Bradley University
Social Work Program


SW 250 Introduction to Social Welfare
Spring 1998

Instructor: Dr. Laura Dreuth, LCSW
Ph: 309-677-3614
E-mail: dreuth@bradley.bradley.edu

Office Hours: MW 10:00-11:00, 12:00-1:00, and F 12:00-1:00

Class Schedule: MWF 11:00-11:50

Accommodation: Any student with a disability or special need who requires accommodation should inform the instructor at the beginning of this course

Non-discrimination Statement: Students will be expected to display respect of fellow students' unique characteristics including race, color, religion, creed, ethnic or national origin, age, veteran status, disability, socioeconomic status, gender, sexual orientation, and political orientation. All written assignments will use non- discriminatory language.

Course Description: This course will explore the social welfare system including social problems, policy responses, and philosophies of social welfare programs. This class also addresses the roles professional social workers fill to address these problems and policies. Learning methods will include lecture, class discussion, assigned readings, and examinations.

Course Objectives: At the end of this course, students will be expected to demonstrate competencies in the following areas:

Knowledge

  1. Students will acquire a basic understanding of social problems as they effect individuals and families.
  2. Students will acquire a basic understanding of the etiology of conditions that influence, exacerbate, or remediate social problems.
  3. Students will acquire a basic understanding of the policy responses to social problems and critically analyze their effect on individuals, families and communities.
  4. Students will acquire a basic understanding of the influence of socio-political ideas on historical and current policy responses.

Skills

  1. Students will locate and identify appropriate community agencies to address problems, make effective referrals, and lead constructive community action..
  2. Students will identify the various fields of practice in social work and the unique issues for each field.
  3. Students will begin to develop an awareness of their own attributes and values that may correlate with social work as a career choice.

Values

  1. Students will appreciate and respect diversity across socio-economic status, ethnic background, religious beliefs, age, gender, sexual preference, and political orientation.
  2. Students will understand the effects of discrimination and its consequences on individuals and social issues.
  3. Students will be able to analyze in a non-judgmental manner social welfare issues and assess the strengths and limitations of people experiencing social problems.
  4. Students will demonstrate an appreciation for professional ethics and recognition of each individual's right to self determination.

Required text: Students are expected to read the following materials as assigned before each class meeting.

  1. Zastrow, Charles. (1996). Introduction to Social Work and Social Welfare. Pacific Grove: Brooks/Cole Publishing Company.
  2. One Girl in Ten. (1997). Distributed by the Child Welfare League of America.

Learning Evaluation:

Class Participation: 5 points. Preparation, attendance, and participation will be required throughout this course. This course is a basic foundation to all future coursework in the study of social work and human services. Students will therefore be expected to read the assignments prior to class, participate in class discussion, and integrate materials from week to week, thereby gaining a comprehensive understanding of social welfare issues. Students will be expected to demonstrate respect for the opinions and ideas of others.

Agency interview: 15 points. Students will choose a social welfare issue or problem covered in this course. Lists of possible agencies in the Peoria area are available from the instructor. Students will interview a professional from an agency that responds to this social issue or problem. A four page paper will be written summarizing the social problem, its impact of the social issues on clients and the agency's response to the problem. This paper will include documentation from academic journals, agency materials and the interview. Papers will be typed and use the appropriate English language, grammar, spelling, and documentation.

Exams: Four exams will be given throughout the semester with each worth 20 points. Exams will cover materials from assigned readings, class discussion, as well as application of ideas. The dates for these exams are included in the following class schedule.

Class Schedule:

Week 1: (1/21-1/23): Introduction. Read Zastrow Ch. 1.

Week 2: (1/26-1/30): Poverty and public welfare. Read Zastrow Ch. 2.

Week 3: (2/2-2/6): Racism, social and economic justice. Read Zastrow Ch. 11.

Week 4: (2/9-2/11): Racism, social and economic justice (continued).

Exam 1: Friday, 2/13.

Week 5 (2/16-2/20): Crime, juvenile delinquency and corrections. Read Zastrow Ch. 8.

Week 6: (2/23-2/27): Crime, juvenile delinquency and corrections (continued).

Week 7: (3/2-3/6): Education. Read Zastrow Ch. 9.

Week 8: (3/9-3/13): Population, environment and family planning. Read Zastrow Ch. 16.

Week 9: Spring Break (3/16-3/20).

Week 10: (3/23-3/27): Social work, generalist practice and ethics. Read Zastrow Ch. 2, 17 & p. 632.

Week 11: (3/30-4/3): Individual and family counseling. Read Zastrow Ch. 4 & 5.

Agency Papers Due by Friday 4/3 at 3:00.

Week 13: (4/13-4/17): Aging and medical issues. Read Zastrow Ch. 13 & 14.

Exam 3: Friday 4/17.

Week 14: (4/20-4/24): Client centered perspective. Read One Girl in 10.

Week 15: (4/27-5/1): Research and policy in social work. Read One Girl in 10.

Week 16: (5/4): Review. Read One Girl in 10.

Final Exam: Tuesday May 12, 1998 from 9:00-11:00.