SWK 3480 Social Policies & Social Justice, Fall 2008

Professor: Stephen M. Marson, Ph.D., ACSW (email: steve.marson@uncp.edu)
Office: Lowery 322; Phone: 521-6380 Inclement weather: (910) 521-6888
Office Hours:  Monday By Appointment; Tuesday 11:00; Wednesday 4:00; Thursday 11:00; Friday 8:00--11:00
Course Prerequisite: PSPA 1000 or 1010; Prerequisite or co-requisite: SWK 2000, ECN 1000 or GGY 2460.
Course Description: Process of policy-making, programming and planning. Social, cultural, economic, and political influences on the social welfare system. Fall, Spring. Credit, 3 semester hours. Prerequisite: PSPA 1000 or 1010; Prerequisite or co-requisite: SWK 2000, ECN 1000 or GGY 2460.

Table of Contents
Attendance Policy Course Objectives
Portfolio
Assignments Course Outline Reaction Papers
Blackboard Usage (REQUIRED) Giving and Taking Required Text
Bibliography Final Exam Students with Disabilities
Cell Phones Grades Term Paper Requirement Due November 13
Child Welfare Scholars Late Assignments  
Computers NC Child Welfare Collaborative   Why have agency visits?
Plagiarism
Program Objectives
  1. Apply critical thinking skills within the context of professional social work practice. (EP3.0.1)
  2. Understand the value base of the profession and its ethical standards and principles, and practice accordingly. (EP3.0.2)
  3. Practice without discrimination and with respect, knowledge, and skills related to clients’ age, class, color, culture, disability, ethnicity, family structure, gender, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, and sexual orientation.  (EP3.0.3)
  4. Understand the forms and mechanisms of oppression and discrimination and the strategies of change that advance social and economic justice.  (EP3.0.4)
  5. Understand and interpret the history of the social work profession and its contemporary structures and issues. (EP3.0.5)
  6. Apply the knowledge and skills of generalist social work to practice with systems of all sizes.  (EP3.0.B6)
  7. Use theoretical frameworks supported by empirical evidence to understand individual development and behavior across the life span and the interactions among individuals and between individuals and families, groups, organizations, and communities. (EP3.0.7)
  8. Analyze, formulate, and influence social policies. (EP3.0.8)
  9. Evaluate research studies and apply findings to practice, and, under supervision, to evaluate their own practice interventions and those of other relevant systems.  (EP3.0.9)
  10. Use communication skills differentially with a variety of client populations, colleagues, and members of the community. (EP3.0.10)
  11. Use supervision and consultation appropriate to social work practice. (EP3.0.11)
  12. Function within the structure of organizations and service delivery systems, and under supervision, seek necessary organizational change.  (EP3.0.12)
  13. Use social work skills, values and knowledge within the context of our rural environment. (EP3.2)
COURSE OBJECTIVES
  1. To appreciate how social work values, ethics, and social and economic justice can impact policy formulation and implementation. (Program Objectives: 1, 4, 8, 12)
  2. To learn a theoretical framework for policy analysis and formulation that will allow for a holistic/ecological examination of social welfare programs and their impact on society. (Program Objectives: 2, 5, 6, 8, 9)
  3. To become acquainted with the process of social welfare legislation and programs designed to address social and economic justice topics such as gender issues (particularly women's issues), poverty, health, mental health, aging, child welfare, discrimination, and review program structure, service delivery, and effectiveness. (Program Objectives: 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 12)
  4. To understand how social work professional values/ethics and history impact social policy development and to examine techniques used to effect social justice and policy implementation. (Program Objectives: 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 12)
  5. To examine the role of governmental, private non-profit, and private for profit agencies as it pertains to policy development, economic justice, social justice, implementation, service delivery, resource allocation and effectiveness. (Program Objectives: 1, 5, 6, 13)
  6. To understand the role of research methods in program evaluation, accountability and as a means to enhance effectiveness, and social and economic justice. (Program Objectives: 1, 6, 8, 9, 10)
  7. To use course as a preparation for the field work experience ("field ready"). (Program Objectives: 1, 3, 8, 9, 13)
  8. To understand the historical linkage between the American economic system and the American social welfare system and appreciate the importance of historical circumstance has an impact on policy formulation.  (Program Objectives: 1, 5, 6, 8)
  9. To appreciate how the values of society, and the political climate, have influenced social policy formulation and social/economic justice in the US and in our local rural area. (Program Objectives: 1, 5, 6, 8, 13)
  10. To understand relationship between human diversity and policy formulation/implementation. (Program Objectives: 1, 4, 6, 8)
  11. To understand how populations at risk are effected by policy formulation/implementation. (Program Objectives: 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 13)
  12. To appreciate the impact of social work values on the gain and loss of human service programs. (Program Objectives: 1, 2, 6, 8)


