Indiana University
School of Social Work
BSW Program
S231 Generalist Social Work Practice I: Theory and Skills
(3 Credit Hours)
Course #: S231 / Instructor: Philip M. Ouellette, Ph.D., A.C.S.W.Semester: Fall, 2010 / Office: ES 4156
Day/Time: N/A / Office Hours: by appointment
Classroom: OnLine / Telephone: (317) 278-8610
E-Mail: / Go to OnCourse
Course Description
Generalist Social Work Practice I: Theory and Skills is the first course in the social work practice professional foundation area. This course is designed to provide students with a beginning understanding of generalist social work practice. This course uses a range of perspectives including strengths perspective, empowerment perspective and person-in-environment perspective. The course focuses on the beginning phase of the problem-solving process and related skills. The course is based on the assumption that professional practice is built on a combination of knowledge, skills and values. Integration of these social work concepts is accomplished mainly by selected readings, online discussion groups, experiential exercises, active learning projects, and skills practice exercises.
Course Objectives
As a result of having completed the requirements of this course, the student will have demonstrated the following:
1. Develop an understanding and appreciation of generalist social work practice.
2. Explain the social work Code of Ethics and professional values.
3. Explain the process of the helping relationship in social work practice including the evaluation of personal values and the professional use of self.
4. Apply knowledge and core interactional skills associated with the beginning phases of the helping process.
5. Understand professional practice as it relates to ethnic minorities of color, women, gay men and lesbian women, and other populations-at-risk.
6. Apply beginning skills in completing the assessment of individual clients in the context of family and community environment.
7. Identify the multiple purposes of recording in social work practice.
8. Analyze the research literature which supports the knowledge base and practice skills of the social work profession.
Principles of Undergraduate Learning (PUL)
This course addresses the following Principles:
#1a.Core Communication and Quantitative Skills (that is, 1A. Written, oral, or visual communication skills) (Major Emphasis)
#2.Critical Thinking (Some Emphasis)
#3.Integration and Application of Knowledge (Moderate Emphasis)
PULs are described at and at the end of the syllabus.
Required Textbooks
Miley, K. K., O’Melia, M. & DuBois, B. L. (2007-9). Generalist social work practice:An empowering approach. Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon.(No other textbook is required for this online class of S231)
Note: Because this course is taught online, it is imperative that students have a minimum of a DSL or cable Internet connection on their home computer. A regular 56K modem connection is not sufficient for accessing the online course materials in this section of S231.
Additional Equipment Purchases (No workbook required for this section of S231 or any other textbook than the one indicated above)
Due to the practice nature of this course, students are required to practice interviewing skills through a series of simulated interview segments. To complete this learning activity, students can choose one of two options.
Option #1: Videotaping of interview segments on campus:
On assigned practice session dates you and your learning partner will meet in one of the video tape rooms on campus or use your own personal camcorder to video tape your practice interview segments. If you use campus facilities you will need to reserve the taping room for a minimum of one hour to ensure that both you and your partner have sufficient time to practice the simulated interview segment. There will be a total of four practice sessions. Once completed, you will submit your videotape interviews to the instructor on or before the specified due date for review and feedback. This option will require that you purchase two VHS videotapes or DV tapes for videotaping the interviews that will be conducted throughout the semester.
Option #2: Recording interview segments online: (This option is strongly recommended as it provides students with more immediate feedback from the instructor and allows more flexibility and convenience for students to meet to complete the learning activity).
On assigned practice session dates, you and your learning partner will meet online using your computer at home via an Internet connection. Using the URL provided, you will access the Breeze Meeting Room. Once there, you will be able to use the desktop videoconferencing feature to record your interview segment via your WebCam. Your instructor will then be able to access your recorded interview and provide feedback. Specific instructions will be provided on how to do this along with technical support. This option will require that you and your learning partner purchase a WebCam for your computer and headsets with an attached microphone. Some WebCams and headsets are available from the instructor for students having financial constraints. Also required is a DSL or cable Internet connection for this system to work properly.
Outline of Content**
Week 1- Begin Module 1 - Orientation - Learning on the Web
Module 1, Unit #1: Orientation to the Virtual Classroom
Week 2- Begin Module 2 - Social work perspectives
Module #2, Unit 1: What is generalist social work practice?
Readings: Miley, K. K., O'Melia, M. & DuBois, B. L. (2007). Generalist social work practice: An empowering approach. Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon. Chapter 1: Generalist social work practice
Week 3- Module #2, Unit 2: Introduction to Eco-systems
Readings: Miley, K. K., O'Melia, M. & DuBois, B. L. (2007). Generalist social work practice: An empowering approach. Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon. Chapter 2: The Ecosystems Perspective.
