Pandemic

University of South Carolina COLLEGE OF SOCIAL WORK Traditional (TRAD) Course

SOWK 777: Advanced Theory for Social Work Practice

Health & Mental Health (3 Credits)

Instructor: Katherine H. Leith, Ph.D., LMSW

E-MAIL: [email protected]

Office Location: Discovery I

915 Greene Street, Room 510 (visitors must be swiped in, so you’ll have to call in advance or make an appointment :o)

Phone: 803.777.6013

Class Session Day and Time: Saturdays, 11:40 AM – 2:30 PM, Section 0P1: TRAD (face to face) delivery

Office hours for Spring 2022: virtual or in-person, by appointment

E-mail is the best way to contact me. I generally respond within 48 hours. Please state your name and the course number in the subject line of your message, so that I can respond quickly and accurately.

BULLETIN DESCRIPTION

A theoretical background for specialized advanced social work practice incorporating social and behavioral science as a framework for analyzing evidence-based approaches for social work interventions.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This is the required theory course for social work students concentrating in health and mental health. This 3-hour course provides the context for health and mental health practice, focusing on the theories of practice and human and organizational behavior, as applied to this advanced area of practice. This course presents fundamentals of social and behavioral science as a framework for using evidence-based approaches in addressing issues relevant to health and mental health. Students will learn the determinants of challenges and problems in health and mental health, and theoretical approaches to guide the design and evaluation of interventions in health and mental health. The impact of differences in ability, age, class, color, culture, ethnicity, family structure, gender (including gender identity and gender expression) marital status, national origin, race, religion or spirituality, sex, and sexual orientation will be examined, as these relate to various health and mental health practices, policies and services.

PREREQUISITES

Full-time and Part-time Programs: SOWK 712, SOWK 714, SOWK 716, SOWK 781, SOWK 791

Advanced Standing Program: None

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:

1. Identify selected principles and concepts of health and mental health behavior theories and models that are used in social work research and practice. (2.1.3; 2.1.6; 2.1.7)

2. Understand, evaluate and apply major theories relevant to health and mental health that explain how and why groups, institutions, communities and societies function as they do. (2.1.3; 2.1.7; 2.1.9)

3. Demonstrate advanced knowledge of social and behavioral theories across social systems relevant to health and mental health. (2.1.7)

4. Apply theory and knowledge about social systems and social problems to inform thinking about social work community practice, and the programs and policies aimed at ameliorating social problems. (2.1.2; 2.1.3, 2.1.7, 2.1.9)

5. Differentially apply social and behavioral theories to social work practice across social systems relevant to health and mental health. (2.1.1; 2.1.3; 2.1.7; 2.1.9)

All learning outcomes in this Distributed Learning course are equivalent to face-to-face (F2F) version of this course.

EPAS COMPETENCIES

REQUIRED TEXTBOOKS

Glanz, K., Rimer, B.K. &Viswanath, K. (Eds.) (2015). Health behavior and health education: Theory, research, and practice. (5th Edition). Wiley & Sons. ISBN: 978-1-118-62898-0

Sommers-Flanagan, J. & Sommers-Flanagan, R. (2018). Counseling and psychotherapy theories in context and practice: Skills, strategies, and techniques. (3rd Edition). Wiley & Sons. ISBN 978-1-119-47331-2

Both textbooks are available to read online for free through the University Libraries. Reading online is free and unlimited, and you also have the option to download up to 60 pages in PDF format. There is a video in the “About this Course” Blackboard folder explaining how to access these books in the university library. If you prefer, you can purchase both texts in the University Bookstore.

OTHER REQUIRED READINGS

In addition to the required textbooks, classes have assigned readings (see module schedule). These will be made available to you in blackboard in the relevant course module.

