SOWK 642: Foundation Practicum and Seminar II
Prerequisites: Admission to the graduate program in social work and SOWK 631 as a pre- or co-requisite. SOWK 641 must be completed with a B or better before SOWK 642 can be taken.
Pre- or Corequisites: Admission to the graduate program in social work or permission of the MSW Coordinator. SOWK 631/SOWK 632 with a C or better. SOWK 641 with a B or better.
Credit Hours: (3)
This is the second foundational 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 second 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 鈥渃lient鈥� 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 642 (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.
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 practicums.
Course Goals and 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.
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).
Other Course Information
None
Review and Approval
May 2, 2016