SOCIAL WORK Macro Theory and PRACTICE

SOCIAL WORK Macro Theory and PRACTICE

SW4020 (3 credit hours)

Location: Old MainRoom 1162 (Saturday: 4020-004 #23630)

Room 1165 (Thursday: 4020-003 #21423)

Time:8:30 am – 11:15 am

Instructor: Susan Lebold, JD, LMSW

Contact:508-740-9489 (ok to text) or

Office:400 Thompson HomeOffice Hours: Tue 4:00-5:30

Thu 11:30-12:30

Or by appointment

Course Description

Emphasizes knowledge, theory and practice related to service delivery and change within organizations, neighborhoods, and communities.

Course Competencies And Practice Behaviors

2.1.1 Identify as a professional social worker and conduct oneself accordingly

Practice Behaviors:

Advocate for the client access to the services of social work; practice Personal reflection and self-correction to assure continual professional development; attend to professional roles and boundaries; demonstrate professional demeanor in behavior, appearance and communication; engage in Career long learning; use supervision and consultation

2.1.3 Apply Critical thinking to inform and communicate professional judgments

Practice Behaviors:

Distinguish, appraise, and integrate multiple sources of knowledge, including research based knowledge, and practice wisdom; analyze models of assessment, prevention, intervention and evaluation; demonstrate effective oral and written communication in working with individuals, families, groups, organizations, communities, and colleagues

2.1.5 Advance human rights and social and economic justice

Practice Behaviors:

Advocate for human rights and social justice; Engage in practice that advance social and economic justice

2.1.6 Engage in research- informed practice and practice informed research

Practice Behaviors:

Use research evidence to inform practice; Use practice to inform scientific inquiry

2.1.9 Respond to contexts that shape practice

Practice Behaviors:

Continuously discover, appraise, and attend to changing locales, populations, scientific and technological developments, and emerging societal trends to provide relevant services; Provide leadership in promoting sustainable changes in service delivery and practice to improve the quality of social service

2.1.10 Engage, assess, intervene and evaluate with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities

Practice Behaviors:

(a)Engagement: Substantively and affectively prepare for action with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities; use empathy and other interpersonal skills; Develop a mutually agreed-on focus of work and desired outcomes

(b)Assessment: Collect, organize, and interpret client data; assess client strengths and limitations; develop mutually agreed-on intervention goals and objectives ; select appropriate intervention strategies

(c)Intervention: Initiate actions to achieve organizational goals; implement prevention interventions that enhance client capacities; help clients resolve problems; negotiate, mediate, and advocate for clients; facilitate transitions and endings

(d)Evaluation: Critically analyze, monitor, and evaluate interventions

11 Analyze the impact of the urban context on a range of client systems, including practice implications

Practice Behaviors:

Examine the distinct characteristics of the urban context and apply the analysis to social work practice

Texts and Required material

Netting, E., Kettner, P. Kettner, P., McMurtry S & Thomas, M. (2012). Social Work Macro Practice (5thed.) Allyn/Bacon

A Community Builder’s Toolkit – posted online

NASW Code of Ethics – posted online

Additional articles or reading materials may be handed out in class or posted online.

Performance Criteria:

Students are to demonstrate comprehension of the course content and acquisition of knowledge and skill through a variety of assignments. Students are expected to develop competence in oral and written communication skills. Papers which do not adhere to the college-level standards for scholarly writing will be marked down. Students are also expected to utilize APA style of referencing including: organization in the presentation of ideas; correct use of grammar, punctuation, spelling, capitalization, heading, subheadings, quotations, and; avoid bias in language.

Attendance & Participation: Students are expected to attend and participate in all classes. Please note; you will NOT be able to achieve an A grade with more than two (2) absences, a B with more than four or a C with six (6) or more absences.Note: students who attend every session and are not habitually late will receive 3 bonus points added to their overall score for the semester.