STUDENT SUPPORT

You and your loved ones’ safety and wellbeing are more important than anything going on in class. This is true more than ever with COVID-19. Please feel free to reach out to me if you need to talk or need course accommodations. Any student who faces challenges securing their food or housing is urged to contact the Assistant Dean for Students for support. Furthermore, please notify me if you are comfortable in doing so. The Gamecock Pantry also provides access to food and toiletries in a free and confidential way to members of the Carolina community. In addition, the University of South Carolina has student resources for Mental Health and Emotional Well-being.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

Course Format

This course is delivered face to face in a traditional classroom setting . Students are expected to be prepared to discuss all assigned readings and to be active discussants in class. Various methods of instruction will be

used including mini-lectures, seminar discussion, small group discussions, in-class exercises, class

presentations, video and internet content, and possible guest speakers.

It may be necessary at times, and because of unforeseen circumstances to change a face-to-face class session to a live stream or prerecorded session. The instructor will notify students at least 48 hours in advance and in case of a prerecorded session, make the recording available on the day/time of the regularly scheduled session. In such cases, or if students are absent from a live streamed session, they are expected to provide a

2-page summary of the recording within 72 hours.

Course Communication

I will be communicating with you regarding grades and assignments. If you need to get in touch with me, the best method is via email. Generally, I will reply to emails within 24 hours and will provide feedback on

assignments within 48 hours. You may also post questions pertaining to the course on the Blackboard

Discussion Board. These questions will be answered within 24 hours.

If you are having trouble with this course or its material, you should contact me via email to discuss the issues.

Announcements will be posted to this course whenever necessary. If there is any other information that I think is important, I will send it to your email address you have in Blackboard. If you primarily use another email account, you should make sure that the Blackboard account is linked to that address. It is your responsibility to ensure that your email accounts work properly in order to receive mail.

Please be sure that the email you check regularly is set in Blackboard:

 Click on the My USC tab along the top of the page in Blackboard.

 In the Tools module, click on "Personal Information."

 Click on "Edit Personal Information."

 Scroll down to the listing for Email.

 In the box will be listed what Blackboard has as your email address. If you wish to change it, delete the email address in the box and type in the email address you want to use.

 Click on the Submit button at the top or bottom of the page.

Technology Requirements

If you are attending this class online, you will view the class through Blackboard Collaborate Ultra. Therefore, you must have access to the Internet to view/hear lectures. No special software is required.

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The PowerPoint slides, links to articles, assignments, and rubrics are located on the Blackboard site for the course. To participate in learning activities and complete assignments, you will need:

 Access to a working computer that has a current operating system with updates installed, plus speakers or headphones to hear lecture presentations;

 Reliable Internet access and a USC email account;

 A current Internet browser that is compatible with Blackboard ( Google Chrome is the recommended browser for Blackboard );

 Microsoft Word as your word processing program; and

Reliable data storage for your work, such as a USB drive or Office365 OneDrive cloud storage

If your computer does not have Microsoft Word, Office 365 ProPlus package is available to you free of charge and allows you to install Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, Publisher, and Access on up to 5 PCs or Macs and Office apps on other mobile devices including tablets. Office 365 also includes unlimited cloud storage on OneDrive. To download Office 365 ProPlus, log into your student (University) email through a web browser, choose Settings (top right corner), and select software. If you have further questions or need help with the software, please contact the Service Desk.

Minimal Technical Skills Needed

Minimal technical skills are needed in this course. All work in this course must be completed and submitted online through Blackboard. Therefore, you must have consistent and reliable access to a computer and the Internet. The minimal technical skills you have include the ability to:

 Organize and save electronic files;

 Use USC email and attached files;

 Check email and Blackboard daily;

 Download and upload documents;

 Locate information with a browser; and

 Use Blackboard.

Technical Support

DoIT is providing 24/7 support for Blackboard users across the UofSC system. Technicians will be able to assist with a wide range of Blackboard-related issues, including basic use, how to post and complete

assignments, and how to use academic integrity tools such as Safe Assign.

Anyone, from any campus, in need of Blackboard support should call the Division of Information Technology Service Desk at 803-777-1800 and follow the prompts. Assistance with Blackboard is available anytime throughout the day, night, or weekend. The Service Desk can assist with other support issues Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

COURSE ASSIGNMENTS

Assignment 1: Personal reflection paper on client capacity to change behavior (30 points)

In this paper, students will evaluate their own values and beliefs related to individuals’ ability to change. It is important for social workers to be aware of the assumptions, biases, beliefs about the causes of the difficulties people experience in life that bring them to the care of social workers, as well as what their motivations and capacities are for change.

