SOWK 725: Advanced Social Work Practice with Family

Course Syllabus

I. Purpose/Rationale of the Course

This course is designed to help the student toward a fuller understanding of the applications of specialized methods of intervention in social work practice with families.  The course aims at broadening the repertoire of social work interventions available to the student in the advanced year of study as s/he begins more advanced field practice. An expected outcome is a more complete integration of knowledge, values and skills for practice with families in various types of public and private settings.

II. Course Content 

This course focuses on commonly employed models of social work practice with diverse families.  Models (theories) which have significantly contributed to social work practice with families and family sub-systems such as couples and parents are studied through a focus on processes of assessment, intervention and evaluation.  Particular emphasis is given to family interventions with populations at risk including women, people of color, people who are gay and lesbian, and people who live in poverty. Diversity in practice settings is considered in an effort to help students learn specialized knowledge and skills in preparation for practice with families in various types of public and private agencies.

III. Course Objectives

A student who successfully completes this course will be able to:

1. Critically evaluate contemporary approaches to social work practice with families, including strengths and weaknesses and rationale for selection, particularly regarding their use with populations at risk;
2. Assess, plan, and intervene with families in a way that reflects sensitivity and respect for cultural and social diversity, strengths, and values;
3. Design and implement interventions that take into consideration the impact on families of poverty, oppression and discrimination, mental illness, disability, chronic and terminal illness, family violence, substance abuse, dissolution, and reconstitution on families;
4. Develop and implement a detailed plan for assessing the effectiveness of change efforts with families; and
5. Identify and analyze ethical dilemmas that may arise during the provision of social work services to families, and recommend worker responses that are consistent with the NASW Code of Ethics.

IV.  Linkages to Other Courses

This advanced course builds upon the understanding of family development and process developed in SOWK 716 (HBSE), and upon the generalist practice knowledge and skills developed in SOWK 722, both during the foundation year. In addition, it builds upon practice experiences gained during the foundation year generalist field practica, SOWK 781 and 782, the first semester of advanced field practicum, SOWK 783, and during the concurrent concentration field practicum, SOWK 784. It also provides students an opportunity to apply knowledge and skills gained in foundation year research courses, SOWK 791 and 792, in the evaluation of practice.

V. Methods of Instruction

A variety of instructional methods are used in this course such as lecture, group discussion, role play, videotapes, videotaping of role plays, student presentations and demonstrations, small group exercises, and course learning journals or logs. Emphasis will be placed on the integration of field placement experiences and course content through such tools as case consultation, learning journals and logs, and field-based case studies and role plays. 

 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.