SOWK 309

SOWK 309: Introduction to Social Work Perspectives

Prerequisites: AA/AS degree and permission of BSW Coordinator

Credit Hours: (3)

Designed to prepare students for successful progression, participation and graduation from the undergraduate social work major. The course content includes knowledge of generalist practice, characteristics of a social work professional, expectations of students in the social work program, and the professional standards for conveying that knowledge through scholarly writing. Students create the portfolio required for an admissions interview, and prepare their applications to the major.

Detailed Description of Content of Course

Detailed Description of Conduct of Course

This course is designed to prepare students for successful progression, participation, and graduation from the undergraduate social work major. The course content provides students with learning experiences that: 1) inform them about the social work major: 2) clarify expectations and roles for students in professional programs: 3) develop competencies in critical thinking and scholarly writing.

In addition to lecture and class discussion, informal writing assignments, accessing library resources, and an interview with an MSW prepared social worker are integral to course conduct.

Goals and Objectives of the Course:

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

Identify and develop strategies needed for successful progression, participation, and completion of the undergraduate social work degree program;
Identify and understand four (4) aspects of being a professional;
Understand critical thinking and its application in the social work curriculum; and
Apply standards for writing scholarly papers.

Upon completion of the course students will gain competence in:

Understanding the “art” and “science” of professional social work practice.
Applying critical thinking skills in their learning and practice.
Demonstrating knowledge, skills, and values, which make them active participants in their learning.
Accessing library sources
Writing Scholarly papers.

Assessment Measures

The instructor will assess attainment of course objectives through assignments that evaluate professional knowledge, values, and skills, related to generalist social work practice within a historical context that allows for relevant critical thinking about social services delivery systems, ethics, and ethical dilemmas in social work practice. Demonstration of this knowledge base may be conveyed via written critical assessments of professional articles, attendance at relevant community forums, and class presentations on readings and experiences.

Other Course Information

Students with Disabilities : If you are seeking classroom accommodations under the American with Disabilities Act, you are required to register with the Disability Resources Office (DRO). The DRO is located in Room 32, Tyler Hall, telephone 540-831-6350. To receive academic accommodations for this class, please obtain the proper DRO forms and meet with the instructor no later than the second week of the semester.

Honor Code : By accepting admission to Radford University, each student makes a commitment to understand, support, and abide by the University Honor Code without compromise or exception. Violations of the University Honor Code include (but are not limited to): lying, stealing, and unauthorized possession of property, cheating, multiple submission, and plagiarism. This class will be conducted in strict observation of the honor code. Refer to your Student Handbook for a complete copy of the University Honor Code.

In addition to the University Honor Code, students are expected to comply with the NASW Code of Ethics and the Waldron College Standards for Professional Practice. Failure to do so might negatively impact student grades and can result in dismissal from the program. Students are responsible for obtaining and reading the above-mentioned code and policy.

Review and Approval

October 2003 New Undergraduate Marilyn A. Rigby

Revised 2/5/09