In order to begin to identify these assumptions, biases, and beliefs, consider the following circumstances (these are simply examples that you may consider to jumpstart your thinking about the topic):

A. People who refuse to wear a mask during COVID-19 when they are near other people.

B. Clients with mental illnesses not taking their psychotropic medications as prescribed.

C. Clients not showing up for scheduled appointments.

D. Older adults not getting flu shots as recommended.

E. Diabetic patients not following recommended diet recommendations.

Think about situations in your own personal/professional life that may be similar to those above. Discuss the questions below in your paper:

1. Describe a health/mental health behavior of your choice (it can be one of the examples above or a different one you choose).

2. What do you think contributes to people’s decisions behind this behavior?

3. In general, what are your beliefs about people’s ability to change their health and mental health behaviors?

4. Under what conditions do you think people change? What activates or motivates the process from your perspective?

5. What motivates people to take action on behalf of their own health and mental health?

6. What role do different levels of analyses (intrapersonal, interpersonal, familial, social, and environmental) play in client/patient change?

7. How hopeful are you that people can change the health/mental health behavior you chose?

This Assignment is due on Saturday, 02/05 by 11:59 PM in Blackboard, should be 3-5 double-spaced pages, and is worth 30% of your final grade. Late submission incurs a 10% penalty (3 points off for each week it is late).

You do not need to include outside references for this paper. All papers are expected to be written in proper APA essay format (i.e. introduction with thesis statement, body, APA citations if appropriate [not required], and conclusion).

Students will be assessed using the following criteria for Assignment 1:

Late submission incurs a 10% penalty (3 points off for each week it is late).

Assignment 2 Parts 1 & 2: Reviewing the Literature: Connecting Theory to Practice and Ethics (40 points)

In this assignment, pick a health or mental health behavior or issue of your choice (you can use the same one from Assignment 1) and explore the literature related to theories that have been used/could be used to understand the behavior/issue as well as guide practice interventions related to it. Also consider how theory fits with social work ethics. In this assignment, you must examine at least 4 scholarly sources (peer-reviewed journal articles, you can use recommended readings from this course if you choose) to address the following:

1. A brief overview of the chosen behavior/issue

a. Discuss why you chose this particular behavior/issue

b. How does theory help you conceptualize/understand this behavior? Pick a theory and explain how this theory is relevant/can be used to explain this behavior/issue. You can use a theory we discuss in this class.

2. An analysis of the literature you searched [scholarly sources] related to your chosen health or mental health behavior/issue. NOTE: do not simply summarize or report on the articles, instead, analyze the literature

a. What did the authors conclude? Where did they agree (find similar findings/make similar arguments) or disagree (find different results/make different arguments)?

3. Link to social work practice and ethical considerations, including:

a. Is the theory you identified in 1b above a good fit for social work?

b. What are the limitations of this theory for understanding how to effectively intervene with clients? What are the strengths of it?

i. How is the theory relevant as it relates to individuals, families, groups, organizations, communities and societies? (Different theories may be better suited to either micro or macro work.)

ii. Consider social work ethical implications (cite specific “Ethical Standards” of the NASW Code of Ethics, 2017 https://www.socialworkers.org/About/Ethics/Code-of-Ethics/Code-of-Ethics-English ) related to working with your chosen population or issue:

1. Think about issues of vulnerability, diversity and privilege when you answer this, particularly related to: differences in ability, age, class, color, culture, ethnicity, family structure, gender (including gender identity and gender expression) marital status, national origin, race, religion or spirituality, sex, and sexual orientation.

