Introduction to Social Work s1

MWSU SWK 250 01 – Introduction to Social Work (TR) – 9:30 am – 10:50 am Room 205 Wilson Hall Spring 2014

Karen Woodbury Office: Wilson Hall Office Hours: By appointment Office Phone: 816-271-3058 E-mail [email protected]

COURSE DESCRIPTION: Introduction to Social Work provides students with an overview of professional social work practice including its history, philosophy, ethics, values, methods, and fields of practice. Forty hours of volunteer experience is required in a human service agency. Prerequisites: ENG 104, and PSY 101 or SOC 110 or departmental approval.

COURSE STUDENT LEARNING OBJECTIVES 1. Students will understand the social work profession’s history, philosophy, mission and goals (Program objective: 6). 2. Students will become familiar with the social work’s profession’s values and ethics (Program objective: 3). 3. Students will understand the knowledge, roles, and skills needed in social work practice and the fundamental theories that guide this practice (Program objectives: 7 & 8). 4. Students will understand the broad spectrum of social work practice areas and employment opportunities (Program objectives: 6 & 7). 5. Students will develop an understanding of various professional organizations and their purposes (Program objective: 14) 6. Students will understand the meaning of generalist social work practice (Program objective: 7). 7. Students will understand the importance of the strengths perspective (Program objectives: 3 & 8). 8. Students will understand the importance of social work practice with diverse populations and populations-at-risk (Program objectives: 4 & 5). 9. Students will understand the importance of social and economic justice to the social work profession (Program objectives: 4, 5, & 13). 10. Students will analyze if s/he wishes to pursue a career in social work (Program objectives: 3 & 4). COURSE REQUIREMENTS

STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES: If you have a disability or if you suspect that you may have a disability that has never been diagnosed and would like to find out what services may be available, please visit the Office of Disability Services (ODS) in Eder Hall, room 203N or visit the ODS website at http://www.missouriwestern.edu/ds/ as soon as possible. This syllabus, as well as all other printed or electronic materials, can be made available in alternative/accessible formats if requested with sufficient prior notice. Missouri Western is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution.

CANCELLATION POLCY: Missouri Western State University will close only in extraordinary circumstances. If the University is to close due to weather/road conditions, the decision will be made as follows: Daytime Closing - normally the decision will be made by 6:00 a.m. Evening Closing - normally the decision will be made by 4:00 p.m. Any closing of the University will be broadcast on the following stations: KCMO Radio (81 AM, and 95 FM), KKJO Radio (105.5 FM), KFEQ Radio (68 AM), KSJQ Radio (92.7), WDAF Television (Channel 4), KQ2 Television (Channel 2). If closings are not reported on the aforementioned stations, it should be assumed the University is open. It should be noted the University Administration will take several factors into consideration when making the decision to close the University due to weather/road conditions. Therefore, it cannot be assumed the University will close when area schools are closed. Notification will also be posted on Missouri Western’s web page. ACADEMIC MISCONDUCT: Academic honesty is required in all academic endeavors. Violations of academic honesty include any instance of plagiarism, cheating, seeking credit for another’s work, falsifying documents or academic records, or any other fraudulent activity. Violations of academic honesty result in a failing grade on the assignment, failure in the course, or expulsion from the University. When a student’s grade has been affected, violations of academic honest will be reported to the Provost or designated representative on the Academic Honesty Violation Report forms. Please see 2009-10 Student Handbook and Calendar for specific activities identified as violations of this policy and the student due process procedure. This handbook is also available online at www.missouriwestern.edu/handbook/index.pdf (University policy) any student who submits someone else’s work as his/her own will receive a grade of zero on that assignment. Cheating on an exam will result in a zero for that exam. Plagiarism on any written assignments will result in a zero for that assignment. Further disciplinary action may also be employed at the discretion of the instructor. METHODS OF INSTRUCTION: This course will be taught using a variety of instructional methods including lecture, discussion, student presentations/papers, guest speakers, individual and group exercises.

