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 online bookstore
- Cengage Unlimited - Access (12 months)
- Vitalsource Rentals (2018)
- The Social Work Program has partnered with Cengage to provide all e-texts, MindTap activities, and other resources through the Cengage Unlimited Subscription. All Social Work courses will use Cengage Unlimited and MindTap content activities. You will only need to purchase this product one time for theyear. Please do not purchase this product multiple times within a subscription year. In addition, this subscription allows students to rent textbooks through the Cengage website for $9.99 per book. Please refer to your course syllabus forthe required textbook information. Students will have access to all materials for their social work courses from the day of purchase. The subscription expires 365 days after students access and opens their first e-text link. Optional hardcopy textbook purchase can be independently.
- 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. ISBN-13: 9781337567060
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: Health Care 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.