SWK 101: Introduction to Social Work

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:

  1. Demonstrate knowledge of generalist social work and make informed decisions about entry into the profession of social work.
  2. Define and demonstrate the understanding of the different fields, methods, roles, and functions of generalist social work practice.
  3. Explain key social work values, knowledge, principles, and skills within an ethical framework as defined in the NASW Code of Ethics.
  4. Define the dimensions of diversity and oppression.
  5. Describe social justice issues and policies related to the needs of populations at risk.
  6. Define and demonstrate empowering and collaborative practices as a generalist social worker.

Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) / Competencies

  1. Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior
  2. Advance Human Rights and Social, Racial, Economic, and Environmental Justice
  3. Engage Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ADEI) in Practice
  4. Engage in Practice-Informed Research and Research-Informed Practice
  5. Engage in Policy Practice
  6. Engage with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
  7. Assess Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
  8. Intervene with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
  9. Evaluate Practice with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities

Course Activities and Grading

AssignmentsWeight

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?

  • Readings:
    • Chapters 1 and 2
  • Review Course Materials
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Participate in discussions
  • Submit the following assignments:
    • Chapter 1: Video Activity
    • Chapter 1: Exercise
    • Chapter 1: Case Study
    • Chapter 2: Video Activity
    • Chapter 2: Exercise
    • Chapter 2: Case Study
    • Week 1 Quiz

2

1-5

1-6

Topics: Poverty and Economic Disparity & Human Rights and Social and Economic Justice

  • Readings: 
    • Chapters 3 and 4
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Participate in discussions
  • Submit the following assignments:
    • Chapter 3: Video Activity
    • Chapter 3: Exercise
    • Chapter 3: Case Study
    • Chapter 4: Video Activity
    • Chapter 4: Exercise
    • Chapter 4: Case Study
    • Week 2 Quiz
  • Begin working on your Change Agents Biography

3

1-5

1-6

Topics: Dimensions of Diversity & Generalist Social Work Practice

  • Readings:
    • Chapters 5 and 6
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Participate in discussions
  • Submit the following assignments:
    • Chapter 5: Video Activity
    • Chapter 5: Exercise
    • Chapter 5: Case Study
    • Chapter 6: Video Activity
    • Chapter 6: Exercise
    • Chapter 6: Case Study
    • Week 3 Quiz
  • Continue working on your Change Agents Biography

4

1-5

1-6

Topics: Child Welfare & Gerontology

  • Readings: 
    • Chapters 7 and 8
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Participate in discussions
  • Submit the following assignments:
    • Chapter 7: Video Activity
    • Chapter 7: Exercise
    • Chapter 7: Case Study
    • Chapter 8: Video Activity
    • Chapter 8: Exercise
    • Chapter 8: Case Study
    • Week 4 Quiz
  • Continue working on your Change Agents Biography

5

1-5

1-6

Topics: Health Care Services & Mental Health Services

  • Readings:
    • Chapters 9 and 10
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Participate in discussions
  • Submit the following assignments:
    • Chapter 9: Video Activity
    • Chapter 9: Exercise
    • Chapter 9: Case Study
    • Chapter 10: Video Activity
    • Chapter 10: Exercise
    • Chapter 10: Case Study
    • Week 5 Quiz
  • Continue working on your Change Agents Biography

6

1-5

1-6

Topics: School Social Work & Substance Abuse

  • Readings:
    • Chapters 11 and 12
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Participate in discussions
  • Submit the following assignments:
    • Chapter 11: Exercise
    • Chapter 11: Case Study
    • Chapter 12: Video Activity
    • Chapter 12: Exercise
    • Chapter 12: Case Study
    • Week 6 Quiz
  • Continue working on your Change Agents Biography

7

1-5

1-6

Topics: Violence, Victims, and Criminal Justice & Crisis, Trauma and Disasters

  • Readings: 
    • Chapters 13 and 14
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Participate in discussions
  • Submit the following assignments:
    • Chapter 13: Exercise
    • Chapter 13: Case Study
    • Chapter 14: Exercise
    • Chapter 14: Case Study
    • Week 7 Quiz
  • Continue working on your Change Agents Biography

8

1-5

1-6

Topic: Final Paper

  • Readings:
    • Review Chapters 1-14
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Participate in discussions
  • Submit Change Agents Biography
  • Complete Course Evaluation

 

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.