SocW 315
Community Service Learning

Instructors for Spring 2008:

• Stan De Mello*

Introduction

The University of Washington School of Social Work began the Community Service Learning (CSL) program as an elective in the BASW curriculum several years ago. CSL has proved to be an invaluable source of inspiration, applied and practical learning for entering BASW students.

Course Description

Community Service Learning presents a unique opportunity to develop a better self

understanding of why one might choose social work as a field of study and discover where you could make a valuable contribution in the future as a professional, volunteer and citizen. It is an opportunity for students to explore the world of practice and find social work meaning in every day life.

For students entering in 2006 CSL is a required course in the junior year (Soc Wlf 315), for 2 credits each quarter. Using a praxis (action and reflection) experiential learning approach, students can expect to spend up to one day (8 hrs) or 2-day block (4 hrs/day) a week, in a community setting each quarter learning about the mission of the agency and engage in direct service. The aim is to reflect on the experience through reflective logs, in-class discussions & exercises in other social work classes (e.g. HBSE and Social Work Practice) and web-based discussion boards.

General Objectives

• Integrate social work theory and practice skills on micro, mezzo, and macro levels of practice.
• Apply social work values to ethical practice.
• Practice social work in a manner that is respectful to differences across social identities.
• Apply theoretical foundations of social work to inform socially just practice.

Student Requirements for Credit

The student must do the following to receive credit:

• For two academic credits earned, spend 80 hours per quarter in the agency and in meeting requirements for the course.
• Complete a short weekly time and learning logs and complete one written assignment (clearly handwritten or typed).
• Completed and signed CSL contract.
• Attend and participate in the student seminars to share experiences of the agency, to examine issues pertinent to the Community Service Learning experience and to receive feedback from CSL faculty and staff.
• Complete an evaluation of the CSL experience.

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