Generalist Social Work Concepts – SOWK 501

Course Description

Generalist Social Work Concepts is a course that gives an overview of the field of social work practice and corresponding concepts. Topics addressed include, but are not limited to the ecclesiastical beginnings of the profession, cultural humility, social policy, self-care, the integration of faith and practice, as well as social work values and practice settings.

Rationale

Generalist Social Work Concepts provides the student with a knowledge of foundational social work concepts such as social work ethics, values, settings of practice, and policy.  It emphasizes the importance of cultural humility and respecting differences.  The course also stresses the importance of the health of the social work practitioner.   

Course Assignment

Textbook readings and lecture presentations

(CLO: A-I, Competencies: 1-9:  Dimensions: Knowledge, Values, Cognitive & Affective Processes)

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussions (2)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student will complete 2 Discussions in this course. For each Discussion, the student will post one thread of at least 250 words and two replies of at least 150 words. For each thread, the student must support his/her assertions with course materials and at least two scholarly or biblical citations in current APA format. Each reply must incorporate at least one scholarly or biblical citation in current APA format. Any scholarly sources cited must have been published within the last five years. Acceptable sources include the textbook, course presentations, the Bible, and professional journals. (CLO: F, G, H, & I, Competencies: 6, 7, 8, & 9; Dimensions: Knowledge, Values, Cognitive & Affective Processes)

Social Work Interview Assignment

Using the questions provided, the student will interview two social workers working in two different fields of practice. The student should ask additional interview questions based on the responses received. The student will submit a summary of the interviews in a 3-to-5-page paper in the format provided. (CLO: A, B, & F; Competencies: 1, 2, & 6; Dimensions: Knowledge & Skills) 

Ecomap and Self-Care Plan Assignment

The student will evaluate his/her life situation and develop a plan of personal health to maintain self-care. The assignment submission will include a current APA cover page, the Ecomap graphic, a 3-page reflection paper and the SMART Form. (CLO: A, G, H, & I; Competencies: 1, 7, 8, & 9; Dimensions: Knowledge, Values, Cognitive & Affective Processes)

Policy Practice Essay Assignment

This essay will allow the student the opportunity to solidify his/her definition of policy practice and how it relates to social work. The student will discuss what has been learned about policy practice and social work, utilizing assigned material and one additional scholarly source. Then, the student will pick a social issue that interests him/her and find a related policy. The student will research and write a summary of the policy, discuss how this policy does/does not align with his/her values, whether the student believes it advances social justice, and represents best practice for the population it serves. The student should include a biblical perspective of the topic. The student will write a letter to a legislator advocating for or against the policy explaining the reason behind his/her position. Length of assignment is 4 - 5 pages, double-spaced. (CLO: A, C, D, E, F, & H; Competencies: 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8:  Knowledge, Values, Skills, Cognitive & Affective Processes)

Professionalism Self-Assessment Assignment

The student will complete a self-assessment of his/her professionalism in regard to the criteria outlined in the assignment instructions. The student will use the Professionalism Self-Assessment provided under the Professionalism Self-Assessment Resources section located on the assignment page. A self-assessment example will also be provided on the assignment page. (CLO: A, G, H, & I; Competencies: 1, 7,  8, & 9; Dimensions: Skills, Values, Cognitive & Affective Processes)

Quizzes (2)

This quiz will cover the learn items from the Module: Week. This quizzes are open-book/open-notes and will have 12 multiple-choice questions. The quizzes have no time limit and are limited to 2 attempts, with the highest attempt counting towards the grade. (CLO: A; Competencies: 1; Dimensions: Knowledge, skills)

Quiz: Final Exam

This quiz will cover the Learn material throughout the course. This quiz will be open-book/open-notes and will contain 40 multiple choice questions. The quiz will have no time limit, and will be limited to 2 attempts with the highest attempt counting towards the grade. (CLO: A-I,; Competencies: 1-9,; Dimensions: Knowledge)

Quiz

This quiz covers the Keith-Lucas, Gregory, and Bauer textbook. The quiz is open-book/open-notes and contains 5 multiple-choice and short answer questions. The quiz has no time limit and is limited to 2 attempts, with the highest attempt counting towards the grade.  (CLO: A;  Competencies: 1; Dimensions: Knowledge)