Professional Documents
Culture Documents
I. COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Students will learn about scholarly writing through modeling the writing of published authors. This
course will introduce students to the process and protocols regarding why professional social work
practice requires them to write using the American Psychological Association (APA) style. The ethics of
writing, indicating the acceptable forms and practices of recognizing the ideas and intellectual
properties of others will be explored in this course. The course will explore the concept of plagiarism.
The course contains general conventions, such as how to refer to the work of others in the body of a
paper and tips for avoiding oppressive, racist, sexist and/or homophobic language. The course will
provide students with the opportunity to learn key methods regarding ways of avoiding grammatical
and punctuation errors commonly found in social work papers. The course will provide students the
opportunity to participate in proofreading exercises that will direct them to their Personal Computers
to detect areas of potential problems.
In this course, students will also review papers from coursework for logic and organization; paragraph
development; transitional statements; active voice; emotional tone/word choice; and matching writing
style to the task such as case notes, process recording, the project log, the reflective journal, funding
proposals, case management, and clinical or international writing. In addition this course explores the
influence of technology in social work practice and society. Students will learn about appropriate
community or direct interventions using these new technologies. Also, the course will provide an
introduction to effective communication and issues related to some new computerized technologies.
This course will also provide students with real-world options for communicating scholarly thinking and
findings.
III. CSWE 2015 Competencies and corresponding Practice Behaviors relevant to this course.
Competency 1: Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior
PB1: make ethical decisions by applying the standards of the NASW Code of Ethics, relevant laws and
regulations, models for ethical
PB4 use technology ethically and appropriately to facilitate practice outcomes
Additional Readings:
Sidell, Nancy L. Social Work Documentation A Guide to Strengthening Your Case Recording. NASW Press,
2011. ISBN: 978-0-87101-404-7
Other Handouts TBA.
VI. POLICIES
Institutional Policies See addendum in D2L
Program Policies
1. Assignment Policy: Promptness in completing assigned tasks and readings is a requirement of
this course. All written assignments will be graded on the basis of content, clarity, punctuation,
grammar, sentence structure, proofreading, APA style and overall quality of work.
2. Attendance: The student is expected to be familiar with the requirements for this course. All
students are expected to complete the reading assignments prior to class and attend class
regularly. If you must miss class for any reason, please notify the instructor. Excessive absences
will result in a lower final grade that may include failure of the class. Excessive absence is
defined as a student missing more than two classes, for whatever reason. Missing two or more
classes may result in failure of the course. All written assignments must be typed, double-
spaced, use American Psychological Association 6th edition (APA6th) format and are due on the
date indicated. NO Late papers. Additionally, students must earn a minimum grade of C in
this course in order to remain a social work major. Students are responsible for all material
covered in class even if they are absent.
3. It is expected that social work students maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of
2.00, as well as 2.00 GPA in the social work major prior to entering the senior field placement.
4. Grading: Final course grade will be based upon the following:
A 94% to 100% Exceptional
A- 90% to 93% Superior
B+ 87% to 89% Excellent
B 84% to 87% Very Good
B- 80% to 83% Good
C+ 77% to 79% Above average
C 74% to 76% Average
C- 70% to 73% Below Average
D+ 67-69% Marginal
D 60% to 66% Poor
F < 60% Failure
Course Policies
5. Class participation is defined as the informed presentation of your thoughts, inferences, and
ideas based on the readings, experience, and class discussion. The only way for students to assist
each other in the learning process is to participate themselves in the class. Demonstration of
respect for differing opinions and life experiences is required.
6. Attendance is mandatory and excessive absences (two or more) may result in a lower final grade.
If you must miss class for any reason, please notify the instructor immediately. If you miss due to
illness, you must present a doctors note the next class period attended. Students are responsible
for all material covered in class even if they are absent. Students are expected to inform the
instructor before class if they need to be excused from class. If students miss more than two
classes, for whatever reason, their final grades may be adversely affected.
7. Students are responsible for completing all the assigned readings before the class period.
Listening to lectures solely will not give students the benefit of understanding the material.
Lectures are in no way a substitute for the readings.
