Course Description
The purpose of this course is to assist students in understanding the link between social work theory and beginning-level generalist social work practice. Theoretical information appropriate for beginning-level generalist social work practice is also presented. This course will provide opportunities for students to experience practice situations through role plays, simulations, case vignettes, and other experiential activities. The theory-based material, activities, and assignments in this course are designed to support students in understanding the vital connection between theoretical orientation and stages of the helping process. (3 credits)
Prerequisite
- None
Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- Learn foundational theories supporting social work practice and understanding the roles of theory play in evidenced-based social work practice, understanding the reciprocal relationship between social work theory and practice.
- Develop knowledge for human diversity and awareness of the unique needs, concerns, and challenges of clients from different social, cultural, racial, religious, spiritual, and class backgrounds.
- Explore their own biases and learn how it influences their view of themselves and others, which strengthens their work with future clients/client systems/institutions.
- Study the social work skills of engagement, assessment, intervention, and evaluation in social work practice.
- Illustrate the beginning ability to establish a mutually agreed-on focus of work and desired outcomes with clients via intervention approaches.
- Enhance their ability to critically analyze, monitor, and evaluate practice communications.
- Begin to identify as a professional social worker and conduct themselves accordingly by using practice strategies consistent with the Social Work Code of Ethics.
- Appreciate and effectively manage work-related stress, burnout, and engage in self-care.
- Recognize and discuss generalist social work practice concepts and intervention methods as informed by research and evidence-based practice.
Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) / Competencies
- Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior
- Engage Diversity and Difference in Practice
- Advance Human Rights and Social, Economic, and Environmental Justice
- Engage in Practice-informed Research and Research-informed Practice
- Engage in Policy Practice
- Engage with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
- Assess Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
- Intervene with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
- Evaluate Practice with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
Course Activities and Grading
| Assignments | Weight |
|---|---|
Discussions (Weeks 1-8) | 30% |
Quizzes (Weeks 2, 4 and 6) | 20% |
Theory Paper (Week 7) | 30% |
Final Exam (Week 8) | 20% |
Total | 100% |
Required Textbooks
Available through Charter Oak State College's Book Bundle
The Charter Oak Book Bundle provides all undergraduate and graduate students with access to required textbooks, lab manuals, access codes, and electronic book versions in a convenient bundle before the first day of class—often at discounted prices.
Through a partnership with Barnes & Noble, the Book Bundle allows students to obtain required course materials for all classes for a per-credit fee, regardless of the individual cost of each textbook or digital access. Rather than purchasing materials separately, the rental cost is added to the student's account along with tuition. Digital materials are automatically added to students' Blackboard courses. For courses requiring physical textbooks, books will be shipped to students' homes at no additional charge.
The Social Work Program has partnered with Cengage to provide all e-texts, MindTap activities, and other resources through the Cengage Unlimited Subscription. You can access this resource through the Charter Oak Book Bundle.
The textbook used for this course obtained through Cengage Unlimited is:
- Langer, C. L., Applying Theory to Generalist Social Work Practice. John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2015.
Additional Resources
- Articles, videos, and websites assigned by the instructor.
Course Schedule
Week | PLOs | SLOs | Readings and Exercises | Assignments |
1 | 1,2,6,7,8,9 | 1,4,5,9 | Topic: The Role of Theories in Social Work Practice
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2 | 1,6,7,8,9 | 1,4,6,9 | Topics: Ecological and Systems Theories & The Task-Centered Model
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3 | 1,2,3,4,9 | 1,2,3,4,7 | Topic: The Strengths Perspective & Empowerment Theory
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4 | 1-9 | 1,2,3,6,7 | Topic: Conflict Theory, Humanism & Client-Centered Theory
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5 | 1,3,5,7,8,9 | 1-7 | Topics: Solution-Focused Brief Therapy & Crisis Theory
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6 | 1,2,4,9 | 1,2,4,6,9 | Topics: Cognitive and Behavioral Theories & Narrative Theory
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7 | 1-9 | 1-9 | Topic: Feminist and Critical Theories
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8 | 1-9 | 1-9 | Topics: Transtheoretical Model & Theory and Practice: Pulling it All Together
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Final Exam Chapters 1-14 SLOs 1-9 | ||||
COSC Accessibility Statement
Charter Oak State College encourages students with disabilities, including non-visible disabilities such as chronic diseases, learning disabilities, head injury, attention deficit/hyperactive disorder, or psychiatric disabilities, to discuss appropriate accommodations with the Office of Accessibility Services at OAS@charteroak.edu.
COSC Policies, Course Policies, Academic Support Services and Resources
Students are responsible for knowing all Charter Oak State College (COSC) institutional policies, course-specific policies, procedures, and available academic support services and resources. Please see COSC Policies for COSC institutional policies, and see also specific policies related to this course. See COSC Resources for information regarding available academic support services and resources.