Syllabus
Master of Social Work
SSWO 597: DSM – A Social Work Perspective
Credits - 3
Description
This course is designed to prepare social work students with the Diagnostic Statistical Manual used routinely in the mental health field. It incorporates social work practice skills of assessment while developing diagnostic skills needed in a clinical setting.The use of the DSM and learning material further develops one’s practice skills in an ethical, culturally humble manner including race, culture, sexual identity and medical disorders while identifying psychiatric disorders that clients present when seeking assistance.The learning material includes required textbooks, scholarly literature, case studies and videos representing symptoms aligned with the DSM criteria to promote student obtaining working knowledge for use in clinical practice applicable in the mental health field.
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.
Student Learning Outcomes
Students will
- Apply the standards of the NASW Code of Ethics to diagnosing clients. (EPAS 1)
- Engage in practices to advance human rights, social, economic, and environmental justice through critically exploring barriers to mental health services, advantages and disadvantages of diagnosing. (EPAS 2)
- Demonstrate cultural humility by reflecting on their personal biases related to mental health diagnoses, culture, race, sexuality, gender, and ethnic diversity when engaging in the diagnostic assessment process. (EPAS 3)
- Apply research findings from an evidenced-based article to inform practice interventions regarding a diagnostic case study. (EPAS 4)
- Identify how mental health diagnoses and policies impact one another through barriers in access to resources. (EPAS 5)
- Apply theories of human behavior and person-in-environment, as well as other culturally responsive and interprofessional conceptual frameworks, when assessing clients. (EPAS 6)
- Practice determining a DSM-5-TR diagnosis supported by information presented in a case study. (EPAS 7)
- Engage with clients and constituents in the diagnostic process. (EPAS 7)
- Demonstrate use of evidenced-based research to identify a clinical intervention for a diagnostic case study. (EPAS 8)
Assignments
Unless otherwise stated in the course, assignments are due the last day of the week ( Sunday, 11:59 pm EST). Assignments are due on Friday in Week 8. Key assessments include:
Pros / Cons of DSM-5-TR Diagnosing from an Ethical Lens
Using a visual representation or pod cast format, students will explain pro and con arguments for DSM-5-TR diagnosing based on the NASW Code of Ethics.
Case Studies
Students will engage a variety of case studies to practice differential diagnosis consultation as well as individually diagnosing. One case study features a simulated assessment using a provided AI prompt.
Individual Reflective Journals
Three individual journal assignments focus on specific topics related mental health diagnosing. Students will reflect on the implications of those topics and personal biases on their social work practice.
Mental Health Bias Creative Piece
Students will create a piece of their choice to demonstrate cultural humility related to the impact mental health can have on a person, family, or community.
Social Work Licensing Exam Prep Quizzes
Two quizzes will help students practice for the social work licensing exam.
Grading Policy
Your grade in this course will be determined by the following criteria:
Grade Breakdown
| Assignment | Point Value | Total Points |
|---|---|---|
| Acknowledgement of Academic Engagement | 1 | 1 |
| Introduce Yourself Discussion | 2 | 2 |
| Pros and Cons of DSM-TR Diagnosing | 7 | 7 |
| Case Studies: Differential Diagnosis Consultation | 5 points x 4 | 20 |
| Case Studies: Diagnosis and Rationale | 5 points x 4 | 20 |
| Reflective Journals | 5 points x 3 | 15 |
| Exam Prep Quizzes | 5 points x 2 | 10 |
| Case Study: Simulated Assessment | 15 | 15 |
| Mental Health Creative Piece | 10 | 10 |
| Total: | 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 weeks run from 12:00 AM ET on Monday through 11:59 PM ET on Sunday, with the exception of Week 8, which ends on Friday at 11:59 PM ET. Unless otherwise specified in the course, assignments are due the last day of the week.
ALL TIMES ARE IN THE EASTERN STANDARD TIME ZONE, NO EXCEPTIONS.
Course Weeks
Week 1: Aug 27 – Aug 31
Week 2: Sep 1 – Sep 7
Week 3: Sep 8 – Sep 14
Week 4: Sep 15 – Sep 21
Week 5: Sep 22 – Sep 28
Week 6: Sep 29 – Oct 5
Week 7: Oct 6 – Oct 12
Week 8: Oct 13 – Oct 17
Week 1: Introduction to the DSM-5-TR
Assignments
- Introduction Discussion
- Pros/Cons of DSM-5-TR Diagnosing
Week 2: Neurodevelopmental Disorders and Neurocognitive Disorders
Assignments
- Case Study 1 Differential Diagnosis Consultation
- Case Study 1 Diagnosis and Rationale
Week 3: Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders
Assignments
- Case Study 2 Differential Diagnosis Consultation
- Case Study 2 Diagnosis and Rationale
- Reflective Journal 1
Week 4: Bipolar & Related Disorder and Trauma-Stressor Related Disorders
Assignments
- Case Study 3 Differential Diagnosis Consultation
- Case Study 3 Diagnosis and Rationale
- Exam Prep Quiz
Week 5: Depressive Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, and Obsessive Compulsive & Related Disorders
Assignments
- Case Study 4 Differential Diagnosis Consultation
- Case Study 4 Diagnosis and Rationale
- Reflective Journal 2
Week 6: Substance-Related & Addictive Disorders, and Feeding & Eating Disorders
Assignments
- Case Study 5: Simulated Assessment
Week 7: Disruptive, Impulse Control & Conduct Disorders, and Personality Disorders
Assignments
- Mental Health Bias Creative Piece
- Exam Prep Quiz 2
Week 8: Conditions for Further Study
Assignments
- Reflective Journal 3
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:
- 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
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
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.
Graduation Requirements
Students with less than a GPA of 3.0 will be placed on academic probation. Students must successfully complete all courses with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 prior to graduation and fulfill all curriculum requirements.
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.
Attendance Policy
6- to 8-week courses: 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.
10+ -week courses: 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 Enrollment and Retention Counselor if you are considering dropping or withdrawing from a course. Tuition charges may still apply. Students are strongly urged to consult with Student Financial Services, as course withdrawals may affect financial aid or Veterans benefits.
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.