SWK 317: Fieldwork in Social Work Course
Course Syllabus
YOU MUST SUBMIT AN APPLICATION FOR FIELDWORK BY NOVEMBER 15 AT THE LATEST IF YOU REGISTER FOR THIS COURSE!
Fieldwork Coordinator in Cuernavaca: Lisanne Mogan
Field Instructors: Social Work Agency Staff in Cuernavaca
Required Readings
Coggins, F and Hatchett, B. F. (2002). Field Practicum: Skill Building From A Multicultural Perspective. University of Texas. ISBN: 157879031X
Minimum of two articles or books recommended by agency field instructor or from other professional source.
Course Description
This course contributes approximately 100-120 hours to the practicum hours required for the BSW degree for those students with Spanish language oral competency. Some of the hours will be met through visits to social work agencies, while the rest will be met through students’ placements, which will be concentrated during the second half of the semester, after completion of an intensive Spanish course. A central feature of the field experience is the sharing of experiences with other students in a small group seminar.
This course provides field experience in a generalist social work setting. This experience complements the student's academic work by providing an opportunity to apply theory to social work situations within the Mexican cultural context. Students observe, learn from, and work with social work practitioners involved in the tasks and activities of the agency. Students will work with individuals, families, social activities, and or group along with Mexican social workers, and have an opportunity to increase generalist social work skills at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels. They will experience social work as it is practiced in Mexico, and to draw comparisons with social work in the United States. Students will reflect on the role of generalist social work practice within the global environment.
Course Objectives
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:- Demonstrate an understanding of the field setting in terms of its history, philosophy, programs, service users, funding and organizational structure;
- Demonstrate an understanding of the resource and delivery systems pertinent to generalist social work practice in Cuernavaca and the surrounding area;
- Describe and demonstrate the generalist social work practice model and introductory problem solving skills from a strength-based empowerment perspective as applied to the field work setting
- Discuss differences and similarities between U S. and Mexican generalist social work practice methods;
- Discuss the impact of human diversity through the life span on generalist social work practice and demonstrated in the field work setting;
- Demonstrate effective understanding of the role of supervision in generalist social work practice;
- Integrate and apply knowledge and theory to social work situations using critical thinking skills;
- Identify and incorporate social work ethics (NASW Code of Ethics and International Social Work Code of Ethics) into social work practice;
- Demonstrate developing cross cultural oral and written communication skills within the field setting;
- Demonstrate ability to clarify and assess one's own practice in relation to professional standards;
- Demonstrate self-awareness as a tool for professional practice and growth with special emphasis on cross-cultural competence.
