School of Arts & Sciences Course Syllabus

Course Number/Title/Credits: SOWK 493: Social Work Practicum

Catalog Course Description: SOWK 493 Social Work Practicum is required for all BASW students. The weekly seminar is
the university-based complement to the agency-based field course. The field practicum and the integrating seminar jointly
enable students to integrate knowledge acquired across the social work curriculum with practice in an agency. Through
analysis of their field experiences in the seminar, students' understanding of previously learned material is deepened and
further knowledge acquired. Supplemental readings provide additional content on specific practice topics addressed in the
seminar.

LEARNING OUTCOMES and ASSESSMENT:

Learning Outcomes are statements that specify what learners will know, understand, or be able to demonstrate at the end
of a learning experience.
Types of Learning Outcomes include:
 Course Learning Outcome – Result of finishing a course.
 Program Learning Outcome – Result of finishing a program.
 Institutional Learning Outcome – Result of finishing a degree at an institution, reflecting the core learning values
and experiences of all graduates.

A Signature Assignment is an assignment used to measure a student’s mastery of a program or institutional learning
outcome. If a course you are taking includes a Signature Assignment, it will be clearly marked (**SIGNATURE
ASSIGNMENT**).

Access the following link(s) for information on the Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) and Curriculum Map related to this
course:
Click Here for Learning Outcomes

Access the following link(s) for information on the Institutional Learning Outcomes (ILOs) and Curriculum Map related to
this course:
Click Here for Learning Outcomes

Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (2008 EPAS) of the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). The BASW
Program, in accordance with the Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS 2008) of the Council on Social Work
Education (CSWE), incorporates the ten educational competencies EP 2.1 through E. P. 2.1.10(a-d) in the program
curriculum. The competencies represent the knowledge, values, and skills of the social work profession. The competencies
incorporated in the course learning activities are identified in the syllabus. Please see the Course Information tab in the
Blackboard Course Shell for further information on the 2008 EPAS Educational Competencies

Last Revision Date: 10/31/2018

Prerequisites: Senior academic status. Completion of 27 units of core social work curriculum with a grade of “C” or better.
Completion of the Readiness Interview and the approval of the Director of Field Education.

Restrictions: Enrollment in practicum is restricted to senior social work students only.

Essential Equipment and Facilities: Students must have the ability to access both the Brandman website and the
Blackboard portal to their class site. During the first class meeting, each student must demonstrate an ability to log on and
access these and other key locations indicated by the professor. For those students accessing the web from home, it is
recommended that either Windows Explorer or Mozilla Fire Fox be used as their internet browser. Both are available as
free downloads. The University is now using Microsoft Office version 2007 on all its computers, and if students are using an
earlier version of MS Office, they may need the free conversion software available at:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=941b3470-3ae9-4aee-8f43-c6bb74cd1466&displaylang=en
JavaScript is also required for courses, and students should ensure JavaScript is enabled in their browser.

Academic Integrity: As a learning community of scholars, Brandman University emphasizes the ethical responsibility of all
its members to seek knowledge honestly and in good faith. Students are responsible for doing their own work, and
academic dishonesty of any kind will not be tolerated. Violations of academic integrity include, but are not limited to,
cheating, plagiarism, or misrepresentation of information in oral or written form. Plagiarism means presenting someone
else's idea or writing as if it were your own. If you use someone else's idea or writing, be sure the source is clearly
documented. Further information may be found in the Brandman University Catalog available at:
http://www.brandman.edu/catalog/current/

American with Disabilities Act Statement: According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, an individual
with disability is defined as having functional limitations resulting from a diagnosed disability and applies to an individual
who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of the individual’s major life activities; has a
record of such an impairment; or is regarded as having such an impairment. In compliance with ADA guidelines, students
who have any condition, either permanent or temporary, that may impair or impact their ability to successfully complete
assignments, tasks or satisfy course criteria are requested to notify their Campus Advisor or Campus Director in order to
understand how to apply for Student Disability Services. If and when, the student is granted formal approval by the Director
of ADA Services, both the student and professor will be notified. It is highly suggested that the student contact their
professor to discuss the accommodations during the first week of the session. The granting of accommodations will not be
retroactive and cannot jeopardize the academic standards or integrity of the course.

