Description:

This course will introduce the student to the profession of social work and to the history and development of social welfare and social service systems in the United States. This is a required introductory course in the sequence of study leading to a professional degree (BSW, MSW or DSW) in social work. 3 hrs./wk.

Supplies: Refer to the instructor's course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.

Prerequisites: NONE

Textbook(s): For information see - http://bookstore.jccc.net

Course Fees: NONE

Course Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course the student should be able to:

1. Define and describe the scope of professional Social Work and the educational progression in this profession.
2. Differentiate Social Work from other helping professions (e.g., psychology, psychiatry, applied sociology).
3. Identify the varied fields of practice and settings for the practice of Social Work.
4. Identify major economic, political, social and religious factors in Euro-American history and current issues, which impact social policy in the United States.
5. Differentiate between mutual aid, charity-philanthropy, public welfare, social insurance, social services and universal provision as the major societal arrangements for meeting human needs.
6. Identify and describe the philosophical and historical roots of Social Work, major social movements in the U.S. and the contributions of individual social activists and Social Workers to the current status of the profession.
7. Demonstrate understanding of the centrality of ethical behavior in the profession and identify main tenets of the Code of Ethics.
8. Describe the profession's concerns related to class, race, gender, ability, sexual orientation, age, marital status, religious preference and other factors which impact the "person in the environment" in which they live.
9. Describe the Strengths Perspective, Systems Theory and the levels of intervention utilized by Social Workers.
10. Describe, in detail, the history of one field of Social Work practice and the social welfare system or social service delivery systems in which practice occurs.

Content Outline & Competencies:

I. Definition of the Profession: A Values Based Profession
   A. Identify the difference between professional social work, the
institution of social welfare, social service delivery systems, charity,
mutual aid, volunteering and service learning. 
   B. Differentiate the profession of social work from other helping
professions and occupations.  
   C. Identify the educational requirements to obtain a BSW, MSW or DSW. 
   D. Cite the requirements to obtain a clinical license to practice
independently and do third-party billing.
   E. Cite the requirements for continuing education (CE). 
   F. Explain the importance of the NASW Code of Ethics.

II. History of Social Welfare
   A. Demonstrate an understanding of the relevance of the English
Statutes of Laborers (1346) and the Elizabethan Poor Laws (1601) to
current social welfare policies. 
   B. Identify major historical milestones in the development of the
institution of social welfare in the U.S.
   C. Define the institutional and residual perspectives of social
welfare.    
   D. Differentiate between public welfare, social insurance and universal
provision of social services.
   E. Differentiate between public sector and private sector social
service delivery systems.
   F. Identify major societal religious, political and economic factors
that have preceded the current status of social welfare systems in the
U.S.

III. History of the Profession
   A. Identify and describe the historical, philosophical and ethical
history of the profession.
   B. Describe the historical context in which social work, as a
profession, emerged in the U.S.
   C. Cite the core values as stated in the NASW Code of Ethics.
   D. Describe the centrality of the Code of Ethics in the practice of
social work.
   E. Define and identify micro, mezzo and macro levels of intervention. 

   F. Discuss systems theory and the ecological perspective.   

IV. The Interface of Social Work, the Institution of Social Welfare,
Polity, Economy and Religion in the U.S.
   A. Identify at least five federally mandated social welfare programs
and the general
      parameters for eligibility in the last year. 
   B. Describe the congruence and dissonance between the values and ethics
of the profession and the development of the institution of social welfare
in the U.S.
   C. Discuss ethical dilemmas.

V. Current Social Issues and Fields of Social Work Practice
   A. Recognize class, race, religion, marital status, ethnic background,
gender, ability, age, sexual orientation, gender orientation, physical
ability and mental ability issues for psychosocial assessment and
intervention at micro, mid-level and macro levels.        
   B. Discuss ethical concerns related to work with diverse populations.
   C. Identify at least 10 fields of social work practice. 

Methods of Evaluation of Competencies:

Evaluation of student mastery of course competencies will be accomplished using the following methods:

      10-15 homework assignments/take-home quizzes       20% of grade
      Participation in class discussions and projects    20% of grade
      Service Learning                                   20% of grade
      One individual research paper, per APA format      20% of grade
      Final project                                      20% of grade
                                                        100%

Grading Criteria:
   100 - 90 = A
    89 - 80 = B
    79 - 70 = C
    69 - 60 = D
   Below 60 = F

Caveats:

1. Service Learning is a requirement.

Disabilities:

If you are a student with a disability, and if you will be requesting accommodations, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services. Access Services will recommend any appropriate accommodations to your professor and his/her director. The professor and director will identify for you which accommodations will be arranged.

JCCC provides a range of services to allow persons with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities. If you desire support services, contact the office of Access Services for Students With Disabilities (913) 469-8500, ext. 3521 or TDD (913) 469-3885. The Access Services office is located in the Success Center on the second floor of the Student Center.