Course Description

In this class we will gain basic knowledge about the varying and diverse areas of social work including the health care systems, rural and urban settings, criminal justice systems, systems that work with the elderly, various private and public agencies and schools. We will explore and build an understanding of client populations who may be in need of social work services. In addition, we will assess our own experiences, interests and knowledge that may guide us in the field of social work course. We will also explore the internship process that is part of the social work program, including finding and securing a placement, safety procedures and an understanding of various agency structures and functions. Group 2 course.

Credit Hours

3

Contact Hours

3

Lecture Hours

3

Required Prerequisites

none

Recommended Prerequisites or Skills Competencies

none

General Education Outcomes supported by this course

Communications - Direct, Critical Thinking - Direct

Other college designations supported by this course

Infused: Writing Intensive

Course Learning Outcomes

Knowledge:

• Investigate the various fields and career opportunities of social work.
• Define the 'systems approach' and how it relates to social work.
• Identify the levels of intervention when working with clients. Identify their own levels of comfort in dealing with social work situations.

Application:

• Apply the 'systems approach' through the use of case studies.
• Create a collection of community resources that can be used as a generalist social worker.

Integration:

• Connect the core values of the National Association of Social Workers to the skills of the generalist social worker.
• Create a collection of community resources that can be used as a generalist social worker.

Human Dimension:

• Identify the impact of one's own cultural values and in relation to others. Examine their own areas of strength as well as discomfort when facing various client populations.

Caring - Civic Learning:

• Collaborate to advocate for social justice. Reflect the challenges and rewards that social workers face on a daily basis.

Learning How to Learn:

• Participate in agency visits to interview various social workers.
• Reflect on whether they can see themselves fitting in the field of social work. Investigate potential internship placements through self-selected interviews with participating agencies in the area. Recognize the value in self-reflection in determining their career.