University Policies: Students are responsible for complying with university policies including, but not limited to:
Incompletes; course drops; and student conduct. Information may be found in the Brandman University Catalog available
at: http://www.brandman.edu/catalog/current/

Online Brandman Library Resources: Click on red “Library” button in Blackboard.

Texts are available at the Brandman Online Bookstore: See “Bookstore” under Academic Resources in MyBrandman.

Required Text:

Royse, D., Dhooper, S., & Rompf, E., (2016). Field Instruction: A Guide for Social Work
Students. (6th ed.) Long Grove, IL: Waveland Press Inc.
Beaulieu, S., & Woodcock, K., (2017 revised). Brandman BASW Field Manual. The Social Work Program, Brandman
University School of Arts & Sciences.

Course Learning Objectives:

Last Revision Date: 10/31/2018
By the end of the course, students should be able to:

CLO 1: Articulate the values, ethical principles, and legal mandates for practice.
CLO 2: Evaluate the fit between personal and professional values.
CLO 3: Use self-reflection to evaluate professional behavior (e.g., confidentiality, professional boundaries,
professional presentation of self, collegiality, reliability and diligence, giving and receiving constructive
feedback).
CLO 4: Cite the professional literature relevant to agency cases.
CLO 5: Identify one’s biases revealed in response to clients.
CLO 6: Articulate principles governing professional case recording and documentation.

Major Study Units:

1. General overview of field learning and course assignments

2. Safety issues in the field.

3. Establishing personal and professional learning goals and identify learning opportunities within your agency setting.

4. The role of theory in social work practice, survey of intervention approaches, models, and techniques, behavioral
interventions and social work practice.

5. Review the basic interviewing skills and assessment

Instructional Strategies: This class includes readings, textual and video instruction, exercises, discussions, and projects.
Instructional Strategies may be further explained in the course Blackboard site.

Attendance Policy

Requirements for students’ attendance and participation will be defined by each instructor based on the following policy:

• Monday of the first week is considered the first day of class for online and blended instruction. This includes
instruction for fully online classes and online instruction supporting blended classes.

• Regular onsite attendance is expected for student success. If a student misses more than one onsite class or one week
of engagement in an online class, the student may, at the discretion of the instructor, fail the course. Students are
expected to attend all classes, particularly the first night of class.

• Students should consider withdrawing from a course if they will be absent more than once. Instructors may, but are
not obligated to, accommodate students under extraordinary circumstances, but the student must request
accommodation and provide requested supporting documentation. Students enrolled in blended courses must attend
at least one class during the first two weeks of classes.

• If a student misses a portion (e.g., arriving late or leaving early) of an onsite course, the student’s grade may be
adversely affected. Students who are not in attendance for at least 75 percent of any scheduled class may be
considered absent for that class. Students should discuss missing portions of a class with their instructor to determine
how their grade may be affected.

• Regular online attendance/participation and engagement is expected for student success in both fully online and
blended courses. Online participation is evident through posting to a discussion board, blog, completing assignments
including journal entries, or taking quizzes and exams.
Last Revision Date: 10/31/2018
 • Schools and programs may have different attendance policies. Refer to school and program specific information for
additional attendance policies.

Letter Grade/Percentage Equivalents:

Grade Point System

(Rounded up at .5 and up)
A = 93%-100% B = 83%-86% C = 73%-76% D = 63%-66%
A- = 90%-92% B- = 80%-82% C- = 70%-72% D-= 60%-62%
B+ = 87%-89% C+ = 77%-79% D+ = 67%-69% F=59% and below

Methods of Evaluation for Determining Grades (ONLINE):

Assignments for Online course - Refer to Rubric(s) in Course Information on Blackboard Possible Points

Discussion boards (20 pts each) 320 points

Readings 80 points

Process Recording (Week 4) 50 points

Signature assignment (Week 7) 150 points

Total (600 points)

Class by Class Outline (Online)