Attendance is the responsibility of every student. It is the student’s responsibility to sign in every class, and if late, to locate the attendance sheet and sign it before leaving. Students are responsible for obtaining copies of handouts and notes from their peers for classes they do not attend. If there is a barrier that is preventing regular attendance, class participation, or group participation, tell the professor and your teammates as soon as it is evident. If you are not in class you cannot participate, so missing classes or being habitually late will affect the attendance/participation grade. Lateness is considered arriving 10 minutes after the class is scheduled to begin, leaving class early or returning from break late.

Active participation is expected and will enhance class and project group discussions and make possible the exploration and exchange of ideas that are critical in this course. Participation includes all forms of verbal and non-verbal behavior, such as being attentive when others are talking, asking questions, contributing your thoughts to the discussion and sharing reasons why one agrees or disagrees with different ideas, offering new and different perspectives that are relevant to the discussion, and practicing supportive and active listening.

Note: I do not expect all students to agree with the different perspectives that will be presented by the student and instructor. In fact, effective social work practice and advocacy depend on the ability to understand and explore viewpoints that are different than your own on a given social, practice, or policy issue. Therefore, if you find yourself disagreeing with what is being said, I expect you to raise your concern, ask questions, and offer different ideas to advance the discussion.

Grading and Assignments

Assignment / Points / Percent / Course Competency
Organizational analysis / 125 / 42 / 2.1.1, 2.1.3(a,b,c), 2.1.11
Community Analysis / 133 / 45
Part 1: Understanding the Community
Part 2: Assessment & Intervention in a Community Problem / 2.1.5a,b
2.1.6a, b 2.1.9b,2.1.10a 2.1.11
Tests/Quizzes/Reflections / 15 / 5 / 2.1.3
Presentation: Community Assessment plan / 25 / 8 / 2.1.10-c
TOTAL / 298 / 100

Benchmark AssignmentCommunity Analysis Paper Part 2

Students will conduct a community analysis which includes assessments of a community problem and intervention plan. Students will also administer a survey to 20 community members and will analyze and discuss interventions and action plans to address problems

Grading Policy:

Students may pass the course with a grade of D but must maintain a C average during the junior and senior year. (See Undergraduate Bulletin, Wayne State University

Grade distribution:

100-95 A / 94.9-90 A- / 89.9-87 B+ / 86.9-83 B / 82.9-80 B- / 79.9-77 C+
79.9-77 C+ / 76.9-73 C / 72.9-70 C- / 69.9-67 D+ / 66.9-63 D / 62.9-60 D-

Assignment Policies:

Assignment Due Dates/Late Papers. Papers must be posted online by 11:59pm on the due date. Any required attachments should be posted at the same time the paper is posted or, if handwritten, may be handed in at the beginning of class on the due date. Late papers will automatically lose 5 points, and at instructor’s discretion, may lose up to 5 additional points for each calendar day they are late. Please notify the instructor in advance of the due date if you expect your paper to be late. It is perfectly acceptable to turn papers in early. The instructor should be notified of unavoidable issues in advance which may (or will) prevent compliance with assignment due date, or class attendance.

In-class Quizzes/Reflections. Quizzes or reflective writing prompts will be administered in class and are designed to take no more than 15-30 minutes to complete. At the end of the allotted time they will be collected. There is no make-up for this in-class work. You must be in class on the day they are administered to receive credit. The quizzes and writings are not announced ahead of time and may be administered at any point during the semester.

The quizzes or reflective writings will be based on the readings due that day, or on concepts and other material discussed that day or previously. Formal references/APA format will not be required for these assignments as the emphasis here is communicating your own critical reflections and thoughts.

The reflective writing or quiz will be graded based on how well the student demonstrates critical and reflective thinking in addressing the questions, and how effectively course content is connected to their answers.

