Introduction to Social Work Syllabus for 2024-2025
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Instructor Information

Phone

Phone number not available

Office Location

Office Hours

Course Information

AI Statement

Collusion is defined as “the unauthorized collaboration with another person or by any other means, including artificial intelligence (AI) and computer translators, in preparing work for fulfillment of course requirements.” Using AI like (ChatGPT or Google Gemini) to create a document is considered colluding. <strong>The use of Generative Artificial Intelligence on specific assignments is at the discretion of the instructor. </strong>

COVID-19 Protocols

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

If you have a disability (learning, mental, physical) that affects your ability to participate effectively and have access to any program or service at Amarillo College please contact Disability Services at (806) 345-5639 . Our offices are located in the Enrollment Center, Suite 700. More information may be found at www.actx.edu/disability.
Disability Services facilitates access to all programs and services according to the ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as well as other federal and state laws.

Amarillo College Web Accessibility Policy Statement

Amarillo College is committed to providing equal access to all programs and services, including all working, learning, and service environments that affect equal access for persons with disabilities. This commitment to provide equal access and opportunity for persons with disabilities is in compliance with federal and state law. Amarillo College also strives to provide Electronic and Information Resources (EIR) that are accessible to all authorized users.

If you find you are unable to access material in an accessible format please contact the Disability Services Office at (806) 345-5639 . This office will work in conjunction with other campus resources to address and accommodate your issue in a timely manner.

Statement for Mental Health and Advocacy & Resource Center:

As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student's ability to participate in daily activities. Amarillo College offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. If you or someone you know are suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, you can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus by calling the AC Counseling Center at 806-371-5900. The AC Counseling Center website is https://www.actx.edu/counseling/ . Also, if you are in need of social services (affordable housing, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, childcare, medical/dental/vision, legal), please call the AC Advocacy & Resource Center at 806-371-5439. The AC Advocacy & Resource Center website is https://www.actx.edu/arc

Amarillo College Tutoring for Success Policy:

Tutoring for Success applies to any student whose overall performance in the course falls below 75%. The instructor will create the task in the Student Engagement Portal (Watermark) to direct the student to the appropriate tutoring service, which may be faculty- or SI-led, discipline-specific, and/or general. The tutoring service assigned, the due date for when the tutoring must be completed, and the amount of tutoring required are at the discretion of the instructor. Additionally, the task will alert the student’s success team. Students who do not fulfill the assigned tutoring task may be subject to program- and course-specific penalties that could result in a grade reduction and/or in not being allowed to progress in the course until the tutoring requirement has been satisfied.

Administrative Drop Policy

Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016

Student Withdrawal Procedures

Students who wish to withdraw from a course must complete all steps indicated on the Academic Withdrawal Request form by the course withdrawal deadline.

NOTE: Students who are attending Texas institutions of higher education, for the first time fall 2007 and later, may not withdraw from more than six courses during their academic career. This withdrawal limitation does not include dual credit or developmental classes (Senate Bill 1231 Rule 4.10.) For more information on Drop and Withdrawal Policies, please visit the Registrar's Office Web site.

Privacy Statement

The Amarillo College Privacy Policy is found at https://www.actx.edu/-amarillo-college-privacy-notice , and applies to all Amarillo College students.  If you have questions about this privacy statement or you believe that your personal information has been released without your consent, send email to humanresources@actx.edu .

Course

SOCW-2361-001 Introduction to Social Work

Prerequisites

Course Description

Development of the philosophy and practice of social work in the United States; survey of the fields and techniques of social work; attention given to requirements for graduate training and social work.

Student ResourcesStudent Resources Website

Department Expectations

Occupational License Disclaimer

Notice to Students enrolled in an educational program for preparation of issuance of certain occupational licenses:

Students enrolled in an educational program in preparation for obtaining certain occupational licenses are potentially ineligible for such license if the student has been convicted of an offense. For further information, please contact:

Melodie Graves
Justice Involved Advocate
Student Service Center 117
mgraves24@actx.edu
806-371-5995
Make appointment at https://melodiegraves.youcanbook.me

You can also contact the Legal Clinic, or the faculty member in charge of the educational program that you seek to enroll in. The further information you will receive will include notification to you of your right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the licensing authority in order to clarify your particular situation.

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Required text:  Kirst-Ashman, Karen K. (2017).  Introduction to Social Work & Social Welfare Critical Thinking Perspectives (5th edition).  Boston, MA:  Cengage Learning. ISBN 1305388399. Textbook or E-book are acceptable. Textbook access code is not required.

 

Supplies

Paper, pens, pencils, or notetaking supplies. Students need access to a reliable computer. Strong and dependable internet connectivity (WIFI) is crucial for success, so it's wise to have a backup plan in place in case the primary connection encounters issues. For further resources on digital and remote learning, please visit the "Student Information on Technology Supported Learning" page.

Student Performance

  • Upon completion of this course the student will be able to:
  • Discuss the development of social welfare in the U.S.
  • Discuss the development of social work as a recognized profession.
  • Appreciate the broad range of professional responsibilities and skills that social workers utilize in their daily interactions with clients.
  • Demonstrate familiarity with National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics and how it guides decision-making.
  • Identify multiple social and economic factors that influence or affect the behavior of individuals, groups, and communities.
  • Understand that human behavior is influenced by biological, social, and psychological factors.
  • Understand the process for becoming a professional social worker.
  • Understand and appreciate the concept of generalist practice as it applies to social workers at the bachelor’s level.
  • Demonstrate an increased understanding of the issues relating to working with diverse populations.
  • Recognize and evaluate his or her value system as related to providing social work services to diverse populations.
  • Recognize the global context of social work practice.
  • Demonstrate written and verbal communication skills that reflect the student’s ability to comprehend material.
  • Demonstrate the ability to utilize critical thinking skills.