Week Topics Assignments

Week 1 Review of Field Practicum Manual Readings: BASW Field Manual pgs. 2,7-12, 16-25
Chapter 1 of Textbook
Handout – 8 Tips for New Social Work Interns

*Review Signature Assignment Assignment Due:

Components
Week 2 Partnering with Social Service
Agencies. What Agencies are
looking for in an Intern
Discussion Board #1
Discussion Board #2
Readings: Chapter 2 of Textbook pgs. 21-25, 34
Handout Article: Schools, Agencies come together for
Multidisciplinary Partnership

Assignment Due:
Discussion Board #1 pgs. 34-35 Exercise 2.4 Questions 1-7,
*Work on Draft of Signature And 9.
Assignment Question 1 Discussion Board #2

Last Revision Date: 10/31/2018

Week 3 Learning new roles, supervision,
personal safety and dealing with
angry or reluctant clients.
*Work on Draft of Signature
assignment Question 2
Week 4 Volunteers, Students and
Employees; Interdisplinary teams;
Managed Care; Sharing personal
information; difficulty co-
workers/supervisors; Evidenced
based practice; HIPAA
*Work on Draft of Signature
Assignment Question 3
Week 5 Client Systems: The Recipients of
Service
*Work on Draft of Signature
Assignment Question 4
Week 6 Client Systems: The Recipients of
Service
*Work on Draft of Signature
Last Revision Date: 10/31/2018
Readings: Chapter 4 of Textbook
Handout Article: BSW Practice Roles pgs. 67-80
Handout Article: Safety tips for interns (powerpoint)
Handout Article: Managing clients who present with anger
Video: Good vs. Bad Supervisor:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hf8mjMU5aJk
Assignment Due:
Discussion Board #1
Discussion Board #2
Readings: Chapter 5 of Textbook
Handout Article: Social Workers and Interdisciplinary teams
Handout Article: Social Work Practice in Managed Care
Handout Article: The Art of Self Disclosure
Handout Article: Social Workers and HIPAA Regulations
Videos: Appropriate and Inappropriate
Self Disclosure: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UvlT79QHRy0
Self Disclosure: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WkFlZ8npDBU
Discussion Board #1
Discussion Board #2
Assignment Due:
Process Recording Assignment (see handout)
Readings: Chapter 6, pgs. 124-130
Video:
Individual Casework in Social Work:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7GhGC1ZBP4
Intake and initial assessment in Social Work
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPCYGqzf7Us
Individual intake and assessment with an individual in a client system
and confidentiality discussion
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IWKseYFhp1Y
Assignment Due:
Discussion Board #1
Discussion Board #2
Readings: Chapter 6 pgs. 131-136
Handout: Engaging with involuntary service users in social work
Handout: Supportive skills when working with individuals
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUO59Emi3eo
Cultural Diversity Examples: Avoid Stereotypes while communicating
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1MI_h0HIcw
Cultural Competence; Managing your prejudices
Assignment Due:
 Assignment for finalization Discussion Board #1
Discussion Board #2
Week 7 Client Systems: The Recipients of Readings: Chapter 6 pgs. 136-140
Service Handout: Social Work Practice with People with Disabilities in the Era of
Disability rights
Handout: A Guide for Understanding, Supporting, and Affirming
LGBTQ12-S Children, Youth and Families

Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwW6mYdJ7Xc
Disability/How You See me.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gv1aDEFlXq8
Disability Sensitivity Training Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tq80Ig-Xfbw
Social Work and LGBT Community

Assignment Due:
Discussion Board #1
Discussion Board #2

SUBMIT COMPLETED SIGNATURE ASSIGNMENT

Week 8 Client Systems: The Recipients of Readings: Chapter 6 pgs. 140-144
Service Handout: Social Group Work Theory and Practice
Handout: The Importance of Cultural Competence In Social Work
Practice

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5QbSzAOgGnA
Developing Cultural Competence

Assignment Due:
Discussion Board #1
Discussion Board #2

Methods of Evaluation for Determining Grades (Blended):