COURSE TEXT: Zastrow, Charles (2008). Introduction to Social Work and Social Welfare (9th ed.) Thomson Brooks/Cole, Belmont, CA.

Ehrenreich, Barbara (2001). Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America. New York: Henry Holt Publishing.

Course Evaluation: Your grade in this course will be dependent upon the accumulation of points as outlined below. The assignment of points will be based on the Professor’s evaluation of your performance. Attendance and class participation will be considered if a student is between two letter grades.

3 Tests (80 points each)…………………………………………. = 240 pts.

Research Paper (200 points) ………………………………………………= 200 pts.

Shadowing experience (200 points)………………………………………= 200 pts.

Journal 1 (100 points) …………………………………………………………= 100 pts.

In-class assignment………………………………………………………………= 40 pts.

Class Participation (20 points)…………………………………………………. = 20pts.

Final points = 1000 points

I=Incomplete due to extenuating circumstances which have been discussed and agreed upon by your instructor W=Withdraw when MWSU policy is followed A. Tests: There will be 3 tests in this course. Test format could include multiple-choice, true/false and/or short answers. Information covered on the tests includes assigned readings, class-discussion, guest lectures. It should be noted that material will be included on the tests even if it was not discussed in class. Although information can be found in the textbook…THE answers to the tests, questions are in your head, not the book. I do NOT teach to the test. I teach critical thinking! Therefore, if you do not read your assignments and participate during classroom discussion, it is very likely you will not do well on tests.

Make-Up Exams: 1. Everyone will be expected to take exams on the assigned date and at the scheduled time. I am very reluctant to give make-up exams and only under very exceptional circumstances will any make-up exam be given. 2. You are supposed to make arrangements for a make-up well in advance of the exam. It will be up to the instructor to assess the validity of your situation and, therefore, to accept or deny your request. 3.For emergency reasons such as death in the family, illness, car trouble, you will be required to produce documentation or other verifiable evidence. Honesty is expected. Please respect yourself!

B. Research Paper: Due April 17th.

This is assignment is explained in a separate document. Please refer to SW 250 Research Paper.

C. Shadowing Experience and Journals: o The purpose of the shadowing experience is to expose students to the human service arena and allow them to gain some limited social work experience. By the end of this experience, students will better understand the nature of social work practice and can better determine if social work is an appropriate career choice for them.

o Students will identify an approved social service agency. A list of approved agencies will be distributed in class. Students will contact the assigned agency supervisor and arrange to shadow him/her a minimum of 40 hours during the semester. Students can arrange their own shadowing site, but the instructor must approve the site.

o Students must submit a journal after every 16 hours of shadowing (3 journals total). o Students must have a Job Shadowing Site Approval Contract completed and signed by their supervisor and given to the instructor (due one week after the shadowing experience begins)

o Students will keep track of their time by recording it on the Shadowing Experience Time Log.

o NOTE: Students must have a Shadowing Verification Evaluation Form and Shadowing Experience Time Log signed by their shadowing supervisor and sent or faxed to the instructor by April 27 th , 2014.

 Students must complete 40 hours of shadowing to pass this course

 Grading will be based on whether the student satisfactorily completes the 40 hours of volunteer experience.

Journal Guidelines:

Journal 1: Due after 16 hours of shadowing) Answer the following: 1. Describe the agency, its mission, its services, and the job description of the individual(s) you are shadowing. Ask your agency for a copy of their annual report if possible. 2. Who does the agency serve? Describe client demographics (age, race/ethnicity, gender, etc.) 3. Describe the organizational structure and the formal decision-making process at the agency. Do they have a Board of Directors? 4. What are the various funding sources? 5. Describe your experiences and observations. 6. Discuss your reactions (positive and negative) to these experiences at the agency and what experiences affected you most? 7. Based on your experiences, identify you possible strengths and weaknesses as a social worker. 8. What have you learned in class or in your textbook that relates to what you’ve experienced at your agency (minimum of three applications)?

