SOWK 718: Systems Analysis of Social Work Practice

Course Syllabus

I. Purpose / Rationale of the Course

Competent social work practice demands integration of a wide range of theories, knowledge, skills, and values. This course is designed to draw on all previous courses and to engage students in integrating and applying all that they have learned. It promotes holistic practice by supporting shared learning among advanced students in different concentrations (Social Work With Individuals, Families, and Groups, and Social Work With Organizations and Communities), and helps students gain confidence as competent practitioners in accordance with specific College-defined objectives.

II. Course Content

This “capstone course” may include any content to which students have been exposed during their MSW courses and field practica. In addition, it will include new content as students address a social problem or current issue of concern to the profession; they will be expected to use the library, Internet, and personal contacts with other professionals to survey legislation, policies, theories, research, programs, and practices. In addition, as students from the two concentrations interact, they will bring new material to one another.

III. Course Objectives

Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:

1. articulate their integration of knowledge, skills, and values developed across the curriculum, including field in approaching practice situations from an eco-systems perspective;
2. critically analyze:
   • social problems and case examples at all systems levels,
   • relevant human behavior and practice theories and social welfare policies,
   • research findings reported in the professional literature and other media,
   • current practice and intervention alternatives,
   • issues associated with evaluation of practice;
3. collaborate effectively with others to explore issues and develop intervention plans;
4. defend practice decisions based on current theory and knowledge, and the values and ethics of the profession;
5. apply their understanding of, and commitment to, the promotion of social and economic justice for populations at risk, and their recognition of and respect for diversity, as they respond to a variety of specific case situations.
   

IV.     Linkages to Other Courses

This “capstone” course is taught in the final semester of the program, and is intended to help students to integrate all their coursework in preparation for graduation and practice, through the use of case studies and problem-based learning methods. Students will be enrolled in this course concurrently with their final field placement. Students from both concentrations, Social Work Practice With Individuals, Families and Groups, and Social Work Practice With Organizations and Communities, will be enrolled in each section, and will facilitate the learning of their colleagues by sharing the knowledge and experiences specific to each concentration.

V.  Methods of Instruction

The course will be structured around the MSW program objectives through various assignments in which students work on specific case situations that reflect human services issues, problems, and challenges. Students will be required to think multi-systemically, as they:

• analyze the meaning of the situations for individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities;
• examine various approaches suggested in the literature and the resources offered in a wide variety of human service settings; and
• make comprehensive recommendations for social work intervention and discuss the rationale for choices.
  

The instructor’s role will be to structure the course and assignments, point students toward resources, assist with group process, facilitate periodic checks on student attainment of objectives, and assign grades.

Any student who because of a disability may need special arrangements or accommodations to meet the requirements of this course should consult with the instructor as soon as possible. The office of Disability Services provides an array of services to meet the needs of students with disabilities, according to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. See information and guidelines provided in The Carolina Community: Student Handbook and Policy Guide.

VI.  Course Requirements

Students are expected to attend all class meetings as scheduled, and all meetings scheduled by their work group. Absence from class meetings or from group meetings may result in a lowered course grade, or, in extreme instances, in a grade of “F” for the course.

There will be at least three graded assignments: 1) You will analyze 7 case studies at all system levels and plan interventions at all system levels. 2) You will provide feedback on 5 cases to colleagues. 3) You will complete a personal inventory. Use of APA style and format in writing and use of non-sexist language in class discussion and written assignments is required.

IX.   Example Course Outline

A. Introduction and Overview of Course Objectives

B. Systems Analysis of Decision Cases

1. Identification of issues at all systems levels
2. Historical context
3. Current knowledge and practice
   

C. Transition From Student to Professional

1. Dealing with ambiguity – making decisions in complex situations based on incomplete knowledge
2. Practicing critical self-reflection
3. Responsibility for ongoing professional development.