SWK 337 Fall 2016
SWK 337 Fall 2016
SWK 337 Fall 2016
I. COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This foundation course is designed to provide students with knowledge and skills for social work
practice with diverse populations, focusing on economically disadvantaged and oppressed
people, including ethnic minorities of color, women, people with disabilities, gay and lesbian
people, and poor people. Concepts to be covered include culture, ethnocentrism, race, ethnicity,
minority group, dominant group, prejudice, discrimination, institutional racism, labeling,
marginality, inequality, social class, social stratification, poverty, power, oppression, gender,
sexism, anti-Semitism, homophobia, and xenophobia. These concepts will be examined in
relation to the experiences of economically disadvantaged and oppressed people.
This course is built on a liberal arts foundation and based on the assumption that students
enrolled in this course already have fulfilled Basic Studies requirements, especially in the social
sciences, and philosophy. In addition, this course will examine the adaptive capabilities and
strengths of economically disadvantaged and oppressed people, and how such capabilities and
strengths can be used to do effective social work practice.
In this course, students will be expected to examine their own values, beliefs and behaviors and
explore how these may limit their ability to do effective social work practice with people of
diverse backgrounds, in particular with disadvantaged and oppressed people. Thus, students
should leave this course with a better understanding of themselves and the diverse groups they
will be working with in practice.
CSWE 2015 COMPETNECIES AND PRACTICE BEHAVIORS (PB)
relevant to the course.
Marsiglia, F. F., & Kulis, S. (2015). Diversity, oppression & change. Chicago, IL: Lyceum
Books, Inc.
IV. ACADEMIC HONESTY POLICY
The Academic Honor Code is published in it entirely in the Saint Leo University Catalog. The
first paragraph is:
As members of an academic community that places a high value on truth and the pursuit
of knowledge, Saint Leo University students are expected to be honest in every phase of
their academic life and to present as their own work only that which is genuinely theirs.
Unless otherwise specified by the professor, students must complete homework
assignments by themselves (or if on a team assignment, with only their team members). If
they receive outside assistance of any kind, they are expected to cite the source and
indicate the extent of the assistance. Each student has the responsibility to maintain the
highest standards of academic integrity and to refrain from cheating, plagiarism, or any
other form of academic dishonesty.
2. All written assignments will be graded on the basis of content, clarity, punctuation,
grammar, sentence structure, proofreading, APA 6th style and overall quality of work.
4. 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.
5. Grading
A final course grade will be based upon the following:
A 94% to 100%
A- 90% to 93%
B+ 87% to 89%
B 84% to 86%
B- 80% to 83%
C+ 77% to 79%
C 74% to 76%
C- 70% to 73%
D+ 67% to 69%
D 60% to 66%
F <60%
Course Policies
1. Attend all classes. Attendance is mandatory. No unexcused absences are allowed.
Class starts on time. Students are expected to inform the instructor before class if they
need to be excused from class. If students miss more than two (2) classes, for whatever
reason, their final grades may be adversely affected. Athletes missing classes must submit
the appropriate form and have their assignments submitted on-time.
2. Assignments are due on time. Promptness in completing assigned tasks and readings is a
requirement of this course. Assignments turned in late will RESULT IN A LOWERED
GRADE. There are no make-up assignments, tests, or quizzes. Missed assignments will
result in a zero. There is no extra credit.
3. Laptops and Electronics: Laptops are only permitted to be used in class, only when
allowed for certain assignments. Cell phone usage and text messaging are prohibited
during class time. Non-compliance will result in grade reduction/ point deductions and/or
student removal from class. If you are dismissed from class you must meet with the
instructor and/or your academic advisor during office hours in order to return.
4. Read the textbooks and the assigned readings. Only listening to lectures will not give
students a full understanding of course material. Lectures are designed primarily to
supplement, highlight or expand on aspects of the texts. They cannot substitute for the
textbooks or assigned readings. It is also expected that students will read assigned
material prior to class discussions of that material.
5. Class participation is a required component of this course. Students learn from each
other. The only way for students to assist each other in the learning process is to
participate themselves in the class.
VIII. ASSIGNMENTS
1. Film Analysis: - Film Analysis Paper:
A film will be shown (to be announced). Attendance is mandatory since this portion of the
class will be 25 points of your grade. Social workers learn how to recognize and manage
their personal values in a way that allows professional values to guide their practice in their
internship and in their professional work. The purpose of the film is to integrate your
knowledge of key concepts and practice behaviors we discussed in class and how it applies to
the main characters in the film. For example in the film the main characters face
discrimination and at times specific obstacles and challenges covered in class. Students are
expected to write about these themes using the material converted in class and integrating
the practice behaviors to understand how diversity characterizes and shapes the human
experience. Students will gain sufficient self-awareness through the characters in the film to
eliminate the influence of personal biases and values. After the film is shown the class will
break into small groups and discuss themes of the film. The paper must be between 5-7 pages
in length standard APA 6th format. And, include (2) Saint Leo University Core Values.
