SOWK 722: Foundations of Social Work Practicewith Individuals and Families

Course Syllabus

I. Purpose/Rationale

This course serves as an introduction to social work concepts and basic skills of practice with individuals and their families.  This course will present basic knowledge, values, skills, techniques and guidelines relevant to practice at an interpersonal level.

The student is expected to become proficient in utilizing concepts and skills enabling them to intervene with complex social work problems in working with individuals and their families.

II. Content of the Course

Students will learn a problem solving process that includes problem identification, needs and strengths assessments, planning, intervention, termination, and evaluation.  Skills in relationship building, interviewing, and recording and documentation will be learned in relation to this problem solving process.  Knowledge and skills relevant to practice with populations at risk including women, people of color, people who are gay and lesbian, and people who are economically impoverished will be emphasized.  Issues of oppression, diversity, social justice, values, and ethics will be integrated throughout the course.  Attention to the evolution of social work practice from an historical perspective will establish the context for this introduction to contemporary practice.

III. Course Objectives

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

5.      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 foundation year course builds upon knowledge of human behavior and social systems of various sizes acquired in undergraduate liberal arts courses, and further developed through the concurrent foundation year course on human behavior and the social environment (712). It provides students with an introduction to practice theories and skills appropriate for generalist social work practice with individuals and families, and establishes a foundation for the advanced year concentration in social work practice with individuals, families, and groups.  It is taught concurrently with 732, which focuses on generalist practice with organizations and communities, and is followed in the next semester by 710, which introduces generalist practice with treatment and task groups.

V. Methods of Instruction

While lecture and discussion will be the primary instructional method in this course, other techniques will also be employed.  Students may be expected to role play, engage in video taping exercises, and present materials in class.  Additionally, student materials and prepared case materials provided by the instructor may be used.   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.