Course Syllabus
Title of Course: Ethics in Social Work
Prefix and Number: SOCL_WRK 202
Semester and Year [tbd]
Number of Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites [none]
Course Details
Day and Time: [tbd]
Meeting Location: [tbd]
Instructor Contact Information
Instructor Name: [tbd]
Instructor Contact Information: [office location, phone, email] [tbd]
Instructor Office Hours: [click here Links to an external site. for best practices] [tbd]
TA Name: [tbd]
TA Contact Information: [office location, phone, email]: [tbd]
TA Office Hours: [click here Links to an external site. for best practices] [tbd]
Course Description
The purpose of this course is to provide a foundation in social work ethics. Students will use the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics as the guide to their understanding of conduct in direct practice. The ethical standards will help students identify ethical issues in practice.
Course Materials
Books:
All course readings are Open Educational Resources (OERs) available and accessible through Canvas: https://oercommons.org/courseware/lesson/82483/overview Links to an external site.
https://www.socialworkers.org/pubs/code/ Links to an external site.
Marson, S. M., & McKinney, R. E. (2019). The Routledge Handbook of Social Work Ethics and Values (1st ed.). Routledge. (Available free to students on WSU Search it)
Other Materials: You will need a laptop or device to access course content through online resources and the Canvas Learning Management System. Plan to log into the Canvas course several times per week and check your email frequently for announcements or other information from your instructor.
Fees: N/A
|
Course Learning Outcomes (students will be able to:) |
Activities Supporting the Learning Outcomes | Assessment of the Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|---|
| Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior. | Lectures, class discussions, small-group activities | Participation, group case study |
|
Describe and demonstrate knowledge of the social work Code of Ethics and its application to social work practice. |
Lectures, class discussions, small-group activities, presentations | Reflection, case studies, exam, final paper |
| Describe and demonstrate the overarching components of ethical generalist social work practice at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels. | Lectures, videos, class discussions, small-group activities | Reflection, case studies, exam, final paper |
| Recognize common ethical dilemmas in social work and demonstrate beginning ethical decision-making skills by applying structured ethical decision-making models to case examples. |
Lectures, videos, class discussions, small-group activities |
Reflection, case studies, exam, final paper |
| Dates | Lesson Topic | Assignment | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Week 1 |
Introduction to Course and Topic | Review Syllabus | Participation and in-class discussions |
| Week 2 [dates] |
A History of Social Work Ethics | Read Ch. 3: Social Work and Social Welfare: Modern Practice in a Diverse World | Participation and in-class discussions |
| Week 3 [dates] |
Introduction to the NASW Code of Ethics, Ethical Principles | Read: NASW Code of Ethics | Participation and in-class discussions |
| Week 4 [dates] |
Seeking Supervision | Read: Ketner, et. al: The meaning and value of supervision in social work field education. | Participation and in-class discussions |
| Week 5 [dates] |
Technology and social media, Power and Privilege in Social Work Practice. | Read: NASW, ASWB, CSWE, & CSWA standards for Tech in SW Practice | Assignment: Biases Reflection Due |
| Week 6 [dates] |
Ethical Standard 1 | Read: Social Workers' Ethical Responsibilities to Clients | Participation and in-class discussions |
| Week 7 [dates] |
Ethical Standard 2 | Read: Social Workers' Ethical Responsibilities to Colleagues | Participation and in-class discussions |
| Week 8 [dates] |
Ethical Standard 3 | Social Workers' Ethical Responsibilities in Practice Settings | Midterm Exam Due |
| Week 9 [dates] |
Ethical Standard 4 | Social Workers' Ethical Responsibilities as Professionals | Participation and in-class discussions |
| Week 10 [dates] |
Ethical Standard 5 | Social Workers' Ethical Responsibilities to the Social Work Profession | Participation and in-class discussions |
| Week 11 [dates] |
Ethical Standard 6 | Social Workers' Ethical Responsibilities to the Broader Society | Participation and in-class discussions |
| Week 12 [dates] |
Framework for Decision Making, Practice Applying Framework | Assigned Canvas readings and videos | Participation and in-class discussions |
| Week 13 [dates] |
Case Studies in Ethics, Developing Action Plans. | Assigned Canvas readings and videos | Group Case Study Due |
| Week 14 [dates] |
Introduction to Final Assignment, Use of Self, Dual Relationships. | Read Chapter 11, box 11.6: Social Work & Social Welfare: Modern Practice in a Diverse World | Participation and in-class discussions |
|
Week 15 [dates] |
Case Study Paper Review, Review for Final | Review Readings | Case Study Paper Due |
| Week 16 [dates] |
Final Exam | Final Exam | Final Exam |
Expectations for Student Effort
It is WSU policy that for every hour of in-class instruction, or equivalent online instruction, students should expect at least 2 hours of outside class course preparation in the form of reading, course assignments, and review of previous lectures.
Grading
| Type of Assignment (tests, papers, etc) | Points | Percent of Overall Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Attendance and Participation | 300 | 30% |
| Biases Reflection | 100 | 10% |
| Ethical Principles Exam | 200 | 20% |
| Group Case Study | 150 | 15% |
| Final Case Study Paper | 250 | 25% |
| Grade | Percent | Grade | Percent |
|---|---|---|---|
| A |
94-100 |
C | 74-76 |
| A- | 90-93 | C- | 70-73 |
| B+ | 87-89 | D+ | 67-69 |
| B | 84-86 | D | 64-66 |
| B- | 80-83 | F | <64 |
| C+ | 77-79 |
Standard rounding procedures will be applied to the percentages to calculate grades. For example, an 89% earns a B+ and 90% earns an A-. A student with an 89.5% will be rounded to a 90%.
Attendance and Make-Up Policy
Social work education involves experiential and collaborative learning and the development of high standards of personal and professional responsibility. Every student contributes as a valuable resource, and peer collaboration is fundamental to the learning milieu. It is important for emerging social workers to begin to express critical course-related ideas and reflections in the classroom. Active participation is essential. Students are expected to be present and on time for class. If students are not able to attend class, they must contact the instructor prior to that session to determine if participation/attendance credits can be awarded in an alternative format. (Emergencies may be excused on a case-by-case basis.)
Please contact your instructor prior to a planned absence such as a school sponsored event, conference, etc. If you have an emergency, please contact your instructor as soon as possible through their WSU email address, preferably prior to the class.
Academic Integrity Statement
You are responsible for reading WSU’s Academic Integrity PolicyLinks to an external site., which is based on Washington State lawLinks to an external site.. If you cheat on an assignment in this class, you will:
- Fail the assignment.
- Be reported to the Center for Community StandardsLinks to an external site..
- Have the right to appeal the decision.
- Not be able to drop the course or withdraw from the course until the appeal process is finished.
If you want to ask for a change in the instructor’s decision about academic integrity, refer to the formLinks to an external site. at the Center for Community StandardsLinks to an external site. website. You must submit the request within 21 calendar days of the decision.
If you have any questions about what you can and cannot do in this course, ask your instructor.