SOWK 700 - Integrative Seminar I: Social Work Practice with Individuals, Families, and Groups

Course Syllabus

 I. Purpose/Rationale of the Course

 This course is a study of foundation content on social work intervention and methods with individual, family and group client systems.  It is designed to supplement and complement the social work training that individuals have received in BSW programs as preparation for student’s entry into the second year of the master’s program. The course will utilize the generalist intervention model and practice skills in work with individuals, families and groups.

II. Content of the Course

This seminar will focus on competencies required for social work practice with individuals, families, and groups. The areas of content include:

1. a review of generalist social work practice and the problem-solving method
2. assessment, planning and intervention with individuals, families and groups
3. evaluation, termination and follow-up in social work practice with individuals, families and groups
4. micro, mezzo and culturally competent practice skills with individuals, families and groups

III. Course Objectives

A student who successfully completes this course will be able to:

1.      Describe several theories which guide generalist social work practice with individuals and families, including historical development, criteria for selection, and their implications for assessment, planning, contracting, intervention, referral, termination, and evaluation of practice effectiveness.

2.      Conduct and write a psychosocial assessment that reflects understanding of the multiple systems in which an individual and/or family is involved, and of the life experience and current situation that motivate the client to seek assistance.

3.      Differentially select and use basic interviewing and helping skills, in a way that reflects recognition of the effects of social and economic injustice and respect for social and cultural diversity.

4.      Describe the strengths and limitations of group interventions for diverse client populations and organizational situations.

5.      Apply theoretical concepts to assess developmental phase, interaction patterns, group culture, leadership and power dynamics in groups.

6.      Plan treatment and task groups, including group purpose, composition, orientation, contracting, documentation, and evaluation methods.

7.      Identify and analyze value and ethical concerns that may face the generalist social worker in practice with individuals, families, and groups, and suggest responses that are consistent with social work values and the NASW Code of Ethics.

8.      Describe his/her beliefs and values as a social worker, and identify his/her own strengths, in terms of practice knowledge and skill, as well as areas in which further reflection and development are needed.

IV. Linkages to Other Courses

This course for advanced standing students builds upon knowledge of human behavior and social systems of various sizes acquired in undergraduate liberal arts courses, and further developed through courses on human behavior and the social environment which students completed during their undergraduate social work programs. It provides students with a review of practice theories and skills appropriate for generalist social work practice with individuals, families, and groups as they are taught in the College’s foundation year courses, and establishes a foundation of skills in working with individuals, families, and groups in preparation for the advanced year concentration.

V. Methods of Instruction

Lecture-discussion will be the primary instructional method used in this course.  Other methods to facilitate learning will be used at the discretion of the instructor and may include class exercises, role plays, guest lecturers, videotapes, and student presentations.

This course will also provide experiential and computer-based learning opportunities. The methods to be used in this lab class will include computer lab exercises, case studies and video and student demonstrations.

Any student who because of a disability may need special arrangements or accommodations to meet the requirements of this course should consult with the instructor as soon as possible.  The office of Disability Services provides an array of services to meet the needs of students with disabilities, according to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. See information and guidelines provided in The Carolina Community: Student Handbook and Policy Guide.

VI. Course Requirements:

The student is expected to satisfy the following requirements:

1.                  A psychosocial assessment

2.                  Inclusionary Cultural Model Written Assignment

Further information about the above requirements will be provided in class by each instructor.

3.                  In addition to the above written assignments, the instructor may require additional assignments. 

4.         Class attendance and participation: Students are expected to attend all class meetings.  Unexcused absences from class result in a reduction of points towards the final grade or, in extreme instances, in the awarding of a grade of F for the course.

5.         Use of non-sexist and professional language: The use of non-sexist and professional language is expected in written assignments and in class discussions.  Guidelines regarding non-sexist language are available in the Publication Manual (4th ed.) of the American Psychological Association, available in Cooper Library.

6.         Completion of assigned readings as specified in the course outline: Students are expected to complete all assigned readings and to be prepared to incorporate these readings into their class discussions and written assignments.