SOWK 135 Social Work Professional Exploration

Social Work Professional Exploration is the study of social work practice and settings of practice. Topics in the course are centered on social work practice in places such as child welfare, schools, domestic violence shelters, hospice, hospitals, mental health clinics, assisted living facilities, and early intervention programs. Interviewing a social worker, touring a social service agency, and developing a community resource database are key components of this course.

Social workers practice in a variety of settings. This course exposes the student to different types of social work practice settings and prepares the student with foundational knowledge about the role of social workers. It includes an interview of a social worker who has a degree in social work or who is licensed in social work as well as outreach to various community organizations. This course will also introduce the student to some of the research examining different social work practices. This course is designed primarily for social work students who will receive a pre-professional experience in social work.

Textbook readings and lecture presentations

No details available.

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Resource Database Assignments (8)

Each module in the course, students will identify four agencies in their local community or surrounding area that serve the population of study for that module. Students will call each agency to gather essential data and document their collateral contacts in the form of a progress note. Students will complete the required information in the Community Resource Database excel sheet and submit the updated database document weekly. By the end of the course, students will become knowledgable of thirty two agencies in their local community. 

Discussions (2)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student is required to submit a thread in response to the provided prompt for each discussion. Each thread must be 350–450 words and demonstrate course-related knowledge. In addition to the thread, the student is required to reply to 2 classmates’ threads. Each reply must be 150–250 words. Each thread and reply must follow current APA format. (CLO: A, B, C, D, E, F). Turn It In scores must not be over 30%.

Journal Article Review Assignment

The student will write one Journal Article Review.  For the review, identify 1 scholarly journal article that reflects research applicable to the practice setting covered in the assigned module’s Learn material and use this article as the basis of a 2-page review. The student must choose an article from the approved article list provided in the course.

The student will choose one scholarly article from the list provided below to write an article review in APA format following the template provided and a minimum of 2 content pages (does not include the title and reference pages). Journal articles are typically written with common sections that provide specific types of information. Use the template as a guide only to research needed content for your review. Read, comprehend, and write content by paraphrasing, using your own words, for the information provided in the article.

There is a template provided for the paper.  Each article review must follow current APA format and include a title page and a reference page. The title page and reference page do not count towards the length requirement. (CLO: A, D)

Quizzes (7)

Each quiz will cover the Learn material for the assigned module. Each quiz will be open-book/open-notes, contain multiple-choice and true/false questions, and have a 15-minute time limit. (CLO: A, C, D, F)

Social Work Experience Assignments (5)

Students are expected to identify a degreed Social Worker and complete one in-depth, in-person interview addressing the questions provided as well as demonstrating appropriate follow-up lines of questioning. Students should also complete a tour of the agency the Social Worker is affiliated with, noting important information about the agency and services provided. 

If a student is unable to complete an in-person interview and tour, the student may request permission from their instructor to complete two in-depth phone interviews with additional written course requirements. An in-person interview is the preferred method of completion for this assignment. 

Components of this assignment are as follows:

Agency Selection Assignment: Studetns will dentify a degreed social worker who is willing to be interviewed in person and provide a tour of their social service agency. Fill out the Agency Selection Form and submit for a grade.

Interview and Tour Assignment:  Students are expected to identify a degreed Social Worker and complete one in-depth, in-person interview addressing the questions provided as well as demonstrating appropriate follow-up lines of questioning. Students should also complete a tour of the agency the Social Worker is affiliated with, noting important information about the agency and services provided. Students should submit a 3–4-page interview information paper in APA format using the questions provided in the assignment instructions.

If a student is unable to complete an in-person interview and tour, the student may request
permission from their instructor to complete two in-depth phone interviews with additional
written course requirements. An in-person interview is the preferred method of completion for
this assignment

Social Work Exploration Reflection Assignment: Students will complete the written Powerpoint presentation based upon the instructions provided, answering the questions provided, including the appropriate references and citations in APA format. This will be at least a 6 slide presentation in APA format.

Appreciation Assignment: This last assignment is an expression of appreciation of the social worker’s time given on your behalf.  The student will handwrite or email a thank you note to the social worker they interviewed. A copy of the handwritten or emailed thank you note should be submitted for a grade.  

Evaluation Assignment: At the time of the interview, please ask the Social Worker to complete a confirmation and evaluation form. In addition, students will complete a self-evaluation form regarding their interview experience.