Course Syllabus
Course: SW 1010
Division: Social and Behavioral Science
Department: Behavioral Science
Title: Social Work As A Profession
Semester Approved: Spring 2024
Five-Year Review Semester: Fall 2028
End Semester: Fall 2029
Catalog Description: This course is a required course for those interested in social work as a profession. Students will be introduced to the basic perspectives and concepts of social welfare in the United States. This course is offered as in-class and online.
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Credit/Time Requirement: Credit: 3; Lecture: 3; Lab: 0
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Justification: This course is part of the Social Work curriculum and is designed to complete transfer requirements for courses that exist at other USHE institutions.
Student Learning Outcomes:
Evaluate contemporary and/or historical problems using Social Work specific research methodology. This will be accomplished through the critical thinking projects submitted by the student and evaluated by the instructor and by the student’s participation in a final project.
Describe and analytically compare Social Work's different social, political, economic, cultural, geographical, or historical settings and processes. Students will complete critical thinking exercises in the chapters or take the appropriate exams and submit them for evaluation by the instructor. The student will also complete a research project.
Develop and communicate hypothetical explanations for individual human behavior within the large-scale historical or social context of the social sciences and Social Work. This will be demonstrated in the preparation and delivery of a presentation. This will also be demonstrated in exams.
Write and/or demonstrate effectively within the social science discipline, using correct disciplinary guidelines, to analyze, interpret, and communicate about social science phenomena. This will be accomplished in all the written assignments and projects.
Content:
This course introduces students to the field of social work, emphasizing the variety of social work settings, skills, and knowledge required and professional responsibilities.A variety of social issues social workers may deal with are discussed. Issues include poverty, family dynamics, mental health, addictions, the elderly, and the welfare system. These issues will be discussed in relation to the broad diversity of people facing these challenges.
Key Performance Indicators:
Presentation 20 to 35%
Exams 30 to 50%
Critical Thinking Writing Project 5 to 20%
Personal Perspective Writing Project 5 to 20%
Attendance and participation 10 to 20%
Representative Text and/or Supplies:
The Social Work Experience, Suppes & Wells, Current edition.
Pedagogy Statement:
This course will be taught by lecture, group work, discussion, written assignments and projects which require practical application. Practical application in this course promotes inclusivity as the teaching methods promote group understanding and working with others in the classroom environment.
Instructional Mediums:
Lecture
Online
Maximum Class Size: 40
Optimum Class Size: 40