2. Reflective Presentations
Students will be assigned to present on one of the seven isms (Racism, Sexism,
Classism, Heterosexism, Ableism, Ageism, and Religious Oppression) to explore the
cultural, institutional and personal dynamics of the ism and the ways American
society contends with the given ism. which address the unique history and position
of the diversity issue in the United States and the
The requirements include:
a. define key concepts using critical thinking
b. identify and analyze current policy regarding the dimension of
diversity (effectiveness or lack thereof, impact on diverse population,
etc.) think micro, mezzo, macro level.
c. to what extent did the cultures structures and values oppress,
marginalize, alienate, create or enhance privilege and power?
d. identify pathways for resisting oppression and creating change
e. Include 2 Saint Leo University Core Values and 2 examples of
EPAs/PB,
f. presentation will be no more than 7 minutes.
Grades will be based on the degree to which the diversity issue is covered; concepts are
defined and overall quality of presentation. There will be no make up for missed
presentations as a result of not being prepared or being absent from class.
3. Research Paper. PB 6; PB 8
As we develop into an increasingly diverse world we need to better understand the
unique history and position of diversity in the United States and learn the importance
of ethnic-sensitive practice. Students are required to apply both theoretical knowledge
and critical thinking skills in the research paper. As social workers it is essential to
understand the unique historical, social, legal, and political context of diversity within
the United States and the impact on contemporary issues. Students will choose a
diverse population, discuss the seven (7) isms of diversity and provide an analysis
based on the themes listed. Students will include a particular human behavior
theory/cultural competent practice model, practice behaviors, and their application, as
well as ethical considerations to the selected diverse group.
Dates for these presentations will be discussed in class and sign-up sheet will be provided.
Chapter 4 in Marsiglia/Kulis
Week 3: Evolutionary and Structural Functionalist
9/7 Theories
Week 8:
10/12 NO CLASS- All College Day Film Analysis Paper DUE in Dropbox
by 7pm
Week 10: Cultural Competence with Gender Cultural Competent Practice with
10/26 Transgendered persons
Week 11: Cultural Norms and Social Work Practice Chapter 11 in Marsiglia/Kulis
11/2
Week 15: Course Wrap up and final exam review Research Paper Summary Presentation
11/30
Final
Exam : Final Exam FINAL EXAM 12/7
12/7
Ratings
Criteria 1 2 3 4 5
Describe social work ethical principles that guide professional
practice when discussing the film with your colleagues in class.
PB 8: What are your personal values that guide your
professional values? What kind of ethical decisions will you
make after having viewed the film (name 3 decisions)?
Describe the Pros and Cons of your decision in your paper.
Paper written in APA 6th format
Describe multiple factors such as age, class, color, culture, disability,
ethnicity, gender, gender identity and expression, immigration status,
political ideology, race, religion, sex, and sexual orientation that
influenced your decision making after having watched the film.
How did oppression, marginalization, and/or alienation
affect the well-being of the people viewed in the film?
Total
Scoring Rubric for Reflective Presentation
Ratings
Criteria 1 2 3 4 5
Total
Scoring Rubric for Research Paper
Rating:
5 = Exceptional corresponds to an A (90-100). Performance is outstanding; significantly above
the usual expectations.
4 = Proficient corresponds to a grade of B- to B+ (80-89). Standards are above the level of
expectation.
3 = Average corresponds to a C- to C+ (70-79). Standards are acceptable but improvements are
needed to meet expectations well.
2 =Marginal corresponds to an D (69 to 60%). Performance is weak and improvements are
needs to meet the expectations and standards. The standards are not sufficiently
demonstrated at this time.
1 = Failure Course Expectations and standards are not meet.
Ratings
Criteria 1 2 3 4 5
The paper or project is scholarly in nature and is complete
10
Two Saint Leo University Core Values are included 10
Total
Ratings
Criteria 1 2 3 4 5
The CCCE - paper or project is scholarly in nature and is
complete include Saint Leo University Core Values
Resources are completed and appropriately cited and
references using APA Style
Diversity issues are identified and logically addressed in the
CCCE - Personal and professional values are recognized and
managed in practice
Total
LIBRARY RESOURCES
Cannon Memorial Library
On-site Resources
Distance Learning Librarian
In addition to the general reference staff, Sandy Hawes provides reference support for all online
students and faculty from her offices in the Cannon Memorial Library at Saint Leos university
campus. She is available during office hours to answer questions concerning research strategies,
database searching, locating specific materials, and interlibrary loan (ILL). Contact her to
arrange online research instruction for your class.
Sandra Lee (Sandy) Hawes
Cannon Memorial LibraryMC2128 352-588-8262 (voice mail)
33701 State Road 52 352-588-8259 (fax)
Saint Leo, FL 33574-6665 [email protected]
Library Instruction
To arrange library/research instruction for your classes, please contact:
Elana Karshmer [email protected] University Campus
Viki Stoupenos [email protected] FL, GA, SC Centers
Steve Weaver [email protected] MS, TX, VA Centers
Sandy Hawes [email protected] COL and DL
*LexisNexis: This all-subject database can only be accessed on the main Florida campus, but a
reference librarian at Cannon Library will be glad to assist you. Call the toll-free number for the
Reference Desk on the university campus, 800-359-5945, or send your research request or
question by email using one of the Ask a Librarian links on the Cannon Memorial Library
webpage.
Library Tutorial
All new off-campus School of Continuing Education students are required to pass the library
tutorial exam. Students should review the instructional materials and practice quizzes by
clicking on any of the Library Tutorial links on the library website. The same material is found
on the School of Continuing Educations Orientation CD. After reviewing all the material, click
on the Final Exam link, which will take you to the tutorial test in eLION at
http://elion.saintleo.edu
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