Professor: Stephen M. Marson, Ph.D., ACSW
Office: 322 Jacobs Hall; 521-6475; Inclement weather: (910) 521-6888
Office Hours:   Monday, by appointment; Tuesday, 1PM and 4PM; Wednesday, by appointment; Thursday 11AM and 4PM; Friday 8AM
Course Prerequisite: MAT 1050 or 1070, Recommended SOC/SWK 3600
Course Description: The ethics, standards, and methods of scientific inquiry in social research and the helping services. Particular emphasis is given to standards and methods to improve helping skills. The course is directed to the professional research needs of those preparing for careers in such areas as medical sociology and social work.

1. Apply critical thinking skills within the context of professional social work practice.
2. Understand the value base of the profession and its ethical standards and principles, and practice accordingly.
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.
4. Understand the forms and mechanisms of oppression and discrimination and the strategies of change that advance social and economic justice.
5. Understand and interpret the history of the social work profession and its contemporary structures and issues.
6. Apply the knowledge and skills of generalist social work to practice with systems of all sizes.
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.
8. Analyze, formulate, and influence social policies.
9. Evaluate research studies and apply findings to practice, and, under supervision, to evaluate their own practice interventions and those of other relevant systems.
10. Use communication skills differentially with a variety of client populations, colleagues, and members of the community.
11. Use supervision and consultation appropriate to social work practice.
12. Function within the structure of organizations and service delivery systems, and under supervision, seek necessary organizational change.
13. Use social work skills, values and knowledge within the context of our rural environment

1. To apply the scientific method and critical thinking to the practice of social work.  (Program Objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9)
2. To demonstrate effective use of social science literature (i.e., evaluation) to enhance one's practice. (Program Objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9)
3. To apply the proper use [i.e., traditional standards of reliability and validity] of operationalized concepts [instruments] for social work practice. (Program Objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 9)
4. To understand program and practice evaluation procedures emerge from agency policies. (Program Objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9)
5. To demonstrate knowledge of traditionally accepted types of social research designs--particularly the single subject design. (Program Objectives: 1, 2, 4, 9)
6. To display knowledge and an appreciation for social work values and ethics required in doing social service research--particularly as it relates to social justice issues aubjected to populations-at-risk in experimentation and in other aspects of employing research protocols. (Program Objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 9)
7. To demonstrate the ability to interpret standard inferential and descriptive statistics--particularly how these can be used to advance social work practice. (Program Objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4, 9)
8. To appreciate the value of both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. (Program Objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 9)
9. To be able to employ the use of computer graphics and other technologies to enhance to social science research evaluation of social work practice. (Program Objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4, 9)

Final Exam: Go to http://www.uncp.edu/registrar/calendars/exam_spring.htm  for exam schedule
Required Texts:

• Yegidis, B. L. & Weinback, R.R. (2009). Research Methods for Social Workers. Boston: Pearson.

• Saxon, J. L. (2008). Social Services in North Carolina. Chapel Hill: UNC School of Government.

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: Students are expected to complete the assignments listed in the Course Outline section of this syllabus.  The assignments (i.e., reaction papers, etc.) are generally worth the same value as being present in class.   Most homework is worth the same value as a test grade.   The values of each assignment will be announced in class. 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 3910, Reaction Paper," followed by the student's name.   Without including this information on the subject line, the email will not opened 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. All files must be submitted in an ASCII format or employing cut ‘n copy technology. No reaction papers will be accepted on or after reading day.
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.

PowerPoints
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:  All homework, quizzes and reaction papers 20%, Portfolio assignment 35%, class participation and attendance 5%, Final exam 40%. Reaction papers are summary of closed reserve readings. All reaction papers will receive a grade, but late reaction paper will not be accepted and will count as an automatic F. All reaction papers are due prior to reading day and MUST be submitted by e-mail. No paper copies will be accepted.  If you need assistance, email.  The grading scale is outlined below and is in the Student Social Work Handbook: