STATE PORTLAND UNIVERSITY Graduate School of Social Work SW 533, Fall 2006 Julie Rosenzweig, L.C.S.W, Ph.D. 503 725-5009 [e-mail] [e-mail]
ADVANCED THEORY OF SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE I I. Course Description This is the first course in a three-quarter sequence. The course focuses on the process of change as it applies to the individual in context. Practice theory is examined with attention to political, social and cultural influences on individuals and their significant relationships. Application and critique of theory is central to the successful completion of the course. Students will begin developing a personal practice model that describes their approach to professional social work practice. II. Learning Objectives At the end of the quarter, students will: 1. have acquired a working familiarity with a theory of direct social work practice for use with individuals in multiple contexts. 2. be able to demonstrate and integrate advanced concepts of multiple theoretical approaches to social work practice, 3. be able to apply advanced theories in response to consumers needs, 4. demonstrate advanced understanding of the interplay of practice theory and diversity, 5. understand the importance of developing empirically based practice evaluation approaches and the problems involved in doing so, 6. understand the influence of self on the change process. III. Vulnerable and Oppressed Populations Readings, lecture, class discussions and assignments include content on vulnerable populations. Vulnerable persons are those who are intentionally or unintentionally discriminated against because of one or more attributes or status which are not valued by dominant society. Vulnerable persons are at risk of social isolation and economic disadvantage and its consequences because of the pervasive effects of structural inequity and the lack of access to power. The instructor and students alike share responsibility for inclusion. IV. Accommodations for Students Students will receive reasonable accommodations to equalize competitive obstacles. Please speak with me at the beginning of the term if you need assignment or class accommodations. If you need accommodations and are not registered with Disability Resource Center Services you can contact them at 725-4150 for services and registration.
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V. Assigned Readings McGoldrick, M. (Ed.) (1998). Re-Visioning family therapy: race, culture, and gender in clinical practice. NY: Guilford Press. [WILL BE USED ALL 3 TERMS] Holmes, J. (2001). The search for a secure base: attachment theory and psychotherapy. East Sussex: Brunner-Rutledge. Dallos, R. (2006). Attachment narrative therapy: Integrating narrative, systemic and attachment therapies. Bershire: Open University Press. RECOMMENDED: Cooper, M.G. & Lesser, J.G. (2002). Clinical social work: An integrated approach. Needham Heights, MA: Allyn & Bacon. RECOMMENDED: Monk, G., Winslade, J., Crocket, K., & Epston, D. (1997). Narrative therapy in practice: The archaeology of hope. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass Publishers VI. Instructional Methods This course blends lecture, discussion, videotapes, role-plays, and case presentations. VII. Assignments and Grading Assignments are due IN CLASS on the date specified. Late papers will be lowered one full grade. All papers will receive a grade even if it is not a passing grade. Please review grading standards and criteria in your student handbook. The instructor reserves the option to make a copy of the paper if there is a question of plagiarism or the need for consultation with another faculty member because of a failing grade. Only papers receiving a failing grade may be rewritten with the instructors permission. A final grade of Incomplete is only to be requested in extreme circumstances. An incomplete will not be automatically assigned. It is the student's responsibility to obtain the instructor's permission for an incomplete and initiate the necessary paperwork well in advance of the final class. If the coursework is incomplete and the student has not made contact with the instructor and completed the necessary paperwork for an incomplete, a grade will be assigned based on the existing work. All papers must use current APA referencing format, double-spacing, inch side margins, a font no smaller than 12-point, an introductory paragraph, sub-headings for major sections (NO outline format), and a conclusion. You need to use primary literature sources for theoretical references. When citing secondary sources, please check for accuracy. Full text scholarly journal articles are the only internet reference materials and citations acceptable. Please disguise all identifying client and agency information. No folders or covers please. Attendance & Participation A course requirement is to attend and participate in every class. If you are unable to attend a class or any portion of one (including leaving at the break), please inform the instructor by voice mail and in writing (email). You are responsible for reviewing missed class material with another student. If you miss more than 6 hours of class, even if you have notified the instructor, your grade will be lowered.
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Every student is expected to participate in classroom discussions. Please share airtime equally and encourage other students to contribute. Your comments and questions whenever possible should be interactive with other students, not just the instructor. If you are experiencing difficulty participating for any reason, please meet with me. Office hours Please feel comfortable in requesting additional clarification about the class and assignments on an individual basis. My scheduled hours office are Wednesdays 10:3012:30. Generally, I may also available on Mondays and Fridays. It is advisable to make an appointment to insure that we have adequate uninterrupted time. However, if you just want to say hello or ask a brief question just stop by. Feel free to leave voice mail, or better yetemail messages/questions.
SELF-REFLECTION with ATTACHMENT THEORY This paper is an opportunity for you to reflect on your own attachment story through the lens of attachment theory. The paper is to be a maximum of 6 pages, double-spaced, and referenced using APA style. You must use the assigned text and additional scholarly resources, i.e. journal articles or book chapters, as supporting resources. DUE OCTOBER 25 or earlier. (30%) Part I: Summarize attachment theory and its relevance for social work practice. Part II: Using attachment theory discuss attachment style and provide brief examples of present day behavior that illustrate your self-described style. Include strengths and vulnerabilities of your current style. Part III: What is it that you appreciate about your attachment style? What questions do you have regarding your attachment story? How does your attachment story/style effect your practice? For example are there particular emotions that are difficult for you to witness? Do you tend to become reactive to certain problems?
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PRACTICE THEORY PAPER This paper is an opportunity for you to study your own practice. Using social constructivism (and your selected practice application, i.e., narrative therapy) or attachment theory, discuss your work with a client from your current practicum using the following outline. The paper is to be a maximum of 16 pages, double-spaced, and referenced using APA style. Remember confidentiality! DUE NOVEMBER 22 or earlier. (70%) 1. Briefly introduce: your agency, your role, the client (demographic profile), and reason the client is seeking or receiving services, and the nature of your work with the client. (<1 page) 2. Discuss the theory: main contributors, primary concepts, premises for change and your rationale for selecting to use this theory with this client . (2-3 pages) 3. Using the theoretical concepts discuss your assessment of the client's functioning. (12 pages) 4. Using the theoretical concepts and the theorys change premise describe the specifics of your change/intervention plan. Include the clients goals for change and how the use of theory and associated therapeutic techniques will influence this change. (2 pages) 5. According to the theory, discuss the practitioners use of self in the change process and how this position influences the change process. Include the theorys view of the client in the change process. (2-3 pages) 6. Using the theory, describe the actual interventions that took place and how you were and were not able to implement the intended plan. (2-3 pages) 7. Evaluate the client's response to your interventions. From the theorys perspective, discuss indicators of change that you witnessed.. Discuss changes that did not occur and speculate on why. What would you have done differently (1-2 pages) NOTE: Your paper will be graded on your demonstrated ability to use theory and literature to inform your practice decisions; to integrate assessment, structured interventions, and evaluation of outcome--not on a successful outcome of your practice.
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TOPICAL OUTLINE AND READI...