SOWK 641: Foundation Practicum and Seminar I
Prerequisites: Admission to the graduate program in social work and SOWK 631 .
Corequisites: SOWK 631
Pre- or Corequisites: SOWK 631
Credit Hours: (3)
This is a practicum experience of 205 hours accompanied by six class meetings designed to integrate the academic curriculum with the practicum experience.
Detailed Description of Content of Course
This first semester of a two semester foundation field practicum with six required class meetings provides a forum in which students apply the knowledge, skills, and values acquired from the foundation curriculum to micro- and macro-practice. An emphasis is placed on assessment and practice grounded in theory. The concepts of person in environment assessment and the generalist perspective are applied with a focus on strengths-based practice. Systems and ecological theory provide a frame for critical analysis and assessment. Social construction and empowerment theories help focus toward a respect for diversity and the use of practice methods that support “client” decision-making. Practice is based on ethical decision-making, valuing and respecting diversity, working toward the dismantling of oppression, and establishing social and economic justice.
The focus is placed on assessment/analysis of client needs, client-worker relationships, professional values and ethics, service delivery issues, agency/organizational dynamics, and social work supervision. Practice at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels is incorporated. This is a practicum experience (205 hours per semester) in which electronic and/or face-to-face classes are embedded.
SOWK 641 (3 Credits)
Semester I = 205 hours in field + 18 hours classroom
(14-15 hours per week in the field for 14 weeks = 205 hours or
18-19 hours per week in the field for 11 weeks = 205 hours)
Students are required to intern in the respective agency at least two days per week.
Educational Objectives
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. Delineate the values and ethics of the social work profession.
2. Develop culturally competent techniques for work with diverse cultural contexts.
3. Use practice knowledge and skill to promote alleviation of poverty, oppression,
and other forms of social and economic injustice.
4. Function effectively within the structure of organizations and across service delivery
systems.
5. Demonstrate how the generalist practice model can work with clients systems of
all sizes, including individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
Detailed Description of Conduct of Course
This course will utilize practical experience and additionally may use lectures, large and small class discussions, and small writing assignments as means to learning. Please refer to your field manual for the specific format for field practicum.
Assessment Measures
Each student is expected to attend every seminar class (18 total hours) and complete the appropriate hours required for field practicum (205 total for the semester). A variety of methods used in the course of study which students complete may include but are not limited to a log of field experiences, discussion of field experiences, advocacy project and discussion, a presentation of a case study, an analysis of service agency/field practicum, and a write up and analysis of field experience (final).