1 THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK Course Number: SW 332 Instructor: B. Pomeroy, Ph.D., LMSW-ACP Unique Number: 58220/58225 E-mail: [email protected] Semester: Fall, 1999 Phone: 232-3405 Meeting Time: Class: Tues. & Thur. Office Room: 3.122E 11:00am- 12:30 p.m. Labs: by appointment in LRC Meeting Place: SSW Office Hours: Tuesdays 2 pm to 4 pm Or by appointment SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE WITH INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES I. COURSE DESCRIPTION This course builds extensively on content in SW 312 (Social Work Generalist Practice: Knowledge, Values, and Skills). This second course in the practice area focuses on the integration of theory, methods and skills as they apply to practice with individuals and families. The course provides an in-depth examination of the helping process within the context of an ecosystems/developmental framework. Various methodological approaches and techniques relevant for social work practice with individuals and families are presented, including problem solving and case management. The development of skills in data collection, assessment, and problem identification is also emphasized. Throughout the course, special attention is given to factors affecting diverse population groups, including (but not limited to) groups distinguished by race, ethnicity, culture, class, gender, sexual orientation, religion, physical or mental ability, age, and national origin. Prerequisites include admission to the social work major, and PSY304, SW310, SW312, SW313, SW325, and SW327. II. COURSE OBJECTIVES By the end of the semester, students will be able to: 1. Demonstrate a beginning level of understanding of the relationship between theory, knowledge and social work practice; 2. Apply major social work theories in the helping process; 3. Demonstrate skill in data collection, problem identification, and assessment that are sensitive to groups distinguished by race, ethnicity, culture, class, gender, sexual orientation, religion, physical or mental ability, age, and national origin; 4. Select appropriate methods of intervention for specific case situations;2 5. Demonstrate an understanding of how research is used to acquire knowledge and to evaluate self in practice with individuals and families; 6. Demonstrate an understanding of social work values, particularly the pursuit of social and economic justice, and their implications for social work practice with individuals and families. III. TEACHING METHODS The primary teaching methods will be lectures, discussion, and experiential exercises. Guest lectures, group presentations, and audio-visual presentations will also be utilized. IV. REQUIRED AND OPTIONAL TEXTS Required Texts Kadushin, A. (1997). The Social Work Interview: A Guide for Human Service Professionals New York: Columbia University Press. Required Course Packet at Dobie Mall- Required Optional Texts Saleebey, D. (Ed.) (1997). The strengths perspective in social work practice (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Longman. V. COURSE REQUIREMENTS Students are expected to attend class sessions regularly and to participate in an interactive framework between collegiate students and professor. Students are expected to complete the readings prior to class, and should be well prepared to participate in discussions and experiential learning assignments. The degree to which a student regularly attends the class and demonstrates through discussions that one has comprehended the readings will be considered in assigning the final grade. Note: Attendance may be taken randomly both in class and labs. Except in the case of extreme emergencies, and then only with the permission of the professor, late assignments will not be accepted without penalty. Students are expected to turn in all required assignments on the agreed upon due date at the beginning of class. Assignments turned in after class starts will be considered late. If accepted, late assignments will be assessed point penalties at the rate of 3 points each day late. If the due date is a problem, then the student should see the professor and negotiate another due date. Student feedback is welcome. Students are encouraged to provide feedback during office hours and by appointment if they desire.3 If students are concerned about their class performance, the professor is more than willing to work with students to help them improve their course grades prior to the end of the semester. HOWEVER, FINAL GRADES ASSIGNED IN THE COURSE ARE NOT NEGOTIABLE! Special Accommodations for Students with a Disability In compliance with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) and the Americans with Disabilities Act, I will make myself available to discuss appropriate academic accommodations that you may require as a student with a disability. Students with disabilities who need special accommodations should notify the professor, prior to the end of the first week of class, by presenting a letter prepared by the Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) Office. To ensure that the most appropriate accommodations can be provided, students should contact the SSD Office at 471-6259 or 471-4641 TTY. Policy on Scholastic Dishonesty Students who violate University rules on scholastic dishonesty are subject to disciplinary penalties, including the possibility of failure in the course and/or dismissal from the University. Since such dishonesty harms the individual, all students, and the integrity of the University, policies on scholastic dishonesty will be strictly enforced. For further information, the student may refer to the Web Site of the Student Judicial Services, Office of the Dean of Students (http://www.utexas.edu/depts/dos/sjs). VI. COURSE ASSIGNMENTS I. Examinations There will be two (2) exams given during the course of the semester (see course schedule below for dates). Each exam will be worth 75 points (for a total of 150 points). The exams will be based on readings, discussions, presentations, videos, experiential exercises, and lecture material. The exams will be objective in nature, and may consist of multiple choice, exact choice, true/false, or short essay questions. Make up exams will not be given unless there are unusual extenuating circumstances. The professor reserves the right of final approval of what an unusual extenuating circumstance might comprise. II. Client Consensual Interview Assignment- In pairs, students will videotape and assess in writing a 10-15