Week 4- Module #2, Unit #3: Social Values and Multicultural Competence
Readings: Miley, K. K., O'Melia, M. & DuBois, B. L. (2007). Generalist social work practice: An empowering approach. Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon. Chapter3: "Values and multicultural competence"
Week 5- Module #2, Unit #4: Strengths and Empowerment
Readings: Miley, K. K., O'Melia, M. & DuBois, B. L. (2007). Generalist social work practice: An empowering approach. Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon. Chapter 4: Strengths and Empowerment
Week 6- Module #2, Unit #5: An Empowering Approach
Readings: Miley, K. K., O'Melia, M. & DuBois, B. L. (2007). Generalist social work practice: An empowering approach. Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon. Chapter 5, An Empowering Approach to Generalist Practice
Week 7- Begin Module 3 - Building Relationships
Module #3, Unit #1: Forming Partnerships
Readings: Miley, K. K., O'Melia, M. & DuBois, B. L. (2007). Generalist social work practice: An empowering approach. Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon. Chapter 6: "Forming Partnerships"
Week 8-9- Practice Lab:
Module #3, Unit #2: The Interviewing Process - Getting Started
Readings: Interactive Notes
Week 10- Module #3, Unit #3 : Articulating Situations
Readings: Miley, K. K., O'Melia, M. & DuBois, B. L. (2007). Generalist social work practice: An empowering approach. Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon. Chapter 7: "Articulating situations"
Week 11-12- Practice Lab:
Module #3,Unit #4: The Interviewing Process - Exploring the Problem
Readings: Interactive Notes
Week 13 – Thanksgiving Recess
Week 14 - Module #3, Unit #5: Defining Directions
Readings: Miley, K. K., O'Melia, M. & DuBois, B. L. (2007). Generalist social work practice: An empowering approach. Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon. Chapter 8: Defining Directions
Week 15- Course Evaluation and Feedback
• Review of course objectives
• Self-evaluation exercises
• Course evaluation and feedback
**Please Note: The Professor reserves the right to change the course schedule and dates to complete course modules due to the learning needs of the group, unexpected or unscheduled School events, and/or the time frame required to complete assigned tasks. If changes occur, updates will be provided under "special notices" in the course syllabus. Consult the online course syllabus regularly for updates.
Course Policies
Conduct of Course and Assignments
Teaching and learning methods used in an online environment include but are not limited to some of the following. After each unit of study students will be expected to complete a short self-test or quiz based on reading materials and interactive notes provided. Embedded in the unit of study students will find a number of learning activities which require students to work “offline” and to submit their final product. Due to the practice nature of this course, students will be expected to conduct and video tape interview segments based on guidelines provided in the unit of study to learn basic social work interviewing skills. Self-evaluation reports and video tape interviews will be submitted to the course instructor for individualized feedback. Other learning activities will include active participation in an online discussion forum on assigned topics. Students are expected to actively participate in these discussions during the week they are assigned.
Course Policies
Academic Dishonesty
Academic dishonesty (including cheating on exams and plagiarism in papers) is not consistent with ethical conduct in social work practice and is unacceptable in social work classes. In cases of academic dishonest, university guidelines will be followed. Any student caught cheating or plagiarizing (offering the work of someone else as one's own) will fail the course. Failure of a required social work course will result in automatic dismissal from the social work program. A student's right to appeal such dismissal is outlined in materials distributed at student orientation meetings.
To avoid plagiarism, credit sources whenever you use someone else's language or ideas. Such crediting must be detailed and specific. Normally, simply including a literature citation in your list of reference is insufficient. Rather, you must specifically acknowledge a source each time you use the source, paragraph by paragraph, even sentence by sentence as necessary. See the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association. (6th ed.) for guidelines for in-text references.
Indiana University School of Social Work Policy on Plagiarism
The School of Social Work follows the Indiana University policy on plagiarism which states:
Plagiarism is defined as presenting someone else’s work, including the work of other students, as one’s own. Any ideas or materials taken from another source for either written or oral use must be fully acknowledged, unless the information is common knowledge. What is considered “common knowledge” may differ from course to course.
- A student must not adopt or reproduce ideas, opinions, theories, formulas, graphics, or pictures of another person without acknowledgment.
- A student must give credit to the originality of others and acknowledge indebtedness whenever:
- Directly quoting another person’s actual words, whether oral or written;
- Using another person’s ideas, opinions, or theories;
- Paraphrasing the words, ideas, opinions, or theories of others, whether oral or written;
- Borrowing facts, statistics, or illustrative material; or
- Offering materials assembled or collected by others in the form of projects or collections without acknowledgment.
From Indiana University (2006). IUPUI - code of student rights, responsibilities, and
conduct. Available: http//
IU School of Social Work Addendum to Indiana University Policy on Plagiarism
In addition to the university statement on plagiarism which is published in the IU Student Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities, and Conduct, the IU School of Social Work defines plagiarism as including:
- The intentional or unintentional use of information from another person without full acknowledgment. Such use, even when unintended, causes the work to appear to be the student’s own work and thus the student, not the original author, benefits from the omission of proper acknowledgment.
- Copying or using information from web sites without appropriately documenting the internet source.
- Buying or using a document written by another person.
- Submitting any part of the student’s own work which has been previously submitted, unless one’s own prior work is fully acknowledged and appropriately cited.
