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SOWK 330

I. Course Title: Community Practice

II. Course Number: SOWK 330

III. Credit Hours: 3 credits

IV. Prerequisites: PSYC 121, SOCY 110, or SOCY 121; Admission to SOWK major.

V. Course Description: 

This is a course in the practice sequence in the BSW program, building upon competencies for social work generalist practice utilizing a service learning model. Students will gain practice experience through volunteering at a local agency. Through critical thinking and guided reflection, students will learn how to integrate their volunteer experiences with their academic learning. This course focuses on understanding the role of social workers when engaging with groups, communities and organizations.

VI. Detailed Description of Content of the Course:

  • Service learning, civic engagement
  • Professional development
  • Building and maintaining community partnerships
  • Agency evaluations
  • Group interventions
  • Leadership
  • Diversity
  • Professional boundaries and ethics
  • The influence of the rural environment 

VI. Detailed Description of Conduct of Course:

The course is organized around student-centered learning principles and includes experiential activities as students are required to commit to 30-50 hours of volunteer work at a local agency as core learning activity. Additionally, the course may include: films/videos, student presentations, student development of materials, demonstrations, case studies, guest speakers, lecture, and individual and group investigation of the issues. 

VII. Goals and Objectives of the Course:

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

  1. Demonstrate knowledge and skills associated with professional and ethical social practice in a real or simulated learning environment.
  2. Critically evaluate the role community agencies play in identifying and addressing community needs.
  3. Practice skills associated with the social work change process (engagement, assessment, intervention, and evaluation) when working with communities or organizations.
  4. Apply an understanding of social and economic justice to advocate for human rights at the individual and systems level.

VIII. Assessment Measures:

Assessment measures may include quizzes, exams, papers, presentations, and successful completion of service learning hours.

 

Other Course Information: None

 

Review and Approval

March 01, 2021

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