V. ASSIGNMENTS
This course is unique in that it is committed to engaging students in effective social work practice
communication through the exploration and application of consistent integration of written
documentation and new technological experiences integrated into our class discussions, reflections and
writings. Teaching strategies will include a combination of lectures, multi-media presentations,
computer applications, classroom discussions, group work, written assignments, guest speakers, and
presentations.
1. Social Work Practice Paper 100 points (Learning Objectives 1 10 and PB 1, 4 and 13)
Total number of pages: 6-10
Select a contemporary social work practice issue in your area of interest from a local, national
or international community perspective within a distinct field of practice, and a write a paper
which clearly articulates the scope of the issue. For example, you could choose: High rates of
incarceration among African American men. Clinical depression among Gay and Lesbian
adolescents in Africa. Hispanic Children and Americas Child Welfare System. Discuss in your paper
demonstrating cultural competence and include social work practice approaches to your chosen
topic area. For example, cognitive-behavioral therapy, case management in child welfare, asset-
based community development and/or community advocacy.
Work is to be in APA format, typed, double-spaced, 12 point font and approximately 6-10
pages in length. Typographical and grammatical errors will be penalized. For written research, a
reference page and appropriate citation of sources is expected (use APA format Guidelines and
rubrics will be provided by the instructor). *See Rubric for Social Work Practice Paper guidelines.
2. Journaling Four Social Work Practice Recording Styles: Four Journal Entries at 25 points each =
100 points
In the Spirit of the Universitys Core Values of excellence, personal development, community and
integrity, you are expected to read assigned selections in advance of class meetings and come to
class prepared to discuss each of the four writing assignments. Commitment to keeping up with
course writing is imperative!
Additionally, you will be provided Guiding Questions pertinent/relevant to social work writing
styles to consider as you review the assigned materials, and will be asked to keep a journal of
their answers and personal critical reflections upon what you have read and what you have
experienced/learned in the course during the completion of your four writing assignments. Your
journal writing assignments will consist of your documentation to include: 1. a Process Recording
using the Narrative Model, 2. A Case Document for a Child Welfare setting, 3. a Project Log, and 4.
a Bio-Psycho-Social-Spiritual History.
The journal is meant to help you be able to develop an appreciation of correct punctuation
and grammar used in scholarly writing. Cultivate the requisite skills necessary to use the internet
in a competent and time-efficient manner in conducting social work professional writings.
Demonstrate an appreciable ability to write in the style utilized in social work practice settings,
and it is meant to be a tool for analysis, reflection and a vehicle for considering future social work
practice action. The journal can be used to convey your vision, raise questions and to
communicate pertinent experiences. It can also serve as a means by which you question your
assumptions and challenge your stereotypes, prejudices, and biases in effort to mature/grow. A
guideline for journaling will be provided by the instructor. *See sample journal guideline.
Work is to be in APA format, typed, double-spaced, 12 point font and approximately 2-5
pages in length per written report not to exceed 6 pages. Typographical and grammatical errors
will be penalized. For any reference to written research you must use a reference page and
appropriate citation of sources is expected (use APA format Guidelines and rubrics will be
provided by the instructor within each report). *See Guidelines for Written Journal Assignments
guidelines below.
*Sample Journal Guidelines (25 points each for a total of 100 points)
The journal is to be an opportunity for one to record and (to reflect upon different forms of
social work practice recordings with responses to assigned writing formats to include a process
recording (narrative model, a project log, a case document, and a bio-psycho-social-spiritual
history), and by using assigned case scenarios each student will synthesize the writing
experience with the analysis of the course materials provided in classroom readings. An attempt
should be made to integrate material from the myriad of books and notes in this course in
conjunction with your reflections regarding the writing format you are engaged in through the
social work practice perspective.
Journal entries should be made throughout the semester according to the course
assignment schedule (see assigned due dates for each journal writing entry). The students
journal should contain complete sentences and be grammatically correct. Guiding questions
pertinent/relevant to each social work writing format will be provided to the student using case
scenarios for consideration as they review the assigned materials, and each student will be
asked to keep a journal of their answers and personal critical reflections using what they have
read and what they have experienced/learned in the course for each of the four writing
assignments.
