Course Description
An introduction into the social work profession and beginning generalist social work practice. The values, knowledge, and skills necessary for practice will be critically examined and discussed, along with the social problems of concern to the profession. The empowerment of social justice in social work practice will be emphasized. Also, students will be introduced to different roles of leaders and change agents in the social work profession. Additionally, a fundamental understanding of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), Code of Ethics will be reviewed. (3 credits)
Prerequisite
- None
Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of generalist social work and make informed decisions about entry into the profession of social work.
- Define and demonstrate the understanding of the different fields, methods, roles, and functions of generalist social work practice.
- Explain key social work values, knowledge, principles, and skills within an ethical framework as defined in the NASW Code of Ethics.
- Define the dimensions of diversity and oppression.
- Describe social justice issues and policies related to the needs of populations at risk.
- Define and demonstrate empowering and collaborative practices as a generalist social worker.
Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) / Competencies
- Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior
- Advance Human Rights and Social, Racial, Economic, and Environmental Justice
- Engage Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ADEI) in Practice
- 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 |
|---|---|
Discussions (Weeks 1-8) | 25% |
Weekly Quizzes (Weeks 1-7) | 25% |
Weekly Assignments (Weeks 1-7) | 25% |
Change Agents Biography (Week 8) | 25% |
Total | 100% |
Required Textbooks
Available through Charter Oak State College's Book Bundle
The Charter Oak Book Bundle provides all undergraduate and graduate students with access to required textbooks, lab manuals, access codes, and electronic book versions in a convenient bundle before the first day of class—often at discounted prices.
Through a partnership with Barnes & Noble, the Book Bundle allows students to obtain required course materials for all classes for a per-credit fee, regardless of the individual cost of each textbook or digital access. Rather than purchasing materials separately, the rental cost is added to the student's account along with tuition. Digital materials are automatically added to students' Blackboard courses. For courses requiring physical textbooks, books will be shipped to students' homes at no additional charge.
The Social Work Program has partnered with Cengage to provide all e-texts, MindTap activities, and other resources through the Cengage Unlimited Subscription. You can access this resource through the Charter Oak Book Bundle.
The textbook used for this course obtained through Cengage Unlimited is:
- Segal, E., Gerdes, K., Steiner, S. (2019). Empowerment Series: An Introduction to the Profession of Social Work - with MindTap Access. 6th ed.
Course Schedule
Week | PLOs | SLOs | Readings and Exercises | Assignments |
1 | 1-5 | 1-3 | Topics: What is Social Work?
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2 | 1-5 | 1-6 | Topics: Poverty and Economic Disparity & Human Rights and Social and Economic Justice
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3 | 1-5 | 1-6 | Topics: Dimensions of Diversity & Generalist Social Work Practice
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4 | 1-5 | 1-6 | Topics: Child Welfare & Gerontology
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5 | 1-5 | 1-6 | Topics: Healthcare Services & Mental Health Services
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6 | 1-5 | 1-6 | Topics: School Social Work & Substance Abuse
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7 | 1-5 | 1-6 | Topics: Violence, Victims, and Criminal Justice & Crisis, Trauma and Disasters
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8 | 1-5 | 1-6 | Topic: Final Paper
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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.