COURSE OBJECTIVES20 Points Possible30 Points Possible25 Points Possible for the Presentation10 Points PossibleGRADING SCALEIMPORTANT DATESCLASS POLICIESDateDescriptionText/ReadingsPersonal Code of Ethics DueMedical EthicsPower Dynamics Paper DueOpen: Use time to write paper summarizing readings and lectuBoundary Violations: The 4 CharacteristicsMedical Ethics Paper DueVideo: Clinical VignettesBoundary Violation Paper DueInformed Consent & Duty to WarnDual/ Multiple RelationshipsPersonal Code of Ethics DueTHE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK Course Number: 360K/ 387R4 Instructor: M. Peterson Armour, Ph.D. Unique Number: 63185/63360 E-mail: [email protected] Semester: Spring 2005 Phone: 471 3197 Meeting Time: Tues. 2:30-5:30 Office Room: 3.122C Meeting Place: 2.116 Office Hours: Tuesday 9:30-11:00 or by appointment ETHICS AND LEADERSHIP IN SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE I. COURSE DESCRIPTION This course educates students to become more effective in dealing with ethical issues in social work practice. It provides an organizing theoretical framework to examine personal and professional values and ethical dilemmas across client systems. The course is intended to deepen awareness of emerging ethical issues, to provide tools and methodologies for reflection and analysis and to develop leaders to promote professional social work values. Ethical decision-making models are presented which incorporate components of reflection, analysis, evaluation, research, and the justification of an ethical position. Frames which organize the content include: philosophical systems underlying major ethical theories, models for ethical choice grounded in the NASW Code of Ethics, and consideration of other codes of ethics. The course prepares students for ethical decision-making in field internships and professional careers. . II. COURSE OBJECTIVES By the end of the semester, students will be able to: 1. Broaden awareness of the range of subtleties of the value/ethical conflicts in social work practice. 2. Deepen understanding of ethical theory and methodology and its application to ethical conflicts in social work practice. 3. Develop a critical awareness and understanding of the integration of personal and professional values. 4. Develop a greater understanding of how to practice in a conscious and ethical manner and an understanding of what constitutes malpractice in social work. 15. Demonstrate the ability to apply the NASW Code of Ethics to practice situations in the context of current manifestations of the code’s ethical principles. 6. Understand the ethical issues pertaining to people from diverse backgrounds and populations at risk. 7. Demonstrate an understanding of the interplay between ethical dilemmas and power dynamics as well as how context impacts the ethical decision-making process. 8. Demonstrate the ability to incorporate research to resolve ethical dilemmas within the context of a professional social work network. 9. Develop leadership skills to demonstrate and promote the values of the profession. III. TEACHING METHODS AND CLASS ORGANIZATION This class uses lectures, discussion, small group exercises, guest speakers, videos, written assignments, and class presentations. IV. REQUIRED AND OPTIONAL TEXTS/MATERIALS Corey, G., Corey, M.S. & Callanan, P. (2003). Issues and Ethics in the Helping Professions. Sixth Edition. Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks-Cole. Peterson, M. (1992). At Personal Risk: Boundary Violations in Professional Client Relationships. New York: W. W. Norton. Readings are available in the LRC (in the basement of the School of Social Work). They are listed under “Armour” by title of the article. Readings are also available on electronic reserves. To access them, go to http://www.utexas.edu/. Click Libraries, click Library Services-Reserves, click Electronic Reserve, click Marilyn Armour on the drop-down menu under Instructor. The password for the class will be given at the first class. Check the Electronic Reserves frequently for important information about the class. V. COURSE REQUIREMENTS The following course requirements will be completed during the semester, with points given for each course requirement. Grading will be based on total points accrued by the end of the semester. All papers should be typed and follow APA format. A handout about the APA format is available in the LRC. 1. Power Dynamics Paper (8-10 pages) Each student will apply material from class readings, lectures, and discussions on power to their family of origin. a) Analyze the sociopolitical context for the power held or not held by different family members. 2b) What types of power did different family members hold? c) How did family members express their power? d) How did you react to the expression of power by different family members? e) Describe the boundaries that were present in the family to protect the vulnerability of family members relative to each other’s power. f) What attitudes do you hold about power? g) Given your experiences in your family of origin, what difficulties might you have managing your power in relationships with clients? Write a paper that a) summarizes the literature on power and b) applies the literature to your family of origin and your behavior as a professional. 20 Points Possible 2. Medical Ethics Summary (5-8 pages) Each student will write a paper that summarizes the lecture given on 2/08/05 and the assigned readings. One 1 page of the paper to discuss issues of power (institutions, decision-making, etc.) in selected examples presented in the lecture or in readings. 3. Boundary Violation Paper (10 pages) Each student will select a boundary violation that occurred at any point in his/her life with an authority figure. Describe the incident. Analyze the experience using the four characteristics of a boundary violation described in Chapter 4 of At Personal Risk. Describe and analyze the damage to you and/or others using the theory in Chapter 5 of At Personal Risk. Describe what you did (or might need to do) to heal from the violation. 30 Points Possible 4. Ethics Presentation and Paper (20 pages) Each student will select an ethical standard or current topic that has ethical implications. The selection will be made from the list of ethical standards and current topics to be covered from week 7 to week 14. The student will read articles that