Greenville Technical College

Human Services Department

Course Syllabus

Spring 2008

 

Course Title: Introduction to Social Work

Course:           HUS 204, Section W01

Semester        Credit Hours:  3.0

Prerequisite:  Placement in ENG 101

 

Instructor’s Name:    Bonnie J. Smith, MSW                     

Office Location:         Bldg. 123 Rm 212

Office Hours:             By appointment

Office Phone:             (864) 250-8856

E-Mail Address:        smithb24@gvltec.mailcruiser.com or private mail through WebCT          

 

Course Description:  This course includes a general introduction to social work, including history, philosophy, organization, methods and settings with emphasis on rehabilitation and other community services. Focus is on social work values, knowledge base, goals and the roles of the social worker in society.

 

Purpose of the Course:  This course is designed to introduce Human Services students to the history and practice of the professional Social Worker. College transfer students meeting prerequisite requirements may also take this course.

 

Required Text:  Ambosino, R., Heffernan, J., Shuttlesworth, G., Ambrosino, R. (2008). Social work and social welfare,  6th edition. Brooks/Cole: Belmont, CA. ISBN 978-0-495-09512-5

 

Required Software: Microsoft Word 97 or higher and the ability to save files in .doc or .rtf format

 

Students for Whom the Course is Intended:  All Human Services students.

                         

Course Objectives

Upon completion of the course, the student is expected to:

 

  1. Develop understanding of what the social worker does at work as well as social work career paths.
  2. Analyze the history of social welfare in the United States to include identification of values that have affected social welfare development. 3.
  3. Evaluate the Systems Ecological perspective and apply this framework to fictitious client situations. 
  4. Examine other practice theories and frameworks and how they are used in conjunction with System Ecological Perspective.
  5. Increase knowledge and awareness of issues related to working with diverse populations, including influential legislation.
  6. Analyze the components and characteristics of the five social work practice methods: work with individuals and families, group work, community organization, administration and planning and research.
  7. Evaluate past and present United States policies and programs to address poverty and homelessness to include current income assistance programs.
  8. Increase knowledge and understanding of mental health, mental illness, substance abuse and developmental disabilities as well as evaluating the social work role in delivering services to these populations.
  9. Analyze the current healthcare crisis in the United States and the social work role in the delivery of health services.
  10. Increase understanding of family issues and problems that affect children. Examine and demonstrate understanding of the influence of social work in the human services.

 

Course-Specific Information

 

Methods of Instruction:  Each student will be responsible for reading assignments, completing assignments and participating in online discussions to bring to life the concepts of the course.

 

Evaluation Methods and Schedules:  Students will be evaluated by tests, participation in online discussion, and other written assignments. Please use appropriate spelling, grammar and punctuation in all your online postings and email assignments. All assignments should be written in your own words, with appropriate citation of resources.
 

Assignments: Students are expected to complete all Assignments by the due date indicated on the calendar. Assignments may be turned in early. Assignments can be turned in within one week after the due date with a 50% grade penalty.

 

Discussions: Discussion assignments are provided for each chapter and are the basis for online dialogue. Due dates can be found on the Calendar. Each student will post answers to the discussion questions to be read by and commented on by classmates. Participation in online discussions is essential in the learning process in online courses. It replaces classroom discussion. Each student is expected to answer the questions posted by the instructor and to respond to questions and statements posted by other students. Answers to discussion assignments are to be posted by the due date indicated on the calendar. Students are expected to respond to at least two other postings, asking questions or offering insights. Discussions will be graded following the grading form found within each Discussion description.

 

Exams:  There will be four exams in the course. Due dates are found on the calendar. Each exam may consist of multiple choice, true and false, matching and short answer questions related to the readings from the text, assignment and class discussions. Exams are online and must be completed within the allotted time and submitted by the due date and time listed in the calendar. Exams may be taken early without penalty. Students may ask the instructor to open an exam for up to one week past the due date. There is a 50% grade penalty for exams taken late.

 

Grading Scale in points:       

900 - 1000 = A

                                    800 -   899 = B

                                    700 -   799 = C

                                    600 -    699= D

                                    Below  600  = F

 

"I" - Incomplete

An I indicates some work is incomplete in a course taught in the traditional manner.  The student is responsible for making up all unfinished work within the next semester.  The student cannot re-enroll in the class until the "I" has been replaced with a letter grade.  The "I" will be changed to an "F" if all work is not completed satisfactorily by one week before the beginning of exams in the next semester.  "I" does not affect grade calculations; earns no credit hours.  Only under unusual and extenuating circumstances will an instructor consider granting an "I".