Organization Of The Course

This course focuses on social work theory and methods relevant for social work practice with macro systems. It builds upon the knowledge, skills and values learned in prior courses and within the course focuses on content relevant to the context in which macro practice occurs, i.e. neighborhoods and communities, organization, and the legislative arena. Students develop an understanding of the reciprocal relationships people have with the larger social systems in which they live and how social systems of varying size can promote or deter human functioning. Students learn and practice skills in assessing and intervening (e.g., building power and human resources, planning, managing resources, marketing, developing organizations, taking action and evaluating change) in large systems, especially those who have been oppressed, to promote social and economic justice.

The format will be varied and will include the use of lectures, discussion, problem-solving exercises and films or videos. Interactive discussions with an experiential basis will be encouraged. Guest speakers may be invited to address special topics.

Role Of The Student And Instructor

See University Statement of Obligation of Students and Faculty Members of the teaching - learning process

Plagiarism/Academic Honesty

All students are expected to submit their own original work. The presentation of another’s words as your own without giving credit to the source is regarded as plagiarism. Plagiarism is the same as lying and stealing. Any work that is submitted in this class and found to contain portions that are plagiarized will receive a ZERO.

Wayne State University defines plagiarism as taking and using another’s words or ideas as one’s own. The Code of Conduct further explains:

Plagiarism may also take a variety of forms that are indicative of different levels of culpability.

Using quotes or phrases from a source without citing or crediting the source. Students may do this by cutting and pasting material from web sites.
Paraphrasing or summarizing the work of another without citing or crediting the source.
Directly copying the work of another without citing or crediting the source.
Purchasing or copying papers produced by others.

For further information and guidance for avoiding academic misconduct, see brochure on academic integrity prepared for students and faculty at:

Academic Integrity Policy for all papers:

You must cite sources from the Internet or any other form of electronic media used in your work.Any paper suspected of plagiarism will be reviewed at Turnitin.com to verify that it is your work and properly cited.
Any paper that is plagiarized will result in an “F” for the class and a referral to the University for further Disciplinary Action.
APA FORMATAll papers written in the School of Social Work require APA format. You may purchase the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (6th edition), or you may visit the website listed below:
WIKIPEDIA WILLNOT BE ACCEPTED AS A RELIABLE SOURCE

WSU Student Resources

Students with disabilities:

Academic integrity and student code of conduct:

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at Wayne State:

Course Learning Units

Note: Syllabus may be modified by instructor based on the needs of the class.

Unit / Content / Assignment
Module 1: Role of Social Work Macro Practice; Understanding Populations and Problems
I
1/15 & 17 / Introduction to the course and each other. Review syllabus. / Homework for Session II:

Identifying a Social Justice Trend

II
1/22 & 24 / Development of the Profession:
Introduction to Macro Practice and Historical Roots of Macro Practice

Understanding trends and context
Video: Richard Wilkinson Wealth Gap

/ Text: Ch 1 & 2
III
1/29 & 31 / Frameworks for Understanding Problems & Populations

Appreciating a long-term, systemic approach to change
Video: Holding Ground

/ Text: Ch 3 & 4
A Community Builder’s Toolkit
Homework for Session IV:
Bring Organizational Chart and most recent complete Annual Report from your placement
Module 2: Understanding and Assessing Organizations
IV
2/5 & 7 / Frameworks for Understanding Organizations / Text: Ch7
V
2/12 & 14 / Frameworks for Assessing Organizations

SWOT Analysis Worksheet

/ Text: Ch 8
Homework for Session VI:
Complete SWOT Analysis with supervisor input and bring to class
Module 3: Understanding and Assessing Communities
VI
2/19 & 21 / Frameworks for Understanding Communities

Interview & Survey Workshop
Video: Deforce

/ Text: Ch5
Homework for Session VII:
Construct draft of interview & survey questions and consent form
VII
2/26 & 28 / Frameworks for Assessing Communities

Video: Toni Griffin & Teddy Cruz
Community Report Card and Approaches to Change Worksheet

/ Text: Ch 6
Module 4: Developing Change Strategies and Planning for Action
VIII
3/5 & 7 / Community Context and Organizational Behavior
Building Support for the Proposed Change

