Professor: Stephen M.
Marson, Ph.D., ACSW
Office: 206B BA; Phone: 521-6475; Inclement
weather: (910) 521-6888
Office Hours: Monday 11:00, Tuesday 1:00, Wednesday 11:00
Thursday 1:00, Friday by appointment
Hours Unavailable: Friday: 9:30-11:30
Course Prerequisites: ENG 105 & 106 [C or better in both
courses]
Course Description: Required for: Social Work Major. Historical
and current overview of the social welfare system and the field of social
work. Basic social work concepts. Social welfare structure and services.
Social work intervention methods. Field experience required.
Social Welfare and Social Work: History, Foundation,
Values (Course Objectives: 1,
2,
3,
4,
5,
6,
7,
8,
9)
Knowing the historical context of social welfare helps students to
understand how the past has shaped present-day social problems and societal
views toward people in need. We define social welfare and social
work within the context of history, values, practice models and contrasting
with other disciplines and professions.
Assignment: Read Chapter 1, 2, and the The
Student Social Work Handbook. (Course Objectives: 1,
4,
8,
11)
Read from closed reserve from the UNC-P library pages 1-2; pages 71-72;
page 147-148 in Rivas. R.F. & Hull, G. (2000). Case Studies in Generalist
Practice. Belmont, CA, Brooks/Cole. (Course Objectives:
1,
2,
3,
4,
5,
6,
8,
9,
10)
Other material provides excellent insight into the profession of social work (NOT required reading):
I use American and British literature to enhance our understanding of
social work theory, social problems, and the human condition. (Course Objectives:
1,
2,
7
)
Assignment: Each student is required to find a piece of American
or British literature that addresses the topical areas of our course. What
is literature? Novels Plays Poetry, Short Stories. What are topical areas?
poverty and public welfare, mental health, family problems, sexual orientation,
sex variances and sex therapy, drug abuse and drug treatment, crime, juvenile
delinquency, and correctional services, education and school social work,
occupation social work, racism, ethnocentrism and economic justice, sexism,
aging and ageism, mental problems and medical social services, physical
and mental disabilities, and lastly over population. Following is a list
of novels I use to help explain a variety of social work concepts:
Rural Social Work (Course Objectives:
1,
2,
3,
4,
5,
6,
8,
9)
Data from UNCP follow-up studies of social work graduates demonstrate
that 97% obtain employment in the rural environment. Rural communities
are characterized by limited resources and isolation. Half of American's
substandard housing, half the poor, the majority of untreated ill, and
a substantial number of unemployed live in rural areas. HOWEVER,
research demonstrates that rural BSW social workers have greater job satisfaction
when compared to urban BSW social workers.
Assignment: Read Chapter 14, surf http://www.uncp.edu/home/marson/rural/
QUIZ
Social Work Generalist Practice (Course
Objectives: 1, 2, 3,
4,
5,
6,
8,
9,
10,
11)
Individual and Families: The distinguishing characteristics
include face-to-face involvement in helping to seek solutions to perplexing
problems. Students are introduced to generalist interviewing strategies
and methods: reflection, acceptance, understanding, genuineness, etc. (Course
Objectives: 1, 2, 3,
4,
5,
6,
8,
9)
Assignment: Read Chapter 5
Groups and Community Policy, Administration and Research:
Group and community methods and theories are surveyed. These assist client
populations with a variety of needs. (Course Objectives: 1,
2,
3,
4,
5,
6,
8,
9)
Assignment: Read Chapter 6
Assignment: In an effort to prepare students for the future,
each is asked to begin to build a web page. Students will build
a simple web page using Netscape Composer (or other available software).
A short demonstration will be presented in class. In addition, students
can obtain help from our computer lab staff. For more information
about help, go to Computers and the Social Work Major
on this syllabus.
In rural areas it is common for BSW graduates to become agency administrators
and directors. The major task of the social work administrator
is to bring resources, opportunities, and goals together in such a way
that a variety of social missions are accomplished. We explore management
activities, administrative processes, and the historical functions of social
services agencies (public and private). We live in an era of accountability.
Social science research methods provides the foundation for accountability
for social work practice. We examine research in three dimensions:
disciplinary research, policy research and evaluation of practice. (Course
Objectives: 1, 2, 3,
4,
6,
8,
10)
Assignment: APA (American Psychological Association) is a citation
style that is employed in virtually all social work journals, books, and
is the only style permitted within the social work curriculum. (Course
Objectives: 4, 10)
Find one social work journal article, one book, and one chapter from
an edited volume and demonstrate that you can successfully use the APA
style. The manual is on closed reserve of the library. Merely ask for it.
QUIZ
Poverty and Income Assistance (Course
Objectives: 1, 2, 3,
4,
5,
6,
8,
9,
10)
The United States has just undergone major changes in public assistance.
Some people suggest that welfare reform created a better environment for
welfare recipients. Others contend that recipients are in much worse
shape. After reading chapter 8, what do you think? The answer
is much more complex than one would initially think.
