SOWK 785: Integrative Seminar
Prerequisites: Admission to the graduate program in social work. SOWK 784, SOWK 761,
SOWK 772, SOWK 682 with a C or ebtter (co or pre-req) and SOWK 792 with a B or better
(Co or pre-req)
Credit Hours: (3)
Social Work 785 is the synthesis of all courses in the MSW program. This capstone
course is designed to facilitate the integration of theory, practice, policy and research
through the lens of community-based family practice
Detailed Description of Content of Course
This course provides a culminating experience for the graduate social work student
and it is designed to facilitate the integration of the entire MSW curriculum. The
use of the skills of critical exploration, analysis, and synthesis are central to
the educational experience in this seminar. Through the conceptual lens of Community
Based Family Practice (CBFP) students will synthesize what they have learned throughout
the curriculum, both individually and in groups, in order to deepen their evaluation
of practice and engage in the process of ongoing knowledge building. In this shared
learning experience, the integration of theory, practice, policy, and research is
applied to a research topic. Issues of social work values and ethics, social and economic
justice, populations at risk, and diversity are integral to the course.
Goals and Objectives of the course
Educational Objectives
At the end of this course, students will be able to:
1. Integrate the components of theory, practice, policy, and research when analyzing
complex issues
2. Apply theory, practice, policy, and research to a problem of significance for social
work practice
3. Critically analyze and apply theories and models of social work practice from the
viewpoint of Community Based Family Practice perspective
4. Evaluate social work theory and policy, research, and practice dilemmas through
a multicultural lens
5. Exhibit the skills for lifelong learning, including the ability to evaluate and
apply practice research
6. Demonstrate the ability to write professionally and engage in peer review
7. Explore professional issues including professional ethics and commitment to the
profession
Teaching Methods
Teaching methods will include, but not be limited to: Short lectures, classroom and
peer feedback, mentoring, and individualized consultation will be utilized along with
collaborative small group work.
Assessment Measures
Grades will be based on the satisfactory completing of all course requirements, which
may include but are not limited to: interim projects, a final paper and an oral poster
presentation.
Other Course Information
None
Review and Approval
May 2, 2016
March 5, 2013
February 1999 Course number change from 685 to 785