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

Cell Phones, Laptops, and Tablets: Using cell phones for calls or texting during class can be disruptive and is considered inappropriate. Please ensure that your cell phones are set to silent and stored away during class. If you have any special circumstances, feel free to discuss them with the instructor. Laptops should be utilized exclusively for note-taking purposes. Engaging in activities like checking email or browsing social media sites is discouraged, as it can distract not only you but also your classmates. Thank you for helping to create a focused learning environment!

Scholastic Honesty Maintaining scholastic integrity is a shared responsibility between students and instructors. To foster an environment of honesty and fairness, it is important for everyone to actively engage in upholding these values. While the following examples illustrate some behaviors that undermine integrity, they serve as a guide to encourage positive academic practices.

These include: obtaining or sharing information for assignments or exams from unauthorized sources, revealing exam content to others, plagiarism (which involves using someone else's work without proper citation), submitting the same paper for two different courses, or presenting work created by someone else as one’s own. By promoting awareness and understanding of these issues, we can contribute to a culture of integrity and respect in our academic community.

Grading Criteria

Attendance and Participation (10%)

It is essential to complete the reading assignment before each class to enhance your understanding of the material and perform well on exams. While regular attendance plays a key role in your learning experience, the responsibility for attending class consistently rests with you. Attendance will be taken for each class period. Class attendance, punctuality, and participation will be considered when evaluating the attendance grade. Actively engaging in class discussions and demonstrating your understanding will help me recognize your commitment. Those who contribute and participate often may positively impact their overall grade.

Assignments (60%)

Throughout the semester, you will engage in a variety of assignments that need to be submitted through Blackboard. Please make sure to adhere to the provided Writing Guidelines. 

  • Syllabus Quiz
  • Introduction
  • Self-Care Assessment
  • Critical Reflections for Guest Speakers

Exams (30%)

There will be three chapter exams during the semester and one final. Exams will be available on Blackboard and will be 50-75 questions covering the textbook material, lectures, and guest speakers. The Social Worker Interview will count as the final exam.

Attendance:  10%

Assignments:  60%

Exams:  30%  

Total:  100%

Grading

A = 100-90

B = 89-80

C = 79-70

D = 69-60

F = 59 and below

Late Assignments It’s important to stay organized by keeping track of assignment due dates and ensuring that you submit your work on time. Please note that late assignments will not be accepted. This approach will help you manage your workload effectively and succeed in the course.

Extra Credit:  Please note that there will be no extra credit opportunities available in this course. However, throughout the semester, there may be specific Point Earning Opportunities related to conferences, events, or other activities relevant to social work in the community. These opportunities will be communicated in advance, and you'll need to provide verification of your attendance to earn points.

Attendance

Attendance will taken attendance for each class period. Class attendance, punctuality, and participation will be considered when evaluating the attendance grade. Actively engaging in class discussions and demonstrating your understanding will help me recognize your commitment. Those who contribute and participate may positively impact their overall grade.

 

Calendar

Week 1

Introduction/Syllabus

Chapter 1: Introduction to Social Work and Social Welfare

Chapter 2: Social Work Values and Ethics

Chapter 3: Empowerment and Human Diversity

Week 2

Chapter 4: The Process of Generalist Practice

Chapter 5: Practice Settings

Week 3

Chapter 6: An Overview of Social Welfare and Social Work Policy

Chapter 7: Policy, Policy Analysis, Policy Practice, and Policy Advocacy: Foundations for Service Provision

Chapter 8: Policies and Programs to Combat Poverty

Week 4 

Chapter 9: Social Work and Services for Children and Families

Chapter 10: Social Work and Services for Older Adults

Week 5 

Chapter 11: Social Work and Services for People with Disabilities

Chapter 12: Social Work and Services in Health Care

Week 6 

Chapter 13: Social Work and Services in Mental Health

Chapter 14: Social Work and Services in Substance Use, Abuse, and Dependence

Week 7

Chapter 15: Social Work and Services for Youths and in the Schools

Chapter 16: Social Work and Services in the Criminal Justice System

Week 8

Social Worker Interview Paper/Final

**The Instructor reserves the right to change the syllabus/calendar if necessary. Changes or modifications to the schedule or requirements may occur.  If so, you will be notified.

 

Additional Information

While you are not obligated to share personal experiences in this course, discussing social problems and services often enriches our learning environment. A crucial aspect of our time together will involve exploring social stigma and examining our own biases—reflecting on how they inform our perspectives and practices. Engaging in thoughtful discussions about your experiences can enhance your understanding and that of your classmates regarding the real-world implications of the profession.

I understand that emotional safety is essential, especially in a class where many of you may not yet know one another well. Therefore, please take some time to consider how much you feel comfortable sharing, and participate to the extent that feels right for you. It’s also important to create a supportive atmosphere in which everyone feels respected; thus, I encourage you to honor the personal stories shared by your peers. Remember, the discussions we have in class are confidential and should remain within this safe space.

 

Syllabus Created on:

01/12/25 11:12 AM

Last Edited on:

01/14/25 6:45 AM