Assignment: Chapter 7
Mental Health, Substance Abuse, and Developmental
Disabilities (Course Objectives: 1,
2,
3,
4,
5,
6,
8,
9,
10)
Although these three areas do not alway overlap, and are different
histories, policies and issues surrounding each area, there are also many
similiaries. In the rural environment, it is common for a single
agency to have a mission which addresses all of these areas.
Assignment: Read Chapter 8
Health Care (Course Objectives: 1,
2,
3,
4,
5,
6,
8,
9,
10)
At the present time, health care is a crisis in the United States.
We review this crisis as well as the tpes of health care policies and programs
that are currently available.
Assignment: Read Chaper 9
Children, Youth and Families (Course
Objectives: 1, 2, 3,
4,
5,
6,
8,
9,
10)
In the United States, the origin of social work can be found in practice
with child, youth and families. We examine trends, needs, services,
and policies. The chapter readings introduce students to issues related
to child placement. In particular, students are introduced
to the problem of inconsistent living arrangements for foster children
and the need for permanency. Students will be introduced to the historical
progression of children's rights.
Assignment: Chapters 10, 11 and DSS
Historical Pamphlet
School Social Work(Course Objectives:
1,
2,
3,
4,
5,
6,
8)
In most states, practice in public schools is limited to MSW social
workers. In states that are predominately rural (the rural South
in particular), BSW graduates are commonly found in public schools.
In fact, they outnumber MSW social workers. Traditionally, public
schools in North Carolina have offered many positions for BSW graduates.
Assignment: take good notes and read pages 383-386.
QUIZ
Gerontological Social Work (Course
Objectives: 1, 2, 3,
4,
5,
6,
8)
The elderly present a large, focal and sometimes very needy sector
of our population. Here we examine the issues and problems commonly
faced by the elderly. A large proportion of social work graduates
obtain employment in agencies that serve elderly clients.
Assignment: Chapter 12
Criminal Justice (Course Objectives:
1,
2,
3,
4,
5,
6,
8)
Four components of the criminial justice system are addressed: legislative,
law enforcement, judicial, and corrections. The social worker has
a role in each component.
Assignment: Chapter 13
Occupational Social Work (Course
Objectives: 1, 2, 3,
4,
5,
6,
8)
Occupational social work (formerly called "industrial social work")
provides job opportunities in two major areas: within businesses (usually
large corporations) and unions. Although there is little job opportunity
in South for occupational social work, it is critical for BSW social workers
to understand the changing nature and meaning of work. Many social
problems occur in the work environment and intervention takes place within
that context.
Assignment: Chapter 15
The Globalization of Social Work (Course
Objectives: 1, 2, 3,
4,
8)
We examine social work in the 21st century.
Assignment: Read Chapter 18
Final Exam: Go to http://www.uncp.edu/registrar/acad_info/Exam%20Schedule/exam_spring.htm for exam schedule
Required Texts
Ambrosino, R., Heffernan, J., Shuttlesworth, G. and Ambrosino,
R. (2005). Social Work and Social Welfare. Brooks/Cole.
Optional
Rivas. R.F. & Hull, G. (2000). Case Studies in Generalist Practice.
Belmont,
CA, Brooks/Cole.
American Psychological Association, (4th Edition). Publication Manual
of the American Psychological Association Washington, DC: Author.
Computers and the Social Work Major
Social work majors are required to have an email account to submit
and receive assignments. Students may apply for an account on Snappy
(name of our computer) at no cost. Merely complete the "New
User Account" form found at http://www.uncp.edu/ucis/accounts/.
To use and check email, go to http://webmail.uncp.edu/.
In addition, the Social Work Major has a computer lab assistant to help
with computer related problems. During the academic year 2004-2005,
the social work lab assistant is Eric Duncun. His email addresses
is: ead002@uncp.edu. If
you need help, please contact him for an appointment or meet him in the
computer lab at 10 AM on Wednesdays. If you can't keep your appointment,
please let him know in advance.
Assignments:
See course outline for various homework assignments. Quizzes will be
given after every 3rd or 4th chaper. All Social Work Majors are required
to subscribe to the Social Work Listserv. To subscribe, send
email to listserv@papa.uncp.edu.
In the message type what is included in the quotation marks: "subscribe
casw". This should be followed by the student's name.
Cell Phone Policy: Students are not permitted to conduct phone conversations during class time. Students are not permitted to have cell ring during class time. Students who use conduct a phone conversation or allow their phones to ring during class time will be drop 10 points on the next quiz or 5 points for their final exam.
Attendance Policy
Attendance and class participation
are critical to the learning and integration of materials. Therefore, the
Social Work Department has implemented the following policy. Attendance
will be used as a criterion in determining the final grade. There
are no excused absences. Six clock hours of absence will result
in a failing grade for the class worth 3 academic credit hours; four
clock hours for a class worth 2 academic credit hours class; and 2 clock
hours for a class worth 1 academic credit hour class. Students are therefore
encouraged to be mindful of absences and make every effort to be in attendance.
