SWK 4011 - FIELD SEMINAR I

credits: 1.0
This course is taken concurrently during senior social work students’ field experience. This course will focus on processing the field experience while connecting previous program content to the field experience. This is the first of a two-part course designed to complement the field experience and must be taken concurrently with field experience I. This course will focus on connection of program content to the field experience while providing support and guidance as students complete the field experience. This course will focus on professionalism in the field experience, student safety, while revisiting the social work model, practice skills and the NASW Code of Ethics. Objectives: A) Understand the role of assessment in identifying needs of client and client systems; B) Demonstrate effective assessment skills of clients using a strengths based approach; C) Demonstrate an understanding of the NASW Code of Ethics as it applies to clients; D) Understand the role of supervision and how to effectively utilize supervision; E) Demonstrate effective safety planning for self and others; F) Identify and demonstrate effective communication skills used in interviewing; G) Demonstrate effective engagement techniques with various client systems. Method of Instruction: Will include lectures, group discussions, case studies, field trips, and guest speakers. Students will actively engage in organization and development activities with campus partners. Method of Evaluation: Will be graded on Pass-Fail basis. Participation and Attendance (20 pts): Active engagement in class discussions, group activities, and attendance; Weekly reflection (12 x 5 pts each=60 pts.): Students will submit a weekly reflection entry of no less than 200 words on a news story related to a social justice issue they found that week. Students must use reputable sources for the news story. What constitutes reputable sources will be reviewed in class; Professional presentation (50 pts): Students will choose a topic relevant to practice at their field placement (safety, advocacy, working with resistant clients, stress, ethical issues, personal bias, etc.) Students will thoroughly research the topic using peer-reviewed journal articles and present a minimum 30-minute presentation. The presentation must include an activity for the class to demonstrate understanding.

Prerequisite(s): Senior status and must be taken with Field Experience I, SWK 4010.
Co-Requisite(s): SWK 4010.