The quality of each students thinking and the energy with which they attempt to write their
journal entry using the case scenario provided by the professor for the four assigned writing
formats are the most important aspects of this assignment. Work is to be in APA format, typed,
double-spaced, 12 point font and approximately 2-4 pages in length per written report not to
exceed 6 pages. Typographical and grammatical errors will be penalized. For any reference to
written research you must use a reference page and appropriate citation of sources.
3. Social Work Leadership Paper: 100 points (LO: 3 and 4. PB 1, 4 and 13)
The student will select five professional journal articles that are focused on the subject of social
work leadership, and, upon the professors approval of your chosen topic, (for example,
Opportunities and Challenges for African American Women in Social Work Executive Positions,
Leadership in the Non-Profit Sector, and Clinical Leadership in Mental Health Settings) write a
paper which synthesizes those five journal articles perspectives.
Work is to be in APA format, typed, double-spaced, 12 point font and approximately 6-10
pages in length. Typographical and grammatical errors will be penalized. For written research, a
reference page and appropriate citation of sources is expected (use APA format, Guidelines and
rubrics will be provided by the instructor. See criteria for Social Work Leadership Paper below
Criteria Points
The paper is well organized and coherent. Correct grammar, 15
punctuation, sentence structure is evident.
Did the writer include an introduction to prepare the reader for 20
what will be covered in the paper?
Did the writer clearly state the purpose of the paper? Did he/she 20
achieve that purpose? Did the writer organize the paper in a way
that one idea flows into the next? Did the writer appropriately
label and discuss each section of his/her paper?
Did the writer provide a thoughtful analysis of this topic by 25
integrating relevant information (integrating appropriate
references)? Did the writer display creative, critical, and insightful
thinking?
Did the writer include concrete examples to clarify and support 20
his/her points? Does the writer come to any conclusions based
upon the reading? (20 points)
Total points 100
Criteria for Final Exam: In-Class Critical Reflection Essay 100 points
Criteria Points
The paper is well organized and coherent. 15
Correct grammar, punctuation, sentence structure is evident.
Give a brief a description of the foundations of good 25
writing in social work practice. Discuss one of the five major
types of social work writing forms (clinical social work, policy
practice, program and proposal development, social work
advocacy, and social enterprise administration.
What are the most important things that you have 20
learned through your writing about social work writing that
has expanded your self-awareness, cultural sensitivities, and
practice skills to be carried into your future career experiences?
How did your use of writing and technology skill 20
development gained in this course affect the way you think
about the issues and/or clients that the social work field of
practice deal with?
What have you learned about social work practice writing and 20
use of technology through this course that you are most excited to use?
What have you personally learned about yourself from your writing and
use of technology this semester?
Rubric Social Work Practice Paper: 100 points (LO: 3 and 4 PB 1, 4 and 13)
Rating:*
5 = Exceptional corresponds to an A (90-100).
4 = Proficient corresponds to a grade of B- to B+ (80-89).
3 = Average corresponds to a C- to C+ (70-79).
2 = Marginal corresponds to a D (69 to 60%).
1 = Failure corresponds to an F (59 and below).
*All grades are subject to the instructors discretion
Pts. Ratings
1 = Failure 2 = Marginal 3 = Average 4 = Proficient 5 = Exceptional
15 (3 points) One or (6 points) Two of (9 points) Three or (12 points) All of the (15 points) All of the
none of the the following are less of the following following are following are
following are demonstrated: The are demonstrated: demonstrated: The demonstrated in an
demonstrated: The paper is well The paper is well paper is well exemplary way:
paper is well organized and organized and organized and The paper is well
organized and coherent. Correct coherent. Correct coherent. Correct organized and
coherent. Correct grammar, grammar, grammar, coherent. Correct
grammar, punctuation, punctuation, punctuation, grammar,
punctuation, sentence structure sentence structure sentence structure punctuation,
sentence structure is evident. is evident. is evident. sentence structure
is evident. is evident.
20 (4 points) One or (8 points) Two of (12 points) Three or (16 points) All of the (20 points) All of the
none of the the following are less of the following following are following are
following are demonstrated: Did are demonstrated: demonstrated: Did demonstrated in an
demonstrated: Did the writer include Did the writer the writer include exemplary way:
the writer include an introduction to include an an introduction to Did the writer
an introduction to prepare the reader introduction to prepare the reader include an
prepare the reader for what will be prepare the reader for what will be introduction to
for what will be covered in the for what will be covered in the prepare the reader
covered in the paper? covered in the paper? for what will be
paper? paper? covered in the
paper?