COURSE OUTLINE

Date or Lecture  Topic Course Objectives Activities & Readings Outcome Measures
Week 1 Why study social policies and social justice? A integrative history of social work, social welfare and economics is presented which leads students to join the tradition of policy advocacy.   We define policy practice and policy advocacy and begin to analyze challenges encountered by policy advocates.  A decision maker's ideology shapes policy positions and conflict.  In an era in which devolution and technology dominate, the importance of policy advocacy is clarified within a conceptual framework. Three (3) agency visits are utilized to become acquainted with the local programs designed to address social problems such as women's issues, health, mental health, aging, child welfare, and discrimination. 1, 2, 4, 7, 8,10, 11, 12 Introductory lectures (not from book)  and Chapter 3-4 Becoming and Effective Policy Advocate
Reaction paper required for:
Policy Practice Encyclopedia of Social Work VOL III, p.362-368.
Social Policy Encyclopedia of Social Work VOL IV, p.61-85		 Test 1
Reaction papers
Week 2 We address ethical, analytical, and political rationales for policy practice and policy advocacy.  In addition we address the ethical principle of "beneficence" to the work of professionals.  Here, we define and discuss the ethical need to incorporate policy related and policy sensitive practice in social work practice.  Social workers need to engage in policy advocacy to offset special interests and politicians whose views run counter to social justice and policies that help consumers and out groups.  We stress that social workers should participate in electoral politics to help elect public officials with social-justice perspectives.   The NASW Code of Ethics is reintroduced and discussed. Go to http://www.socialworkers.org/pubs/code/code.asp and download a copy of the NASW Code of Ethics.  1, 2, 4, 8, 9, 12

Chapter 6 Becoming and Effective Policy Advocate

Reaction paper required for:
Chapter 10, Bloom, The Drama of Social Work
 Look at the charts: Hunnex, M.D. Chronological and Thematic Charts of Philosophies and Philosophers