 

Greenville Technical College Policy For Repeating A Course

Effective January, 1994, a student may register for a class a maximum of three times.  (W’s, F’s, and in some cases, D’s count toward the maximum of three registrations.)  If extenuating circumstances have occurred, such as prolonged illness, an appeal may be made to a subcommittee appointed by the chairperson of the Academic Council. Refer to the College Catalog and Student Handbook for more information on this policy.

 

Attendance Policy

Students “attend” the course by logging in and by posting a discussion, sending an email to the instructor, or by submitting an assignment. Students are expected to log in on the first day of class, then at least one time per week for the remainder of the semester. If a student goes for a period of two weeks without logging in to the course, the instructor may administratively withdraw the student.

 

Policy Pertaining to Academic Maters

If at any time during the semester a problem should arise pertaining to this course or any other academic matter, you should consult your instructor first.  If further assistance is needed after this consultation, your instructor will make an appointment for you with the department head.  If the problem is not resolved to your satisfaction, the department head will make an appointment for you with the person at the next appropriate level.  The counselor for our division is Tracie Raines.  Her office is in HE 247 and her telephone number is 250-8147.

 

Academic Honesty

All tests and projects must be the sole work of the student.  Any student involved in cheating, plagiarism, or collusion may receive a course grade of “F” at the instructor’s discretion.

 

Student Code

The Student Code can be found in the Greenville Technical College Catalog and on www.greenvilletech.com. All students are expected to read it and to follow the provisions of the Code.

 

Student With Disabilities     

 Refer to the College Catalog/Student Handbook, page 48, for additional information.

 All students who have a disability and need accommodations should visit, call, or e-mail Student Disability Services at the beginning of each semester.   Students are strongly encouraged to obtain their accommodation forms within the first 2 weeks of class to ensure appropriate services. The office is located at the Barton Campus in the Student Center (Building 105), Room 124, and can be reached by phone at 250-8202 or 250-8408 or by email at sharon.bellwood@gvltec.edu. The Disability Service Counselor is available to meet with students on satellite campuses by appointment.

 

Policy for repeating a course

Effective January, 1994, a student may register for a class a maximum of three times.  (W’s, F’s, and in some cases, D’s count toward the maximum of three registrations.)  If extenuating circumstances have occurred, such as prolonged illness, an appeal may be made to a subcommittee appointed by the chairperson of the Academic Council. Refer to the Student Code  for more information on this policy.

 

Important Dates

SPRING - 2008

 

Spring Classes Begin (M)

January 7, 2008

Martin Luther King’s Birthday (M)

January 21, 2008

Classes Begin for 10-Week Session (T)      

February 12, 2008

Students’ Last Day to Withdraw from 1st Half (W)

February 13, 2008

Last Class Day for 1st Half Term (W)

February 27, 2008

Exams for 1st Half Term (R-F)

February 28-29, 2008

Classes Begin for 2nd Half Term (M)              

March 3, 2008

Students’ Last Day to Withdraw from Full Term (M)

March 17, 2008

Spring Break (M-F)             

March 24-28, 2008

Students’ Last Day to Withdraw from 10-Week Session (F)

April 4, 2008

Students’ Last Day to Withdraw from 2nd Half (T)

April 15, 2008

Last Class Day Full term, 2nd Half & 10-Week (M)

April 28, 2008

Exams (T-F)

April 29-May 2, 2008

Graduation (T)

May 6, 2008

 

Divisional Student Support Services:

Department Head:  Dr. Barry W. Shreve                       ADM 214        250-8822

Dean, Business and Public Service:  F.M. Rogers          CJ 125             250-8204

Division Counselor:  Tracie Raines                                HE 247            250-8147

Writing Center:                                                             UT 131            250-8452

Student Services (for tutoring information):                    SC 135            250-8102

Advisement: Karen White                                             ARC                250-8043

           

Business Division Student Lab Rules

1.      Children are not allowed in labs and classrooms nor left in hallways.  This is a campus-wide policy (pg. 53 of the Student Handbook).

2.      Due to the nature of the equipment, no food or drinks are allowed in computer labs.

3.      Labs are to be used only for students enrolled in Computer/Business Program courses and for educational purposes only.  No college-owned computing resources are to be used for unauthorized commercial or personal purposes.  Student ID required – You may be asked to show your student ID and also a copy of your current class schedule.