Assignments for Online course - Refer to Rubric(s) in Course Information on Blackboard Possible Points

Discussion boards (20 pts each) 320 points

Readings 80 points

In-class group process of topics/attendance 50 points

Signature assignment (Week 7) 150 points

Total (600 points)

Last Revision Date: 10/31/2018

Class by Class Outline (Blended)
Week Topics
Week 1 Review of Field Practicum Manual
(F2F)
*Review Signature Assignment
Components
Week 2 Partnering with Social Service
Agencies. What Agencies are
(F2F) looking for in an Intern
*Work on Draft of Signature
Assignment Question 1
Week 3 Learning new roles, supervision,
personal safety and dealing with
(F2F) angry or reluctant clients.
*Work on Draft of Signature
assignment Question 2
Week 4 Volunteers, Students and
Employees; Interdisplinary teams;
(F2F) Managed Care; Sharing personal
information; difficulty co-
workers/supervisors; Evidenced
based practice; HIPAA
*Work on Draft of Signature
Assignment Question 3
Week 5 Client Systems: The Recipients of
Service
(F2F)
Last Revision Date: 10/31/2018
Assignments
Readings: BASW Field Manual pgs. 2,7-12, 16-25
Chapter 1 of Textbook
Handout – 8 Tips for New Social Work Interns
Assignment Due:
Discussion Board #1
Discussion Board #2
Readings: Chapter 2 of Textbook pgs. 21-25, 34
Handout Article: Schools, Agencies come together for
Multidisciplinary Partnership
Assignment Due:
Discussion Board #1 pgs. 34-35 Exercise 2.4 Questions 1-7,
And 9.
Discussion Board #2
Readings: Chapter 4 of Textbook
Handout Article: BSW Practice Roles pgs. 67-80
Handout Article: Safety tips for interns (powerpoint)
Handout Article: Managing clients who present with anger
Video: Good vs. Bad Supervisor:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hf8mjMU5aJk
Assignment Due:
Discussion Board #1
Discussion Board #2
Readings: Chapter 5 of Textbook
Handout Article: Social Workers and Interdisciplinary teams
Handout Article: Social Work Practice in Managed Care
Handout Article: The Art of Self Disclosure
Handout Article: Social Workers and HIPAA Regulations
Videos: Appropriate and Inappropriate
Self Disclosure: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UvlT79QHRy0
Self Disclosure: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WkFlZ8npDBU
Assignment Due:
Discussion Board #1
Discussion Board #2
Readings: Chapter 6, pgs. 124-130
Video:
Individual Casework in Social Work:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7GhGC1ZBP4
Intake and initial assessment in Social Work
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPCYGqzf7Us
Individual intake and assessment with an individual in a client system
and confidentiality discussion
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IWKseYFhp1Y
 Assignment Due:
*Work on Draft of Signature Discussion Board #1
Assignment Question 4 Discussion Board #2
Week 6 Client Systems: The Recipients of Readings: Chapter 6 pgs. 131-136
Service Handout: Engaging with involuntary service users in social work
(F2F) Handout: Supportive skills when working with individuals

Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUO59Emi3eo
Cultural Diversity Examples: Avoid Stereotypes while communicating
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1MI_h0HIcw
Cultural Competence; Managing your prejudices

*Work on Draft of Signature Assignment Due:

Assignment Question 5 Discussion Board #1
Discussion Board #2
Week 7 Client Systems: The Recipients of Readings: Chapter 6 pgs. 136-140
Service Handout: Social Work Practice with People with Disabilities in the Era of
(F2F) Disability rights

Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwW6mYdJ7Xc
Disability/How You See me.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gv1aDEFlXq8
Disability Sensitivity Training Video

Assignment Due:
Discussion Board #1
Discussion Board #2

SUBMIT COMPLETED SIGNATURE ASSIGNMENT

Week 8 Client Systems: The Recipients of Readings: Chapter 6 pgs. 140-144
Service Handout: Social Group Work Theory and Practice
(F2F)
Assignment Due:
Discussion Board #1
Discussion Board #2

Last Revision Date: 10/31/2018