Professor Susan Scher Office G 129 sscher@ramapo.edu 201-684-7572
Main Page CourseOutline Assignments Supplemental Readings
Main Page CourseOutline Assignments Supplemental Readings
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course is a pre-professional introduction
to social work. Class work will focus on social work roles in the
human services, agency structure and functioning, social work values
and ethics, the nature of the helping process, and issues related to
method and delivery of social services. In addition, students will
complete 100 hours of supervised fieldwork in a social service
setting, intended to complement the course content (15 of those hours
may be completed through the Cahill Center in either alternative
spring break or other community services). This course, together with
MSWK 222, History and Philosophy of Social Welfare, is required for
students who plan to apply for formal admission into the social work
program.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
1. To familiarize the entering student with the
general attributes and objectives of generalist practice within
social work profession.
2. To sensitize the student to the values and ethics, and the varied roles and activities pursued by members of the profession.
3. To help students understand the service needs of special populations related to race, class, age, gender, disability, and sexual orientation.
4. To help the student understand the structure and function of social service agencies and the range of services and resources within social service networks.
5. To increase the student's perception of self and others in the helping process.
6. To develop critical thinking skills.
7. To assist the student in developing an awareness of the helping process using an empowerment model.
8. To help the student develop a beginning awareness of the social work knowledge base.
9. To provide the student with an introduction to the practice skill base of beginning level generalist social work practice.
10. To provide the student a 'participant-observer' field placement and an opportunity to share his/her fieldwork experience with others.
11. To assist the student in identifying clients' needs for services and resources within the service delivery system.
12. To develop oral, written, and computer communication skills.
13. To develop a beginning understanding of the impact of the community and physical environment on people’s lives.
14. To begin to understand the need to
evaluate practice.
EXPECTED EDUCATIONAL OUTCOMES
1. Students are to demonstrate that they understand the processes of caring and helping within the social work setting.
2. Students are to demonstrate an understanding of social work values and ethics.
3. Students are to demonstrate knowledge of the range of social services and resources available to persons in need.
4. Students are to demonstrate a beginning level of knowledge of the helping process.
5. Students are to demonstrate an understanding of cultural diversity and the social service needs of special populations.
6. Students are to demonstrate knowledge of the structure and function of their agency and the roles played by social workers in these agencies.
7. Students are to demonstrate adequate level or written, oral and computer communication skills.
8. Students are to demonstrate knowledge of the community in which their agency exists.
9. Students are to demonstrate an ability to appropriately function in a social agency.
10. See Field Evaluation Form for specific field outcomes.
TEXT BOOKS-
Brenda DuBois and Karla Krogsrud Miley, (2002),
Social work: An empowering profession, 4th edition, Boston: Allyn and
Bacon.
Linda Grobman. (2000). Days in the lives of social workers. 2nd edition. Harrisburg, Pa.: White Hat Communications.
Additional readings (*), either handed out
or on reserve in the library, will be assigned. You are expected to
do readings before the class session for which they are listed. In
that way you will be able to participate in the class discussion with
a beginning knowledge base. Active participation is a necessary part
of this class. The student is expected to come to class having read
the material and prepared to discuss the topics listed in the course
outline. It is expected that all students will respect the
confidentiality of shared personal thoughts and feelings, and
descriptions of client situations
COURSE REQUIREMENTS, ASSIGNMENTS, AND GRADING
Students are expected to attend class and field sessions on a regular basis. Attendance will be taken. Students will not be allowed more than three unexcused absences. Active participation is a necessary part of this class.
You are expected to work a minimum of 100 hours in field placement. You will be placed in a social agency where social work is practiced. One option is available: Student may complete 90 hours at the assigned agency if you complete 10 hours of community work through the Cahill Center (alternative spring break or community service program). It is expected that once you and your field instructor work out a time schedule that you keep to it. Any absence in field placement, for any reason, must be made up (there is no allocation for sick or holiday time.) If for some reason you will be late or absent from field placement you must immediately inform the field instructor or the agency. Part of your field work evaluation will be based upon your ability to follow your scheduled hours for work and supervision, and hand in written material on time.
Please remember that Social Fieldwork is one of the courses used to as an assessment for your acceptance into the Social Work Program.
SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS
If you need course adaptations or
accommodations because of a documented disability please register
with the Office of Specialized Services. Make an appointment to see
me during my office hours. I will be happy to discuss any special
needs with you.
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Videotape of two interviews and critique of skill development |
1. February 23, 2004 |
5% |
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Fields of Practice Oral Presentation |
To be scheduled during March 8 and 15th |
5% |
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Community Description Paper |
April 5, 2004 |
15% |
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Personal Journal |
Weekly by Web Ct. |
20% |
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Social Agency Description Paper |
May 17, 2004 |
15% |
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Field Work Field Instructor Evaluation |
due when field hours are completed |
35% |
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Class attendance and participation |
5% |
See the assignment link for the specifics on these assignments.
The reference format when writing papers will be the APA (American Psychological Association) Style. See the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 5th edition, 2001, Washington DC: American Psychological Association (in library reference section or in bookstore). Use the class textbook, Writing with style, and the writing handout for specific items. The Potter Library Web page has a site for referencing web sites.http://potter.ramapo.edu/homepage/citing.html