Journal 2: (Due after 32 hours of shadowing) Answering the following: 1. How much input do the direct-service providers have on policy decisions? 2. What does the agency do to help the employee feel valued, if anything? How is the morale? What is the rate of turnover in recent years? 3. How does the agency evaluate outcomes? What are the major unmet needs of the agency? 4. How is your agency involved in macro social work? 5. Describe your experiences and observations. 6. Discuss your reactions (positive and negative) to these experiences at the agency and what experiences affected you most? 7. Based on your experiences, identify you possible strengths and weaknesses as a social worker. 8. What have you learned in class or in your textbook that relates to what you’ve experienced at your agency (minimum of three applications)?

Journal 3: (Due after 40 hours of shadowing) Answering the following: 1. Summarize your shadowing experience (your activities and observations) including your last few hours. 2. Summarize your reactions to our experience. How have these experiences affected you (values, beliefs, assumptions…)? What had the most profound effect on you? Why? 3. Summarize your agency’s strengths. Would you make any changes? Why or why not? 4. Summarize what you have learned in class and/or in your textbook that applies to your shadowing experience (give at least five applications). 5. How has this experience altered or reinforced your views of the social work profession? Has it influenced your own desire to pursue a social work career? 6. If you entered the social work profession, identify your possible strengths and weaknesses based on your shadowing experience.

Attendance Policy : Class attendance will be taken at the beginning of each class. Please notify the instructor if you are going to be absent. There are make-up assignments that can be done to keep participation points. Students, not the instructor, are responsible for managing their own absences. The point total at the end of the semester will be determined by the instructor and will be based on the number of absences of the student. This can greatly impact your grade as an absence whether excused or not impacts class participation.

Other Course Expectations: 1. In addition to class attendance, students are expected to come to class prepared. 2. Be on time. This communicates respect. 3. Appropriate classroom behavior is expected. Inappropriate behavior can result in expulsion from the class. Classroom behavior includes displays of respect for the instructor and others, alertness and attentiveness. 4. NO TEXTING ! Cell phones are to be turned off during class. 5. The use of extra credit will be deemed at the instructor’s discretion. 6. Monopolizing the class discussion is discouraged. It is important that each person will contribute to the learning environment. 7. In this class, students may not make audio or video recording of the course activity, except students permitted to record. The student will need to schedule a private appointment with the professor to obtain permission to record classroom information. Those students who have meet with the professor for permission to record and are permitted to record are not permitted to redistribute audio or video recordings of statements or comments from the course to individuals who are not students in the course without the express permission of the faculty member and of any students who are recorded

Tentative Course Schedule Date Topic Reading/Assignments January Course expectations, the MWSU Review Syllabus and Course 14th & 16th Social Work Program and Expectations… Introduction to Social Welfare & Social Work January Social Work/Social Welfare History Zastrow, Chpt 1 21st & 23rd Movie: Women of Hull House Ehrenreich, Chpt. 1 Nickel & Dimed January Social Work as a Profession and a Zastrow, Chpt. 2 28th Career & 30th Social Work Code of Ethics

February The Strengths Perspective and Zastrow, Chpt. 3 4th & 6th Social Work TEST: Chapt. 1, 2, & 3 Ehreneich Chpt. 1 February Movie: Minimum Wage 11th & 13th Nickel & Dimed Ehrenreich, Chpt. 2 & 3

In class assignment ! NO CLASS FEBRUARY 13 th Work on assignment ! February Poverty and Public Welfare Zastrow Chpt. 4 18th & 20th

February Racism/Social & Economic Justice Zastrow Chpts. 12 & 13 25th & 27th Movie: Immigration March Sexual Orientation and Services Zastrow Chpt. 7 4th & 6th To GLBT Individuals Movie: Straight Man in a Gay World

March SPRING BREAK!!! SPRING BREAK! 11th & 13th March 18th Alcohol & Drug Zastrow, Chpt. 8 & 20th Movie: Binge-Drinking Mom Ehrenreich Chpt. 4 Nickel & Dimed TEST: Chpts. 4,7,12 & 13 and Ehrenreich Chpts 2&3 March 25th Family and Child Welfare Zastrow, Chpt. 6 & 27th Nickel & Dimed Ehrenreich, Chpt. 4