PART 1

Part 1 of this assignment is an outline that contains the following information in bulleted form:

· Stated health or mental-health issue to be addressed (.5 point)

· Identified theory to be used in Part 2 (.5 point)

· List of ethical standards from the Code of Ethics that seem relevant to the issue (1 point)

· Reference list of 4 scholarly articles, in APA format (8 points)

This one-page outline is due by Friday March 19 at 11:59 PM in Blackboard and is worth 10% of your final grade. Late submission incurs a 10% penalty (1 point off for each day it is late).

PART 2

Part 2 of this assignment is your choice of format- a paper, recorded presentation, or any creative format such as a YouTube video, podcast, Wikipedia article, or other format. The format is up to you- as long as you cover all of the content in all of the sections 1-3 of this assignment. This assignment must be uploaded in Blackboard in the relevant assignment section.

· Regardless of the format, this assignment is due April 9 by 11:59 PM in Blackboard and is worth 30 points of your final grade.

· If you decide to write a paper, it should be no shorter than 7 and no longer than 10 pages double-spaced.

· If you decide to do a recorded presentation, it should be no longer than seven minutes long. You can do a recorded Power Point presentation (upload the recorded Power Point in Blackboard- it has to have you talking over it, not just the Power Point), upload a presentation to YouTube (just put the link to the YouTube presentation in Blackboard- it can be you narrating a Power Point or you presenting with no Power Point) or do a recorded presentation in Prezi (just put the link to the Prezi presentation in Blackboard). Many students find Prezi an easy to use to do this.

· If you decide to cover the assignment items through a podcast, Wikipedia article, or other creative format, please link the final product in Blackboard.

Students will be assessed using the following rubric:

Late submission incurs a 10% penalty (3 points off for each day it is late).

Assignment 3: Discussion Board posts (30 points)

This course uses discussion board posts to engage students in critical thinking about course content. For 10 course modules of the student’s choosing, students will post in Blackboard discussion boards a reflection post of that module’s readings and content. Students are encouraged to reflect on what they have learned from the content. Each module will have a weekly reflection prompt for students to discuss in their Blackboard discussion group (also noted in the module schedule). For each module, you must do two activities in the discussion board:

1. Each Wednesday prior to a class session, by 11:59 PM: Post Blackboard discussion board module reflection. These posts do not have to be long. Students are expected to write about a paragraph for each module discussion board (3-4 sentences) of genuine reflection. Students are encouraged to simply pause and think about the course material and then briefly document their thoughts on Blackboard. You are required to demonstrate to the instructors and your fellow classmates that you have read the assigned readings and engaged in the modules meaningfully and have reflected on how the information presented in the class applies to your practice as a social worker.

2. Each Friday prior to a class session, by 11:59 PM: Post Blackboard discussion board responses to at least two (2) of your peers’ reflection posts. These responses should also demonstrate genuine reflection and be about 3-4 sentences long.

Students are encouraged to frequently check the discussion boards and continue conversations with other students’ posts. Students only need to post in discussion boards for TEN modules (not all 14)- this accommodates Spring Break and other times during which we may not be able to post. Students can choose which ten modules they do wish to post on (can be any ten modules of the student choice, except the very first).

Students will be assessed for participation using the following criteria:

Grades will be awarded according to the following scale:

90-100 A 70-76 C

87-89 B+ 67-69 D+

80-86 B 60-66 D

77-79 C+ Below 60 F

RECYCLING COURSE MATERIALS

The use of previous semester course materials is allowed in this course.

APA STYLE & ASSIGNMENT SUBMISSION

All written assignments will be evaluated for accomplishment of the objectives of the assignment, organization, and clarity of discussion, demonstration of the ability to integrate and critically apply course content, and correct spelling, grammar, and accurate use of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, Seventh Edition (https://apastyle.apa.org/products/publication-manual-7th-edition). All assignments are to be typed and formatted to adhere to APA requirements. All papers and assignments may be examined by plagiarism software to determine they are original works, and not purchased or copied from the internet or other sources. It is your responsibility to read UofSC and College of Social Work policies related to academic honesty, and the APA guide related to proper citation. Copying and pasting from any source, without proper citation, is considered academic dishonesty.

