Time Schedule:
Taryn Lindhorst
SOC W 500
Seattle Campus
Intellectual, historical, and ethical foundations of the social work profession. Engagement with crucial aspects of the profession's history; contemporary issues, problematics, and directions; and key concepts and theoretical frameworks. Students develop personal, professional, and intellectual foundations for practicing social work built on the central values of plurality and social justice.
Class description
Overall Course Goals
* To orient students to social justice as the framing value for social work practice. * To provide the intellectual foundations for critical review and understanding of the premises, tensions, and contradictions which have formulated the profession’s history, and for analysis of its contemporary forms and potential future directions through exposure to these issues from multiple perspectives. * To provide introduction to masters-level education in social work and the foundation for the growth of a critically reflexive professional self within the context of community work.
Student learning goals
On completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. Articulate a beginning understanding of social justice theories that support social work practice.
2. Become familiar with the values embodied in the NASW Code of Ethics.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the historical, cultural, political, and philosophical underpinnings of the social work profession in the US from 1900 - 1980.
4. Describe the current challenges facing the profession, and possible directions for social work practice at this historical juncture.
5. Demonstrate core skills related to critically reflexive social work practice, including * Deep reflection on your own standpoint, knowledge, abilities, and actions; * The ability to build relationships through collaborative work with peers and instructors; * Respectful dialogue when differences occur centered on the intent of understanding another’s position * The ability to effectively communicate your understanding and interpretation of materials both verbally and in writing.
General method of instruction
The course includes a combination of lecture, discussion, multimedia presentations, and input from invited speakers. A primary focus is energetic engagement with course materials and assigned readings. The course is designed to provide opportunities for mutual engagement, critical reflection, and development of ideas.
Recommended preparation
Class assignments and grading
Course grades will be based on active class participation, demonstrated commitment to reading seriously, and two written assignments. The assignments will allow you to provide a critical analysis of theoretical frameworks as well as their application to historical and contemporary issues. Accordingly, there is no inherent right or wrong in what you write. Grading, therefore, will be based on your capacity to express a coherent thought and build an argument for your ideas. Deadline 20 points Class Contribution 80 points Applying a Social Justice Framework to Understanding Social Work History
The assignments are graded based on four criteria: a) thoroughness and completeness of content, b) clarity and logic of presentation c) evidence of critical thought and self-reflection, and d) writing and editing quality.