4.      You must sign-in when you enter the lab by printing your name, program of study, and course that you will be working on in the lab.  Sign out as you leave.

5.      Inappropriate or unethical use of the Internet is strictly prohibited (i.e., chat rooms, pornographic web site access, etc.)  On the first offense, a written warning will be issued.  Lab privileges will be revoked upon the second offense.  Printing from the Internet is prohibited!

6.      Students may print only one copy of a project.  We encourage you to use print preview to find errors before printing the final copy.  If you need to print multiple copies, such as a class handout, please see your instructor (Instructor will be responsible for having copies made for this purpose.) or use the library's services.

7.      Printing from the Internet and from PowerPoint is prohibited!  Printing from all other programs has been limited to a maximum of 10 pages.   Note:  Printing restrictions have been implemented due to budget constraints. 

8.      Students are not allowed in the Lab Assistant’s office. Lab assistants are on duty to handle hardware/software problems.  They are not tutors.  If you feel you need help with your assignments see your instructor or contact Student Services for tutoring information.

9.      The telephone in the Lab Assistant’s office is not to be used by students to place or receive calls.   A pay phone is located in the canteen area of the Engineering Building.

10.  Report all malfunctions of equipment to the lab assistant.  Please do not attempt repairs yourself.

11.  Labs are closed to all students during exam days (except for scheduled exam use) as well as during holidays and between semesters.

12.  The unauthorized copying of any software which is licensed or protected by copyright is theft, and thus unethical.

13.  Respect for the intellectual work and property of others has traditionally been essential to the mission of colleges and universities.  We do not tolerate plagiarism; and we do not condone unauthorized copying of software, including programs, applications, databases, and code.

14.  Please help keep the labs clean by picking up after yourself.

15.  Please note posted signs.  Labs are occasionally reserved for classes.

16.  Devices such as beepers/pagers and personal cellular phones are permitted on campus; however, they MUST NOT be activated in classrooms or labs.  Students MUST leave the classroom or lab to answer or return calls. 

The Business Division Student Lab is located in the Engineering Building, Room 115.

 You will be required to sign in and out when using this lab.   Be sure to keep your student ID and class schedule with you; you may be asked to show your current student ID and/or your current class schedule.

Open Lab Hours:

Monday – Friday 8:00 am to 10:30 pm

Saturday 8:00 am to 3:00 pm

Sunday Closed

 

Human Services Program Competencies

Students are expected to effectively demonstrate competencies in the following in order to successfully complete the academic program.

  1. knowledge of the historical roots of Human Services, the development of Human Service programs, and the current social service system
  2. knowledge of a wide range of community Human Service agencies, the organizational structure of human services at the local, state, and federal level, general policies/regulations in delivery systems, and how evaluation, research, and needs assessment are used in Human Service systems.
  3. knowledge of specific problem areas and conditions such as: aging, mental illness, physical disability, family-related issues, substance abuse, etc.
  4. knowledge of common counseling approaches, related techniques and modalities of counseling, including key concepts, goals of counseling, the nature of the helping relationship, and specific contributions and limitations
  5. ability to gather information and assess client needs including psychosocial history, basic psychological functioning, presenting problem(s), motivation to change, etc.
  6. ability to communicate effectively through verbal and in writing with clients and co-workers; demonstrate knowledge of and skills in using basic counseling and interviewing techniques
  7. demonstrates self-awareness in relation to abilities, personality, interpersonal style, beliefs and values and how these may affect personal and professional interactions
  8. demonstrates belief in the personal dignity of people in need of services, in client self-determination, client worth and uniqueness, etc.
  9. projects and expresses positive regard for others, warmth in relationships, genuineness, courtesy and respect, empathy, and congruence in relationships
  10. ability to maintain responsible work habits and foster collaboration and teamwork in academic and work-related settings

 

College-Wide Competencies

Greenville Technical College endorses and promotes the following college-wide competencies for all associate degree students:

1.      Comprehend and generate effective written and oral communication.

2.      Demonstrate research skills necessary for personal and professional purposes.

3.      Apply mathematical skills appropriate to solve day to day as well as work related problems.

4.      Demonstrate knowledge of computer applications compatible with job demands.

5.      Exhibit professionalism appropriate to the values and ethics of their chosen career.

6.      Demonstrate the critical thinking and problem-solving skills to fulfill work and personal responsibilities.

7.      Practice interpersonal skills and team work in their professional lives.

8.      Demonstrate an awareness and understanding of various cultures.