20 (4 points) One or (8 points) Two of (12 points) Three or (16 points) All of the (20 points)
none of the the following are less of the following following are All of the following
following are demonstrated: Did are demonstrated: demonstrated: Did are demonstrated in
demonstrated: Did the writer clearly Did the writer the writer clearly an exemplary way:
the writer clearly state the purpose of clearly state the state the purpose of Did the writer
state the purpose of the paper? Did purpose of the the paper? Did clearly state the
the paper? Did he/she achieve that paper? Did he/she he/she achieve that purpose of the
he/she achieve that purpose? Did the achieve that purpose? Did the paper? Did he/she
purpose? Did the writer organize the purpose? Did the writer organize the achieve that
writer organize the paper in a way that writer organize the paper in a way that purpose? Did the
paper in a way that one idea flows into paper in a way that one idea flows into writer organize the
one idea flows into the next? Did the one idea flows into the next? paper in a way that
the next? Did the writer appropriately the next? Did the Did the writer one idea flows into
writer appropriately label and discuss writer appropriately appropriately label the next?
label and discuss each section of label and discuss and discuss each Did the writer
each section of his/her paper? each section of section of his/her appropriately label
his/her paper? his/her paper? paper? and discuss each
section of his/her
paper?
25 (5 points) One or (10 points) Two of (15 points) Three or (20 points) All of the (25 points) All of the
none of the the following are less of the following following are following are
following are demonstrated: PB: are demonstrated: demonstrated: demonstrated in an
demonstrated: PB: 4 Did the writer PB: 4 Did the writer PB: 4 Did the writer exemplary way:
4 Did the writer provide a thoughtful provide a thoughtful provide a thoughtful PB: 4 Did the writer
provide a thoughtful analysis of this topic analysis of this topic analysis of this topic provide a thoughtful
analysis of this topic by integrating by integrating by integrating analysis of this topic
by integrating relevant relevant relevant by integrating
relevant information information information relevant
information (integrating (integrating (integrating information
(integrating appropriate appropriate appropriate (integrating
appropriate references)? Did the references)? references)? appropriate
references)? Did the writer display Did the writer Did the writer references)?
writer display creative, critical, display creative, display creative, Did the writer
creative, critical, and insightful critical, and critical, and display creative,
and insightful thinking? insightful thinking? insightful thinking? critical, and
thinking? insightful thinking?
20 (4 points) One or (8 points) Two of (12 points) Three or (16 points) All of the (20 points) All of the
none of the the following are less of the following following are following are
following are demonstrated: PB: are demonstrated: demonstrated: PB: demonstrated in an
demonstrated: PB: 1, 13 Did the writer PB: 1, 13 Did the 1, 13 Did the writer exemplary way:
1, 13 Did the writer include concrete writer include include concrete PB: 1, 13 Did the
include concrete examples to clarify concrete examples examples to clarify writer include
examples to clarify and support his/her to clarify and and support his/her concrete examples
and support his/her points? Does the support his/her points? Does the to clarify and
points? Does the writer come to any points? Does the writer come to any support his/her
writer come to any conclusions based writer come to any conclusions based points? Does the
conclusions based conclusions based writer come to any
conclusions based
upon the reading?
100
Module Readings:
Three Week 5: Case note 3 and peer review turned in Green & Simon Chap. 5 (2012): Kathryn Conroy notes
Weeks two types of writing that is predominate in fieldwork
5&6 (Case plan: in-class assignment) education: Writing for the purpose of documenting f
or an agency and reflective writing for the students
Powerpoint: biopsychospiritual assessment self-awareness and practice skills.
Module Week 13: Continue Individual Social Work Continued Individual Social Work Leadership Class
Seven Leadership Class Presentation due. Presentation due.
Weeks Course Overview Course Overview
13 & 14 Prezi Review All Chapters by Green & Simon (2012) Readings:
for final exam preparation Singer, J. (2008). The Roles and regulations for social
work and e-therapy. In the Social Workers Desk
Reference. Singer-1.pdf.
Final Exam Preparation
Module Final Exam: In Class Critical Reflection Essay Due Final Exam
Week
15