This concentration year elective focuses on the challenges and capacities of children, adolescents, parents and caregivers that come to our attention in clinical social work practice across diverse settings. Students explore and critically analyze a range of theories used to explain child and adolescent development and caregiving structures. Particular attention is given to theories of attachment, caregiving, relationship and neurobiology. Focus is also placed on the social and institutional policies and dominant cultural attitudes that determine the distribution and access to social resources that affect child and family well-being. Interdisciplinary models of practice, including the development of networks and partnerships between social workers and other child-centered professionals are covered. Methods of building relationships with children, adolescents and caregivers are explored as are specific child-centered techniques including art and play therapy.
Graduates of the UNE SSWO will demonstrate knowledge, skills, and leadership in the following:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will:
A variety of learning activities are designed to support the course objectives, facilitate different learning styles, and build a community of learners. Learning activities for each week include the following:
Description: Readings, case studies, films, websites, podcasts, and other multimedia learning activities will be used to illustrate theory, practice approaches, early childhood science and practice research findings, and social and institutional policies that impact child and family social work practice. Course readings reflect a range of theories and practice approaches for your consideration and critique. They were selected to prompt critical thinking and personal reflection as well to provide insight into evolving knowledge. Students are encouraged to explore the literature and share their new knowledge with each other.
Discussions:
An important learning method in this course is student participation and interaction in the discussion threads within each week. Students are expected to participate actively and in a respectful manner; citing from generally recognized academic reference sources to support main points and perspectives shared. Please refer to Course Policies for specific details on discussion participation expectations.
Assignments and Grading:
Assignment requirements and grading rubrics are provided in the Learning Modules. Please refer to the Learning Modules for more information.
Due dates for all learning activities are provided in the Course Schedule.
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 Grade |
---|---|---|
Weekly Discussions | 29.25 points (9 discussions, 3.25 points each) | 29.25% |
Journals | 10 points (8 journals, 1.25 each) | 10% |
Abstract Assignment | 1.25 points | 1.25% |
Agency Assessment Assignment | 12 points | 12% |
Reflection Assignment | 4 points | 4% |
Play Therapy Assignment | 16 points | 16% |
Outline Assignment | 2.5 points | 2.5% |
Children's Project Assignment | 25 points | 25% |
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 |
Course weeks run from 12:00 AM ET on Wednesday through 11:59 PM ET on Tuesday, with the exception of Week 8, which ends on Sunday at 11:59 PM ET. Unless otherwise specified, all discussion comments and assignments are due the last day of the week. Initial responses to discussion prompts are due by the end of Saturday unless otherwise noted.
ALL TIMES ARE IN THE EASTERN STANDARD TIME ZONE, NO EXCEPTIONS.
Week 1: Wednesday, January 6 – Tuesday, January 12
Week 2: Wednesday, January 13 – Tuesday, January 19
Week 3: Wednesday, January 20 – Tuesday, January 26
Week 4: Wednesday, January 27 – Tuesday, February 2
Week 5: Wednesday, February 3 – Tuesday, February 9
Week 6: Wednesday, February 10 – Tuesday, February 16
Week 7: Wednesday, February 17 – Tuesday, February 23
Week 8: Wednesday, February 24 – Sunday, February 28
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.