April 1st & 3rd Aging & Gerontological Social Zastrow, Chpt. 14 Work April 8th & Emotional / Behavioral Problems and . 10th Counseling Zastrow, Chpt. 5

Mental Health April 15th & Forensic Social Work Chapt. 9 17th

April 22nd & 24th Review of Nickel & Dimed Summary of Semester

May 1st FINAL 8:30 – 10:20 am Chpts. 5, 6, 9, & 14 and Thursday Ehrenreich, evaluation Course schedule subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances or opportunities to enhance learning. SWK 250 Job Shadowing Site Approval

Student: ______

Agency: ______

Agency address: ______

Agency phone number: ______

Agency contact person: ______

Agency type (public welfare, private, residential, etc.): ______

Shadowing schedule (start date): ______(Days/times): ______

Types of experiences expected (duties, activities, etc.):

Supervisor’s signature: ______Date: _____ Student’s signature: ______Date: _____

Instructor comments: Shadowing Experience Time Log SWK 250: Introduction to Social Work

Student’s Name: ______Name of Agency: ______Agency Address/Phone: ______

Date Shadowing Activities Time # of IN/OUT Hours

Total # of Hours for Semester: ______

______Agency Supervisor’s Signature and Date Shadowing Verification Evaluation Form

Name of Student: ______

Date Evaluation Completed ___/___/___

Number of Shadowing Hours Completed by Student: ______

Name of Organization: ______

Name of Evaluator: ______Phone number: ______-___

Would you be willing to provide future volunteer or practicum opportunities for Missouri Western State University social work students?

_____Yes _____Perhaps, please call me to discuss _____No

Please circle your response for each question, with 1 being poor and 5 being excellent.

Poor Average Excellent 1 2 3 4 5 N/A

Punctuality 1 2 3 4 5 N/A

Dependability 1 2 3 4 5 N/A

Relationship with clients 1 2 3 4 5 N/A

Relationship with staff & 1 2 3 4 5 N/A others

Enthusiasm 1 2 3 4 5 N/A

Please comment on the students’ overall shadowing performance: ______(Use additional paper if you desire)

Thank you. Please mail this form no later than April 25th, 2014. Karen Woodbury, CJLSSW department Missouri Western State University 4525 Downs Drive St. Joseph, MO 64507-816-271-4350 Introduction to Social Work Shadowing Experience Information for shadowing supervisor

Thank you for your willingness to provide a shadowing learning opportunity for a Missouri Western State University student who is in the Introduction to Social Work course. The assignment’s purpose is to provide students with some exposure to the human service profession and to help them decide if they want to pursue a social work career.

Students must volunteer a minimum of forty hours in a social service agency by April 25th, 2014.. As part of the experience, students will: 1. Fill out the Job Shadowing Site Approval form; 2. Maintain a Shadowing Experience Time Log (students are given a copy of this); and 3. Be responsible for writing three journal entries following the guidelines given.

Issues of confidentiality have been discussed as it relates to your agency and clientele. Students are encouraged to change the names of those persons when writing in their journals.

I am asking for an evaluation of the student’s performance at the completion of the shadowing learning experience. Students receive points for the completion of their shadowing experience. Thus, I value your input. It is the student’s responsibility to make sure you have the Shadowing Verification Evaluation Form and Shadowing Experience Time Log. Please complete and mail in an agency envelope with your signature across the envelope flap or fax to me by April 27th, 2014.

Students who do not complete the forty hours of shadowing fail SWK 250, and consequently, it is crucial that you return the Shadowing Verification Evaluation Form by the date above.

Thank you for your time and assistance with this assignment. We hope that both you and the student will benefit from your joint efforts. If at any time you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Karen Woodbury MSW, LCSW Instructor Missouri Western State University 4525 Downs Drive St. Joseph, Missouri 64507 Office phone: 816-271-4341 [email protected]