Course Description
The first course in the practice sequence introduces the application of generalist social work practice. Processes and strategies for relationship building, assuming a collaborative partnership, describing problems, assessing resources, developing plans, and evaluating progress with people are emphasized. A strengths perspective is stressed with a focus on work with individuals and couples. Students develop personal skills and enhance their self-awareness and self-reflection in relation to their role as leaders and change agents with individuals and couples. Additionally, a fundamental understanding of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), Code of Ethics will be reviewed. (3 credits)
Prerequisites
- SWK 101: Introduction to Social Work
- SWK 110: History of Social Welfare
- SWK 225: Human Behavior in the Social Environment 1
- SWK 226: Human Behavior in the Social Environment 2
- Acceptance into the Social Work Program
Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding the context, mission and purposes and opportunities of social work services with individuals and couples.
- Recognize the role of systems and ecological concepts for understanding the interaction of individuals and couples in their environments.
- Analyze the impact of anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion with individuals and couples.
- Define direct and clinical social work practice with individuals and couples.
- Delineate roles performed by direct practice social worker with individuals and couples.
- Identify steps in the helping process, from exploration through implementation and termination with individuals and couples.
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 |
|---|---|
Reflection Discussion Boards (Weeks 1-7) | 20% |
Chapter Helper Studios (Weeks 1-3, 5-7) | 5% |
Chapter Case Studies (Weeks 1-7) | 10% |
Chapter Video Activities (Weeks 1-7) | 20% |
Chapter Exercises (Weeks 1, 2, 5, 6) | 5% |
Weekly Quizzes (Weeks 1- 8) | 20% |
Group and Individual Project (Week 8) | 20% |
Total | 100% |
Required Textbook
Available through Charter Oak State College's Book Bundle
- Hepworth, D., Rooney, R., Rooney, G., Strom-Gottfried, K. (2022). Empowerment Series: Direct Social Work Practice: Theory and Skills. Cengage Learning.
Course Schedule
Week | PLOs | SLOs | Readings and Exercises | Assignments |
1 | 1-9 | 1-5 | Topic: What are the Challenges and Opportunities of Social Work?
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2 | 1-9 | 1-6 | Topic: Identifying the Role of Social Workers in the Helping Process with Social Work Clients
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3 | 1-3 | 2-5 | Topic: Cardinals of Social Work Practice
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4 | 1,6,7 | 1,4,5 | Topic: Building Blocks of Communication With Clients
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5 | 3,6,7 | 2-6 | Topic: How to Positively and Effectively Communicate With Clients
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6 | 3,4,7,9 | 2,3,5,6 | Topics: Assessment: Exploring and Understanding Problems and Strengths
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7 | 1,3,7 | 1-4 | Topics: Assessment: Intrapersonal, Interpersonal and Environmental Factors
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8 | 1,3,7 | 1-4 | Topics: Intervention: Process Recording with Individuals/Couples
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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.