of the outline. Please do not exceed one-page.

The group’s video presentation should include information from assignments completed by the group from Week 4 to Week 7 regarding the Casterview Community case study.

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	Percent of Final Grade
Acknowledgement of Academic Engagement	1 point	1%
Week 3 Reflection Paper	10 points	10%
Video Presentation- Community Campaign	20 points	20%
Whole Class Discussions	20 points (4 forums X 5 points)	20%
Introduction Discussion	4 points	4%
Group Discussions	40 points (4 X 10 points)	40%
Group Discussion (Single)	5 points	5%
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