Students are expected to have read assigned material prior to the class.
Students are also expected to participate in class discussion, exercises,
“minute” papers, and any Blackboard discussions that may be announced.
Students are considered in attendance only if present for the entire class.
Arriving late or leaving early is disruptive, and will result in a loss
of one contact hour for each occurrence. Students are responsible
for any material covered in class at a time for which they were absent.
See University Academics Policies at http://www.uncp.edu/sa/handbook/11academic.htm
Grading: 60% Quizzes, Attendance &
Volunteer Work; 40% Final Exam
The grading scale is outlined below and is in the Student
Social Work Handbook:
| A 92-100 | B 82-86 | C 72-76 | D 62-66 |
| A- 90-91 | B- 80-81 | C- 70-71 | D- 60-61 |
| B+ 87-89 | C+ 77-79 | D+ 67-69 | F 0-59 |
Giving and Taking Help
The practice of social work includes two important concepts: "process"
and "outcome." Outcome is the degree of success in achieving a goal. Process
includes the hard work and self-discipline a social worker employs in achieving
a goal. The social work faculty feel that the "process" is as significant
as the "outcome." When one student assists another by sharing projects,
term papers, book reports, reactions papers and other assignments, the
benefits of the "process" are usurped. The student who recycles the assignment
is denied the opportunity to enhance his/her self-discipline and work habits.
Simply stated, Don’t share your work with other students. The social
work faculty considers such behavior as cheating, a violation of the NASW
Code of Ethics and a violation of the Student Honor Code.
Plagiarism
The Social Work Program does not permit plagiarism All
students enrolled in SWK courses are required to use the APA citation style,
anyone caught plagiarizing automatically receive an F. You will loose
points on assignments if you do not use APA citation style. APA manuals
can be purchased in the bookstore. There is a copy on closed reserve in
the library. Also refer to the Library resource for APA . You
may also get help from University Writing Center hours during the spring
semester are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to
12 p.m. on Friday. For an appointment, stop by the Writing Center, Dial
131, call 910.521.6168, or email writing@uncp.edu.
Students with Disabilities
Any student with a documented disability needing academic adjustments
is requested to speak directly to Disability
Support Services and the instructor, as early in the semester (preferably
within the first week) as possible. All discussions will remain confidential.
Please contact Mary Helen Walker,
MA, NCC, NCLPC., Disability Support Services, DF Lowry Building,
910-521-6695.
Students withOUT Disabilities: Under some circumstances the class will be required to use Blackboard for testing and other assignment. According to the American Disabilities Act, student with disability are entitled to special accommodation and such accommodations will be available on Blackboard. Students without a documented disability are NOT entitled to use (or open) files or folders that are designated "disability." Any student without a disability who used files or folders designated "disability" will be dropped a letter grade on the assignment or test.
Required Activities (Volunteer Work)
Each student is required to complete 20 hours of volunteer work in
an agency identified by the student. The student will coordinate with the
agency supervisor to schedule the hours and type of volunteer work. The
student and supervisor will complete the Volunteer Work Form. A completed
Volunteer
Work Form is due prior to reading day. The volunteer experience will
be graded as pass or fail. Failure to complete 20 hours of volunteer work
will be reflected on the student’s final grade under "comments." After
the form is submitted, it will be returned to the student (please keep
it). The instructor can help find and experience. However,
students can go to http://www.uncp.edu/sw/protocol.html
and see a list of agencies with whom we have used in the past.
Blackboard Usage:
Although SWK 200 is not designated as a “Blackboard” course, Blackboard
is used under two circumstances. First, if the course is cancelled
or the professor is unable to attend class and cannot find a replacement,
lectures and assignments will be posted on Blackboard. Second, depending
on the nature of the course, some quizzes will be posted on Blackboard.
Under most circumstances, students will be given a three day window of
opportunity to compete the quiz. If a student is kicked off Blackboard
during a quiz, he/she is required to immediately email (steve.marson@uncp.edu
or smarson@nc.rr.com) or call the
instructor (521-6475). All students are required to completed the Blackboard Orientation.
Portfolio Project: During your senior year, you will be required to organize a portfolio. As part of this portfolio project, you will be required to include your completed Volunteer Work Form from SWK 200. If you fear that you may lose this form prior to your senior year, you may leave a copy (NOT the original) with me.
Child Welfare Scholars: Child Welfare Scholars must complete the same assignments as nonscholarship students. The volunteer work must be completed at an agency that provides services to children and their families. The literature assignment must address a child/family issue (i.e., poverty and public welfare, family problems, juvenile delinquency or school social work). The APA assignment must come from the child welfare literature.
READINGS FROM REQUIRED SWK COURSES
General Reading
Social Policies and Social Justice
