Course Number: 383T Instructor’s Name: Michele Chandler“Self knowledge is an anchor that makes unpredictability tolSOCIAL WORK METHODS 1THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK Course Number: 383T Instructor’s Name: Michele Chandler Unique Number: 63255 Office Number: 3.122A Semester: Spring 2005 Office Phone: 471-9817 Meeting Time: Wednesday 8:30 – 11:30 Office Hours: Wednesday 12:30 – 2:30 Monday & Friday a.m. by appt. Meeting Place: SSW 2.112 “Self knowledge is an anchor that makes unpredictability tolerable.” SOCIAL WORK METHODS 1 I. Course Description This foundation course builds on Social Work Methods I by deepening the students' knowledge of generalist practice work with individuals, families, groups, in the context of organizations and communities. Prerequisites: This course must be taken concurrently with Field Instruction II, except for those students having advanced standing status. It is a prerequisite for all "second year" concentration courses. II. Course Objectives : Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Critically analyze professional values, ethical dilemmas and ethical decision making and their impact on service delivery, policy and practice; 2. Identify, critique, apply and evaluate social work theories and methods from a strengths based generalist perspective for effective service delivery to diverse individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities; 3. Apply beginning practice skills in the development, leadership and evaluation of small groups in agency, organization and community settings; 4. Identify aspects of human diversity within and between groups and the implications for this diversity in assessment, planning, intervention and evaluation; 5. Demonstrate knowledge of leadership and advocacy skills, conflict management and interprofessional collaboration at all levels of social work practice to promote social and economic justice; 6. Apply a beginning level of skill in utilizing empirical knowledge to evaluate theoretical frameworks, intervention plans and practice effectiveness; 7. Communicate effectively and professionally, both orally and in writing, assessment, intervention and evaluation plans for diverse client systems that enhance client strengths, capacities, assets and resources.II. Teaching Methods This class will be taught using a variety of methods with an emphasis on experiential learning: role-play, videos, class discussion, small group interaction, lecture and guest speakers. . The assignments will provide the opportunity for "learning by doing" in small group as well as individual projects. For success in this class you must be willing to participate, risk yourself, stretch your creativity, and attend class! You are encouraged to ask questions, give the instructor feedback, set up times to see the instructor individually if you would like. IV. Required Texts and Materials Hepworth, Rooney & Larsen (1997) Direct Social Work Practice: Theory and Skills, Sixth Edition. Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks Cole Publishing Roberts, Albert R. and Greene, Gilbert J. (2002) Social Workers’ Desk Reference, Oxford University Press: New York, N.Y. Corey, Marianne Schneider, and Corey, Gerald, (2002) Groups: Process and Practice, 6th edition, Pacific Grove, Calif.: Brooks-Cole Publishing Co. Reading Packet available at Speedway V. Class Policies: The class will operate according to the same guidelines established in Methods 1. It is important for social work professionals to be punctual in both attendance and in meeting deadlines. Therefore, class attendance is expected, as is handing in assignments on time. Students may lose 5 points per calendar day that an assignment is late. Any adjustments in assignment due dates and/or examination MUST be discussed with the instructor at least 24 hours PRIOR to the regularly scheduled date. Students who fail to attend class on a regular basis (missing more than three classes without a valid excuse, i.e. medical documentation) will be dropped from Methods course as well as Field Practicum. Information shared in class about agencies and clients is considered to be confidential according to the NASW Code of Ethics regarding the sharing of information for supervisory purposes. Agencies are aware that information is shared in class for this purpose. However, discussions outside of class with individuals outside of the seminar regarding information shared in class about clients, supervisors, or agencies, is a breach of confidentiality. Breach of confidentiality is grounds for removal from Field Placement. Part of professional accountability includes treating others with respect and courtesy. Within the class this entails listening to the opinions and concerns of others with openness, offering suggestions and ideas in a positive and respectful manner, and willingness to promote group cohesiveness in the learning environment. When using information from other sources, references and bibliography should conform to current APA style (refer to School of Social Work handout). Plagiarism is a serious violation of University rules so pay close attention to giving citation credit. Instances of plagiarism will be dealt with according to University policy.I. Course Requirements: There are five assignments for this class. Details for all assignments will be provided. 1. Group Presentation on a Social Work Practice Model 110 points PRESENTATIONS DUE: 2/23/05, 3/2/05, 3/9/05, 3/23/05 2. Application Papers (3) 150 points a. Paper #1: Knowing Oneself Ethically (50 points) PAPER DUE: February 9, 2005 b. Paper #2: Leadership Style/Advocacy Paper (50 points) PAPER DUE: April 27, 2005 c. Paper #3: Community Outreach (50 points) PAPER DUE: April 13 2005 3. Videotape Interview with Theoretical Applications 70 points PAPER DUE: March 30, 2005 4. Class Participation 20 points a. Questions from the readings: Each student will be responsible for bringing questions from the reading into class for discussion throughout the semester. The questions must be thoughtful, relevant and related to the student’s field experiences – or credit will not be given. Students should put the questions in writing and turn them into the instructor at the beginning of class. A maximum of ten points may be earned for questions