 Test 1
Reaction papers
Week 3 Jansson provides a conceptual framework for the analysis and construction of social policy.   In order to understand it, Jansson artificially presents tasks and skills as discrete entities.  In reality, the are not discrete, but rather parts of a dynamic whole.  Jansson stresses that policy doesn't occur in a vacuum, but rather emerges in a political and economic context.  1, 2, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 Chapter 7, Becoming and Effective Policy Advocate
Reaction paper required for:
Roback Morse, J. (1997). The modern state as an occasion of sin: A public choice analysis of the welfare state.  The Notre Dame Journal of Law, Ethics & Public Policy 11 (2): 531-548.		 Test 1
Reaction papers
Week 4 Government plays a major role in policy practice. That is why PSPA 100 or 101 is a prerequisite to SWK 348. What governmental officials are involved in policy decisions? We discover that there is a "mind set" for both elected and non elected officials. These mind-sets have a profound influence on policy practice. How can one discover a "mind-set" when such things are never written or discussed openly? Look closely at the "political economy."  1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 9,  10, 11, 12 Test 1 on Blackboard
Field Visits Due; All Action Papers Due (NO CREDIT FOR LATE REACTION PAPERS)
Read: Chapter 8, Becoming and Effective Policy Advocate
Reaction paper required for:
Rivas. R.F. & Hull, G. (2000). Case Studies in Generalist Practice. Legal regulation of social workers: BSWs and 1991 Wisconsin Act 160, (Chapter 27, pages 192-197.
        Review the three (3) of the web sites:
http://www.senate.gov
http://www.house.gov
http://www.whitehouse.gov		 Test 2
Reaction papers
Week 5 he road to policy practice and social justice is not a road at all. It is more like a stream where agendas blend together. In particular, we can identify three streams emerging together: 1) problems; 2) solutions; and 3) politics. Can a social worker who is involved in direct practice with human client systems become involved in policy decision- making? The answer is yes.  1, 2, 3, 4, 11, 12 Chapter 9, Becoming and Effective Policy Advocate Test 2
Week 6 A disciplined mind is the center piece for effective policy analysis. Defining, measuring, and conceptualizing social justice/social problems are included as the first steps that enable the generalist practitioner to use a holistic examination of the effects social programs have on society. (Objectives:  1, 2, 4, 6, 12 Chapter 10, Becoming and Effective Policy Advocate
    Reaction paper required for:
        Ecological Framework, Encyclopedia of Social Work VOL II, p. 97-102.
        Go to the library and find The Encyclopedia of Associations.  Locate and report on one association for which you have a personal interest.
Second Quiz; Field Visits Due; All Action Papers Due (NO CREDIT FOR LATE REACTION PAPERS)		 Test 2
Reaction Papers
Week 7 Demonstrate your understanding of Jansson's explanation of typology by identifying a social problem and creating a typology. Social problems must be approved by the professor. Must be completed individually. This assignment need not be word-processed.   1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 11, 12 Chapter 11, Becoming and Effective Policy Advocate
Test 2 on Blackboard		 Test 3
Week 8 Patterns can be found in policy analysis and development. As stated earlier, values and ethics lay the foundation for social justice and social policy. However, other patterns can be found. Mission statements, funding sources, operational definitions of services and success, the local economy, and the configuration of the community tells us a great deal about the spirit of the intent. Remember, "the road to hell is paved with good intentions." Make to use Jansson's information on "mission statements" to assist in writing your paper.  1, 2, 4, 7, 9 Chapter 12, Becoming and Effective Policy Advocate (skip chapter 13)
 		 Test 3
Week 9 One essential feature of scientific thinking is comparison and contrast. It also is an important analytic skill for policy formulation and implementation. Contrasting what the human service needs are [in the context of the social-political-economic environment] and what limitation exist for meeting those needs is addressed on both the abstract and concrete levels. (Objectives:  1, 2, 4, 6 Chapter 7, The Reluctant Welfare State
Third Quiz; Field Visits Due; All Action Papers Due (NO CREDIT FOR LATE REACTION PAPERS)		 Test 3
Week 10 How does one persuade others of a particular policy perspective? Developing a typology or a taxonomy of audiences is a start. Knowing what medium is most effective for the audience is also necessary is a must. Developing a coherent strategy based on what is know about the audience and recipients is of key importance. 

Term paper due: November 13

 1, 2, 4, 6, 11, 12 Chapter 8-9, The Reluctant Welfare State
    Reaction paper required for:
        Supervision  Encyclopedia of Social Work. VOL IV, 186-190.
       Technology and Macro Practice Encyclopedia of Social Work. VOL IV, 215-216		 Final Exam
Reaction papers
Week 11  People who are new to policy practice believe that once the work of advocacy has successfully lead to an accepted policy, the work is over! Experienced policy practitioner know that the hard part has just begun. Policy is a process -- a never ending process.  1, 2, 4, 6, 9, 10, 11, 12 Chapter 10-11 The Reluctant Welfare State
 		 Final Exam
Week 12 The dynamics of moving and shaking is a key element to assure that a policy implementation complies with the spirit of the intent. Hurt feelings, group processing skills, being assertive, understanding the problems of out-groups are all vital elements in assuring that ideals embedded in a policy are able to shine. How can one pursue social justice issues if the change agent (social worker) is not respected?  1, 2, 4, 9, 10, 11, 12

 Chapter 12, Jansson

       

 Final Exam
Reaction papers
Week 13 Social environments have special characteristics that often do not overlap. Strategies must be developed on the basis of the configuration of each unique environment. How do we begin to develop a strategy?  Examples are given to illustrate what happens after a policy is implemented. These examples reinforce chapter 10. Ethical issues and values as the foundation of policy development are reintroduced. Here lies the foundation for SWK 448.  1, 2, 3, 4, 10, 11, 12 Chapter 13
Reaction paper required for:
        Social Work in Rural Areas (What needs to be updated in this policy statement?).		 Final Exam