Video: Dave Eggers
Action Roadmap Worksheet

/ Text: Ch 9
Organizational Analysis Due: post on Blackboard before midnight on class day
Homework for Session IX:
Fill out action roadmap worksheet for your community challenge
IX
3/12 & 14 / Community Context and Organizational Behavior
Selecting Appropriate Strategies and Tactics

Video: Gary Slutkin
Theory of Change & Logic Model Workshop

/ Text: Ch 10
Homework for Session XI:
Draft Logic Model addressing community problem you identified
Module 5: Implementing Change and Evaluating Results
X
3/19 & 21 / Spring Break – RELAX AND TAKE A BREATH!
XI
3/26 & 28 / Rational Planning & Prescriptive Approaches to Change
Planning, Implementing, Monitoring and Evaluating The Community Intervention

Presentation skills workshop
Student consults (need to sign up before class)

/ Text: Chapter 11
XI
4/2 & 4 / Putting it all together: Racial Disproportionality Case Study

Video: Bryan Stephenson

/ Community Assessment Part 1 Draft Due: post on Blackboard by midnight
XII
4/9 & 11 / Putting it all together: What does Community Change Look Like?

Video: We Are Not Ghosts
Video: Gaining Ground

XIII
4/16 & 18 / Presentations of the Community Needs Assessment & Intervention Plan
XIV
4/23 & 25 / Presentations continue; Evaluations and Wrap-up / Community Assessment Final Draft – Parts 1 & 2 Due: post on Blackboard by midnight

Detailed Instructions For Course Assignments

A. Organizational Analysis

This paper should be 10-12 pages in length. It should be typed, double space, with standard margins and approximately 250 words per page. Use subheadings to separate the different sections of the analysis, and include an introduction and conclusion. The paper must include ten citations from at least five different sources (professional journals, interviews, textbook). You must follow APA guidelines for citations and references.

Select a human service organization to analyze. You should in most situations choose your field agency. Be sure to be specific in your comments and observations, and use examples to support your comments.

Organization and Services: Name and describe the work of the organization. Specify the type of agency (public, nonprofit, for profit).
Mission and Goals: What is the stated mission of the organization? What are the official and operative goals of the organization and how were they determined? How does the organization address its multiple goals? Has goal displacement occurred in the organization? If so, describe what influences impacted the displacement and if not, what influences prevented goal displacement? How do these influences affect the organization as a whole and service delivery to its target populations?
Organizational Structure and Staffing: Attach an organizational chart to your paper that shows the relationships among staff and programs. Using theoretical concepts from the textbook and other scholarly sources, address the following:
How does your organization’s structure influence the distribution of power and control in the organization?
Discuss the lines of authority and approaches of management used in your agency and how management approaches affect the functioning of employees and clients.
Discuss the extent of diversity at different levels within the organization. What positions are held by women, people of color, gay and lesbian persons or persons’ with disabilities? Discuss special issues that persons in the minority may face in the organization.
Internal and External Environment: Relationship with Community: Attach a SWOT analysis and describe the relationships between the organization’s internal environment and the shifting macro environment in which it operates, using the SWOT framework of internal strengths/weaknesses and external opportunities/threats. Using theoretical concepts from the textbook and other scholarly sources, address the following:
How does the organization achieve legitimization in its external environment?
Where do its clients come from?
What is the organization’s relationship with other organizations in its environment?
Theoretical construct of organization: Based on what you have learned about your organization through the above descriptions and analysis, identify an organizational theory that best describes the organization in terms of its overall functioning, management structure, decision-making practices, and organizational culture.Why did you choose this theory and how does the theory help an outsider to understand your agency better?
Recommendation: Using the information you gained through the SWOT analysis and other sources about the major strengths and weakness of your agency/organization, what specific problems have you identified, and what recommendations would you make to increase effectiveness and decrease those problems? Assess how realistic your recommendations are considering the internal and external environment of the organization. What organizational resistance to change might get in the way, and how would you propose to deal with this resistance?

RubricOrganizational Analysis 125 points available