SocW 312
Social Welfare Practice III

Instructors for Winter 2008:

• Eric Lock*

Course Overview

Social Welfare Practice III (SOC WF 312) provides further instruction on fundamental concepts, principles, and skills of social work practice. It is the third and final course in this foundation practice sequence. Particular attention in this course will be given to community practice models and applications. We will continue to discuss the various roles and functions of generalist social workers and examine how social work actualizes its commitment to multiculturalism and social justice. As before, our class will meet weekly on Monday afternoons. Class sessions will combine short lectures, instructor- and student-led discussions, and large and small group exercises.

Course Sequence Goals

SW 310 provided an introduction to fundamental concepts, principles, and skills of social work practice. Attention was given to the historical underpinnings of contemporary social work practice, theories and guiding principles, values and ethics, and professional roles and functions of the social work practitioner. Additionally, the importance of research as a tool for planning and evaluating social work interventions was discussed.

SW 311 gave particular attention to the various stages of the helping process and skills necessary for theories and guiding principles of practice, values and ethics, and professional roles and functions of the generalist social work practitioner.

SW 312 will provide further instruction on fundamental concepts, principles, and skills of social work practice. Special attention will be given to community practice models and applications. We will discuss the various roles and functions of generalist social workers and examine how social work actualizes its commitment to multiculturalism and social justice.

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this sequence of courses, students will be able to:

1. Understand the meaning of generalist practice in social work.
2. Understand the person-environment, strengths, and empowerment perspectives and describe how they shape and guide social work practice.
3. Have knowledge of the values and ethical standards that govern the social work profession and relate them to practice.
4. Be able to describe the various roles and functions of social work practitioners.
5. Understand how cultural diversity is reflected in the values and beliefs held by practitioners and their clients; understand how these values and beliefs influence the helping process; and understand how practitioners can achieve positive working relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
6. Understand and demonstrate effective communication and interviewing skills.
7. Understand the importance of research as a foundation for developing and evaluating interventions in social work.