SOWK 632: Social Work Practice II: Groups Practice
Prerequisites: Admission to the graduate program in social work or permission from
the MSW Coordinator. SOWK 631 and SOWK 601 with a C or better.
Credit Hours: (3)
This second foundation practice course is designed to provide students with an overview
of the basic knowledge and skills essential to generalist social work practice as
it relates to group practice. Groups are used at all levels of social work practice
(micro, mezzo, and macro) for purposes ranging from support and personal growth to
social planning and social action. Key themes include introductory group practice
knowledge for developing and intervening with various types of groups, with particular
emphasis on groups for populations at risk, rural populations, and groups that experience
social and economic injustices. Key concepts include stages of group development,
group processes and dynamics, leadership and ethical practice with groups.
Detailed Description of Content of Course
This course is designed to introduce students to the principles and elements of generalist
social work practice with groups. Included in the course are understanding and applications
of theoretical frameworks underlying group practice, ethical considerations involved
in working with groups and recognizing the utility of different group modalities in
accomplishing group goals. While using experiential learning this course also trains
students to develop awareness of group processes and dynamics, leadership styles,
and practicing with diverse personalities and people of various backgrounds.
The following will provide the major focal points for this course:
I. Theoretical approaches to group counseling, psychoeducational groups and task
groups
II. Group counseling in a multicultural context
III. Ethical and professional issues in group counseling
IV. Principles of group leadership and skills
V. Stages in group development, group processes and dynamics
VI. Evidence based group practice with different type of client populations
Detailed Description of Conduct of Course
The teaching/learning context for this course may include didactic instruction, large
and small group discussions, role-plays, other experiential activities, and guest
speakers as appropriate. A conscious awareness of the student's personal values and
leadership styles and their affect on use of self will be encouraged. Students will
also be expected to take responsibility for their own learning and to be cognizant
of the fact that as members of the class group, the learning process is shared.
Goals and Objectives of this Course
At the conclusion of this course, students will be able to:
1) Think critically and intervene purposefully with various types of groups (task,
educational, therapeutic, and advocacy groups.
2) Explore the application of group practice skills within rural areas and small towns
with formal and informal networks.
3) Engage cultural competency principles in practice with diverse groups including
age, class, color, culture, disability, gender, immigration status, race, religion,
and sexual orientation.
4) Demonstrate comprehension of theory-based (ecological, strengths, interpersonal,
existential, etc.) principles, skills techniques, and assessment strategies necessary
for successful leadership of a group.
5) Demonstrate comprehension of the philosophy of autonomous practice based on a conscious
use of self, guided by the NASW Code of Ethics and the underlying moral principles
of social work.
6) Utilize theory-based models related to group recruitment, engagement, assessment,
intervention, and evaluation to improve practice processes and dynamics.
7) Recognize the value of advocacy group practice in promoting social action.
8) Exhibit intellectual habits that will lead to their interest in keeping abreast
of professional literature and participate in the professional community.
9) Utilize existing research-based literature to identify practices with different
type of client populations.
Assessment Measures
Grades will be based on the satisfactory completion of all course requirements, which
may include:
· Reflections on group participation (leader, observer, participant)
· Class presentations
· Research paper
· Attendance and class participation
Other Course Information
None
Review and Approval
May 2, 2016
December, 2009