 
Final Exam:  Go to hhttp://www.uncp.edu/registrar/calendars/exam_fall.htm for exam schedule
Required Texts: Required Text: Jansson, B. S. (1999). Becoming an Effective Policy Advocate: From Policy Practice to Social Justice
Optional Text: Ross. T. E. (2004). One Land, Three Peoples
About Computer Usage: 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/.
Assignments
1) Why have agency visits? (Objective: 7)
The concept of agency visits was suggested by the class of 1990 and by members of the Social Work Program Advisory Board. When students are enrolled in SWK 3480, they tell me the assignment is silly. In a follow-up study, field work students report that the experience was worthwhile. Simply stated, the assignment is valuable for field work and networking. The purpose is to expose students to the wide variety of social service settings available for referral and field experience. Directions: During class students will be assigned to a group no greater than eight (8). Each group is to collect information about each agency (see attached MS Word templet). The information must be emailed to steve.marson@uncp.edu.  If some of the information does not exist, indicate that (i.e., "The agency does not have a web page."). Otherwise, students will not receive credit for the assignment. Any student who does not participate in their group will receive an F. Any student that attempts conceal the fact that another student failed to complete the assignment will also receive an F. All students must change their personal schedules to complete this assignment.  Besides addressing the items on the form, students should use these agency visits to address issues required for their term paper (see Term Paper Requirement).
2) What is a reaction paper?
The purpose of a reaction paper is two-fold. First, it is a method to document that the student actually read the assignment. Second, the reaction paper should be used as notes to help study for state board examinations. All reaction papers are to be submitted via electronic mail to steve.marson@uncp.edu. On the "Subject" line, the transmission must read, "SWK 3480, Reaction Paper," followed by the student's name.   Without including this information on the subject line, the email will not be transmitted into the correct electronic folder and the student will not receive credit.  Students must retain a hard copy for their notes and as a backup. All students are required to use the Internet.
3) Term Paper   click here to see requirements   With their term papers, students must print and submit their "Turnitin" analysis.
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. There are no excused absences.  A student will fail the class upon the seventh absence for day classes and the fourth absence for evening class (for three hours courses). 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 will be dealt with by the instructor.  Attendance will be used as a criterion in determining the final grade.  (Present 1 point; Tardy 1/2 point; Not present 0 points)  For more details see “Class Attendance” in The University of North Carolina at Pembroke.
Grading Components Scale:
1) Three Quizzes -- 30%
2) Class participation, readings [reaction papers], home work, field assignments -- 5%
3) Final Exam -- 40 %
4) Project: Evaluation of Policies and Program of the Field Work Component -- 25 %(Objectives: 1, 2, 4, 6, 7)
5) Field Agency -- three [MUST BE APPROVED BY PROFESSOR]
Grades are not negotiated.   A grade will not be changed after the grade is given to the student.   On the other hand, if the professor makes a calculation error, students are expected to immediately report the error to the professor.  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 elf-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, reaction papers and other assignments, the benefit of the “process” are usurped.  The student who recycles the assignments 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. Students have the responsibility to know and observe the UNCP Academic 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 Disability Support Services, DF Lowry Building, 910-521-6695.
Child Welfare Waiver Students:Child Welfare Scholars are required to complete their field visits at three different DSS's within the division of Child Services.   For their term paper, they are required to interview a DSS Child Services supervisor and a student who is completing their field work at such a setting.   If such a student interviewee is unavailable, the scholar must consult to professor for an alternative.   The assignment related to the Decision Making Matrix should be completed within the context of child welfare services.
Portfolio Assignment: The portfolio is an effective tool for measuring a student’s growth and celebrating accomplishments on the continuum of beginning the social work major to the point of entry-level social work employment.  The portfolio assignment for this class is term paper.  You must keep this assignment and include it in your portfolio which will be graded during SWK 4900/4910.  Graded assignments should be revised prior to inclusion in the portfolio. The list of all portfolio assignments can be found in the student handbook.
Blackboard Usage:
Although SWK 3480 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.

Bibliography: Click here