Official Course Description: MCCCD Approval: 12/12/95
SWU102 19962-99999	LEC	3 Credit(s)	3 Period(s)
Introduction to Social Work
An introduction to the fields within the area of social work through a study of the disciplines of social case work, social group work, and community organization. Opportunities to experience the various techniques of practice within each discipline. Required for students enrolled in the associate degree program of the social work curriculum. Prerequisites: Eligibility for ENG101 and CRE101.

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MCCCD Official Course Competencies:
SWU102   19962-99999	Introduction to Social Work

1.	Describe the history of the social work profession. (I)
2.	Explain the significance of interdisciplinary collaboration in problem solving. (I)
3.	Describe the relationship of social work to social welfare. (I)
4.	Describe the interrelatedness of social work and social policy. (I)
5.	Describe the knowledge base of the generalist model of social work practice. (I)
6.	Describe the knowledge, skills, and values needed for social work practice. (I,II)
7.	Describe the history, values, functions, knowledge base, policy, and social work roles in different practice settings. (I-XIII)
8.	Describe the social/economic/political stratification of American society. (I-XIII)
9.	Describe the role of values in social work practice. (II)
10.	Describe the three kinds of interviews used in social work practice. (III)
11.	Describe appropriate interview techniques for social work practice. ((III)
12.	Describe the steps in effective problem-solving and the barriers which may arise. (IV)
13.	Describe the types of groups which are formed in the social work setting, and the procedures for development and implementation of group activities. (V, VI)
14.	Describe problem-solving techniques appropriate to family counseling. (VII)
15.	Describe techniques for making effective assessments and evaluations as a social work practitioner. (X, XI)
16.	Describe the inherent conflict of working in a bureaucracy and maintaining social work values. (XIII)

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MCCCD Official Course Outline:
SWU102   19962-99999	Introduction to Social Work

I. Overview of social work practice A. History of social work B. Definition of social work C. Relationship between social work and social welfare D. The profession of social work E. An ecological model of human behavior F. Goals of social work practice G. A problem-solving approach H. Micro, mezzo, and macro practice I. Knowledge, skills, and values needed for social work practice J. Intervention strategies needed in social work 2. Social work values A. Value dilemmas B. Knowledge and values C. Value dilemmas of clients versus workers D. Client's right to self-determination E. Confidentiality F. Other values III. Casework: how to interview A. Three types of social work interviews B. The place of the interview C. Opening the first interview D. Closing an interview E. Questioning F. Note taking G. Tape recording and videotaping IV. Casework: how to counsel A. Counseling from the helper's perspective B. Counseling from the helpee's perspective C. Reactions of clients to having a personal problem V. Group work: types of groups in social work A. Types of intervention groups 1. Recreation groups 2. Recreation skill groups 3. Educational groups 4. Problem-solving and decision-making groups B. Technique for decision making VI. Group work: concepts and skills A. Membership and reference groups B. Stages in group development C. Task and maintenance roles D. Leadership theory E. Social power bases in groups F. Personal goals and group goals G. Conformity H. Competitive and cooperative groups I. Controversy and creativity J. The win-lose approach versus the problem-solving approach K. Handling disruptive behavior L. Group size M. How to start and lead groups 1. Homework 2. Session planning 3. Relaxation before a meeting 4. Cues upon entering the meeting room 5. Seating arrangements 6. Introductions 7. Role clarification 8. Agenda 9. Additional guidelines for leading a group VII. Family counseling and therapy A. The family as a social institution B. The family as a system C. Cultural models for conflict resolution D. Procreation as crisis E. Family counseling in systems perspective F. Three approaches to family therapy G. Problem-solving stages 1. Beginning the counseling process 2. Continuing the counseling process 3. Restructuring the family system 4. Maintenance of gains and termination of counseling VIII. Community organization and macro practice A. Generalist skills and macro practice B. Knowledge of the community C. Knowledge of organizations D. Knowledge of funding sources and funding cycles E. Skills for macro practice--group decision-making skills 1. Brainstorming 2. Nominal group technique 3. Needs assessment F. Public relations skills/communicating with the public G. Relationships with media representatives H. Skills for media utilization I. Fund-raising J. Methods for fund-raising K. Political activity and lobbying L. Community planning--a problem-solving process 1. Preplanning: the questions to ask 2. Planning: plans to make 3. Impact: steps to take M. Values and macro practice N. Models of macro practice IX. Systems analysis A. General systems considerations B. An ecological systems approach C. A systems analysis model for social work D. Systems analysis and clinical social work E. Assessment of data F. Evaluation G. Further considerations in using systems analysis X. Assessment A. A focus on strengths B. Sources of information C. Knowledge used in making an assessment D. Environmental systems emphasis E. Assessing problems XI. Evaluating social work practice A. What is evaluation? B. The single-system evaluation approach 1. Specify the outcome 2. Select a suitable measure(s) 3. Measurement methods C. General issues in measurement 1. Record baseline data 2. Implement intervention and monitor outcome 3. Assess change D. Evaluating programs E. Computer applications in social work practice 1. Office management 2. Client information systems 3. Decision support 4. Clinical assessment 5. Direct intervention 6. Electronic networking 7. Education and training 8. Research and information retrieval 9. Issues in computer applications XII. Social work practice with diverse groups A. Problems and barriers 1. Native American clients 2. Black clients 3. Hispanic clients 4. Gays and lesbians 5. Rural settings 6. Feminist social work 7. Other examples B. Knowledge of self C. Knowledge of differences D. Application of knowledge--techniques of intervention 1. Black client--white worker 2. Hispanic clients--non-Hispanic worker 3. Native American client--non-Native American worker 4. Female client--Male worker 5. Gay and lesbian clients 6. Rural settings 7. Other differences affecting practice XIII. Surviving and enjoying social work A. Common concerns of students B. Burnout C. Surviving in a bureaucracy D. Enjoying social work and one's own life

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