Social Work 791

SOWK 791: Concentration Practicum and Seminar I

Prerequisites: Admission to the graduate program in social work and completion of SOWK 642 with a B or better OR completion of SOWK 679 with a B or better; SOWK 783 as a pre- or co-requisite

Pre- or Corequisites: Admission to the graduate program in social work and completion of SOWK 642 with a B or better OR completion of SOWK 679 with a B or better; SOWK 783 as a pre- or co-requisite

Credit Hours: (5)

A practicum experience of 300 hours is accompanied by six class meetings designed to integrate the academic curriculum with the practicum experience.

Detailed Course Description

The concentration practicum and six required class meetings provide a forum in which the knowledge, skills, and values of professional social work practice, along with the concepts and theories which support community-based family practice (CBFP) are applied. The ecological, systems, empowerment, and social construction theories provide the frame for critical analysis, assessment, and practice evaluation. The skills and knowledge taught in SOWK 783 are applied through multiple environments and across the micro, mezzo, and macro levels. Service delivery issues, agency/organizational dynamics, and practice skills are emphasized. The knowledge and skills for micro- and macro-practice with diverse populations are developed and applied, emphasizing the dismantling of oppression and applying methods which work toward social and economic justice for populations at risk. The seminar supports the exploration of ethical decision making grounded in social work values as a base for professional development. This is a practicum experience (300 hours per semester) in which electronic and/or face-to-face classes are  embedded.

SOWK 791 (5 credits)

Semester = 300 hours in the field + 18 hours in seminar

(21-22 hours per week for 14 weeks)

Educational Objectives

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

1. Analyze, intervene, and evaluate, with a high degree of autonomy and proficiency;

2. Promote social and economic justice; to confront injustice and oppression; and to work to eliminate poverty and social problems with individuals, families, groups, and organizations, locally, nationally, and globally;

3. Demonstrate reciprocity in their practice, as a part of the ecological perspective, collaborating, communicating, and consulting at every level; joining with allies to confront oppression, engage in social change, and affect policy; practicing empowering, strengths-based multicultural practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities;

4. Critically evaluate and modify the quality of their own practice, analyzing their own values and those of the profession;

5. Apply advanced information technology to inform community based family practice;

6. Demonstrate skills in research design, analysis, and knowledge dissemination, and assume accountability for ethical practice.


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 a means to learning. A field manual for the specific format for field practicums is available.

Assessment Measures

Each student is expected to attend every seminar class (18 total hours) and complete the appropriate hours required for field practicum (300 hours 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).