SOWK 679: Examining Practice, Theory, Policy, and Research in Preparation for Clinical Practice
Prerequisite: Admission to the graduate program in social work. Students may not earn credit for SOWK 679 if they have already completed SOWK 772.
Credit Hours: (3)
Instructional Method: Three hours lecture
Catalog Description
This course is required for all Advanced Standing students and is offered as elective
course for graduate social work students in the standard program prior to having taken
SOWK 772. The goal of this course is to enhance skills and knowledge in research in
preparation for engaging in evidence-based practice and evaluation of social work
practice. Students will be able to produce, present, and defend a well- developed
research proposal at the end of the semester. The key themes and concepts explored
in this course include: social work theories and clinical practice; diversity in the
context of clinical practice; social welfare policy; racial, social, economic, and
environmental justice; the role of research in social work practice; examining existing
literature in the context of writing a focused literature review; and research methodology.
Detailed Description of Content of Course
Overview of Research Proposals:
Scholarly Literature
Problem formulation
Conceptualization& operationalization
Research Ethics
Concepts
Types qualitative research
Trustworthiness in qualitative research
Detailed Description of Conduct of Course
The course is organized around student-centered learning principles, experiential
activities, films/videos, lecture, and individual and group investigation of the issues.
Students are encouraged to be active participants in the learning process; this requires
that you keep up with the readings and make a concerted effort to relate the course
material to your personal and professional experiences. The course will involve the
presentation of course content both synchronously and asynchronously.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course students will be able to:
1. Critically analyze the relationship between theory and practice and demonstrate
the integration of anti-racist and anti-oppressive social work practice at the individual,
family, group, organizational community, research, and policy levels.
2. Describe and analyze a current or recent policy, the societal events and trends leading to the development of that policy, and the impacts of the policy for racial, social, economic, or environmental justice.
3. Articulate the relationship among research, policy, theory, and practice at all levels of social work practice (micro, mezzo and macro).
4. Demonstrate knowledge of basic principles of quantitative and qualitative research design.
5. Design an actual research project relevant to social work practice and develop research proposal writing skills.
6. Explain the function of social work research in the advancement of professional knowledge and in ethical social work practice.
Assessment Measures
Students will be assessed on the following items:
Background and literature review
Research questions or hypotheses |
Study design and procedures
Proposal presentation |
CITI training Practice Module Policy Module |
Other Course Information
Course will utilize CITI training, and focus on the development of a research proposal.
Review and approved
June, 2023