SOWK 783: Field Instruction III (IFG)

 Course Syllabus

I. Purpose/Rationale of the Course

The profession of social work has long recognized the importance of providing instruction, which includes an application of the skills and theories taught in the classroom. The field courses furnish students with the opportunity to begin the practice of professional social work in a controlled and planned setting.

II. Content of the Course

This is the first practicum for students electing the individual, families, and groups concentration. Content will be primarily directed at professional treatment skills to include treatment of individuals, families, and groups. Particular attention will be focused on dealing with complex case situations, appropriate selection of treatment options, and skilled use of self and other resources.

Instruction during this course is provided by an agency based field instructor. Therefore, the specific learning experiences offered to students will be tailored somewhat to the resources of the agency as well as the needs of the student. This content will link with the second year course concentration selected by the student.

III.             Course Objectives

The objectives of this course are to broaden the direct practice skills of students in situations involving diverse client populations.  The focus is on increased depth of experiences and utilization of skills with increasingly complex problem situations.

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

1.      Demonstrate a professional identity reflected in professional behaviors and a commitment to the profession's values and ethics.

2.   Critically evaluate a range of practice theories and differentially applies the most appropriate ones to any given client system.

3.      Plan, implement, and evaluate interventions with individuals, families, and groups given their diverse, and at-risk characteristics, and their presenting problems and strengths.

4.   Evaluate the effectiveness of client interventions.

5.   Use technology to further the mission and goals of the field agency.

IV.              Methods of Instruction

The field instructor will develop and implement the field placement learning contract with consultation with the faculty liaison and in close collaboration with the student.

Normally, students are placed in a social service organization and supervised by a MSW field instructor for two days a week concurrent with classes for the academic year.

The field instructor maintain an ongoing evaluation of the student’s progress and complete written semester and final evaluations of the student. Final grades are given as either Satisfactory ‘S” or Unsatisfactory “U”.

Disability Status:

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 College’s student handbook and The Carolina Community: Student Handbook and Policy Guide.