Grade of Incomplete
Consistent with University policy, grades of "Incomplete" will be granted by the instructor only when a student provides a satisfactory reason for the request (e.g. sickness, family crisis, etc.), preferably well in advance of the end of the course, and when the student has satisfactorily completed at least three quarters of the course requirements. Please NOTE:Unless otherwise pre-negotiated with the instructor in advanced, all assignments submitted after due dates will receive a 0 grade.
In accordance with the Indiana University School of Social Work grading policy, students must earn at least a "C" to pass this course. Students are expected to respect the opinions and feelings of other students, instructors, and guest speakers even though they differ from their own.
Consistent with the School's academic policy, a formal evaluation of the course and its instructor will be completed at the end of the course. When using electronic communication, Internet etiquette is expected.
Virtual Classroom Attendance
Due to the nature of this online course, no attendance in a face to face classroom setting will be necessary. In a "Virtual Classroom Learning Environment", attendance is measured by a student's active participation in on-line assignments and activities as directed. "Online attendance" is viewed as the personal responsibility of each individual student. It is the responsibility of the student to make herself or himself "actively visible" in the virtual classroom. Each student is expected to submit assigned tasks on time, submit online assignments as per instructions, and communicate with peers and the instructor as required.
Values and Ethics
It is expected that students who enroll in the S231 course are pursuing the BSW degree and aspire to become professional social workers. Congruent with those factors, the fundamental values and the ethical code of the social work profession apply to the actions of students enrolled in the course. Therefore, all students should be knowledgeable of the NASW Code of Ethics.
Participation
Students are expected to participate fully in all “on-line” activities and discussions. These include a range of experiential as well as cognitive exercises, role-play enactments, case presentations, staff conference simulations, and work toward goal achievement represents some of the potential learning experiences you will find in this course. In participating, it is expected that the student reflect interest in, and respect for other virtual class members in a manner that is congruent with the values, ethics, and skills of the profession.
Course Web Site
Course syllabus, course assignments, supportive reading materials and, the instructor’s handouts will be made available “on-line” through the course Web site (OnCourse). Students are expected to visit the course Web site regularly each week. Some graded assignments will be conducted online; others may require that you work with a peer "off line" such as skills practice exercises and/or other projects. Unless otherwise specified, students are to submit all written assignments electronically. Instructions will be provided on how to do this.
Guidance and consultation on the use of technology and the course Web site is available upon request. No punitive means will be used such as a reduction in grade points for students experiencing legitimate technological difficulties when submitting assignments. Problems, however, must be reported to the instructor as soon as they happened either by telephone, via e-mail, or in writing. In addition, a troubleshoot discussion forum will be established on the course Web site to post questions and to report difficulties. IUTS Help Desk is also available to assist students with technical difficulties.
Written Assignments:
In written assignments, students are expected to prepare documents in a professional manner. Submissions should be typewritten using 2.0 spacing, 1” margins, 12 pt. Times New Roman type font, and carefully edited for spelling and grammar. Papers and assignments (including drop box assignments) that do not have a proper identification of the student and title of the assignment will not be graded. Papers that are poorly written or edited will result in a significant penalty. Students should closely follow the guidelines of the American Psychological Association (APA) in the citation of sources and preparation of bibliographies. The quality of the citations will be counted toward the grade. Plagiarism, whether intentional or as a result of ignorance, and other forms of cheating are unacceptable and will result in a failing grade for the course. In general, professionally ethical behavior and undergraduate level scholarship are the expected norms. Unless an emergency situation exists and the professor has been promptly notified and approval given, all written assignments that are submitted after a specified due date will not be graded. Only assignments submitted to the proper electronic drop box will be graded unless previously negotiated with the professor.In addition, submitting an assignment on time does not constitute an automatic "A" grade. If guidelines regarding a specific assignment are not followed or directions for completing an assignment are not followed as per the instructions, the assignment will be considered incomplete and consequently will result in a reduction in grade.
Drop Box Assignments: Unless otherwise specified, you will find worksheets that you can download to complete most drop box assignments. These are not considered 'formal papers'. Rather, they are mini-reflection papers on different topics being addressed in a particular module. For these reflection assignments, use single space to express your thoughts. You do not need to use APA style unless you are actually quoting or referencing professional materials such as textbooks or professional journal articles. If you do this, do use APA style references. Drop box assignments are evaluated based on both the quality and the quantity of what you present. This means that you provide the length necessary for you to communicate clearly and precisely what you are trying to say. Quality means that you just not say a bunch of meaningless statements and personal opinions but rather that you do what you can to link what you are saying to the materials you have been studying or reading about.
Feedback on all assignments is provided via the OnCourse gradebook and/or emails from the instructor. Students can expect feedback on assignments and progress on a monthly basis at the very minimum.
Time Requirements
Similar to a classroom-based course, students are expected to devote time that goes beyond the actual time spent online in the "virtual classroom". You are expected to schedule enough study time "off line" to complete assigned readings, drop box learning assignments, and other tasks such as working with a colleague for skills practice exercises. Choosing to take an online course does not mean less time is required to complete course requirements. To estimate how much time you need for this course it is suggested that you reserve at least 3 hours per week in addition to online class time for each credit hour. This translates to 6-9 hours per week minimum for this course at the very minimum.