Assignments are due on the dates designated. All assignments must be submitted by the due date and time set forth in the course calendar unless prior arrangements have been made with the instructor. Late assignments will result in a 10% deduction per week the assignment is late. As a general policy, the instructor will not review early drafts or allow rewrites (instructor’s discretion).

EXPECTATIONS FOR BEHAVIOR

Please be considerate of your colleagues. The discussion in social work courses is often complex and ambiguous, with room for multiple and diverse perspectives. We all must attempt to treat each other with respect when opinions are shared. Language should be used which recognizes diversity and is respectful of others.

Reflecting the world in which social workers practice, we are likely to cover controversial issues in the course. Our mutual responsibility is to engage in respectful, constructive discussion, in a safe—if not necessarily comfortable—classroom environment. If a particular discussion and/or content from assigned course readings, activities, or other sources raises questions or concerns, students are encouraged to raise the issue with the instructor.

You should remember that information shared in class is confidential. Please see the NASW Code of Ethics regarding confidentiality and peer consultation. You may be using examples from your experience in field and other social work settings to enrich our class experience, please be advised that this information is strictly confidential and should never be shared outside the classroom.

ATTENDANCE

The developmental nature of learning in this class requires that students keep up with assignments, assigned readings, and complete course modules. Students are expected to complete all course modules unless illness or other emergencies make attendance impossible. If you are unable to complete all 14 course modules, please contact the instructor.

STUDENT DISABILITIES

Reasonable accommodations are available for students with a documented disability. If you have a disability and may need accommodations to fully participate in this class, contact the Student Disability Resource Center (https://sc.edu/about/offices_and_divisions/student_disability_resource_center/; phone 803-777-6142). All accommodations must be approved through the Student Disability Resource Center - instructors cannot give students accommodations based on disability unless they have registered with this office. Instructors also cannot make any retrospective accommodations for students so be sure to register with this office in a timely fashion if you need any such accommodations. It is your responsibility as a student to register with this office if you wish your disability to be considered in this class.

CAROLINIAN CREED

The community of scholars at the University of South Carolina is dedicated to personal and academic excellence. Choosing to join the community obligates each member to the Carolinian Creed (https://www.sc.edu/about/offices_and_divisions/student_affairs/our_initiatives/involvement_and_leadership/carolinian_creed/index.php). Academic and civil discourse are the cornerstones of the educational system and crucial to individual growth.

As a Carolinian:

· I will practice personal and academic integrity;

· I will respect the rights and dignity of all persons;

· I will respect the rights and property of others;

· I will discourage bigotry, while striving to learn from differences in people, ideas and opinions;

· I will demonstrate concern for others, their feelings and their need for conditions which support their work and development.

HONOR CODE

Every student has a role in maintaining the academic reputation of the university. It is imperative that you refrain from engaging in plagiarism, cheating, falsifying your work and/or assisting other students in violating the Honor Code.

Two important components of the Honor Code:

· Faculty members are required to report potential violations of the Honor Code to the Office of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity.

· When a student is uncertain as to whether conduct would violate the Honor Code, it is their responsibility to seek clarification from the appropriate faculty member.

To clarify your understanding of the Honor Code, use these resources:

· Academic Integrity Tutorial [video]

· Instructor’s office hours

· The Purdue Online Writing Lab

· The Writing Center

· University Libraries: Citation Basics

Your enrollment in this class signifies your willingness to accept these responsibilities and uphold the Honor Code of the University of South Carolina. Please review the Honor Code available at https://www.sc.edu/about/offices_and_divisions/student_conduct_and_academic_integrity/documents/honor_code.pdf. Any deviation from this expectation will result in a grade of zero for that assignment and a referral to the Office of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity.

The following examples illustrate conduct that violates the Honor Code, but this list is not intended to be an exhaustive compilation of conduct prohibited.

· Giving or receiving unauthorized assistance, or attempting to give or receive such assistance, in connection with the performance of any academic work.

· Unauthorized use of materials or information of any type or the unauthorized use of any electronic or mechanical device in connection with the completion of any academic work.

· Access to the contents of any test or examination or the purchase, sale, or theft of any test or examination prior to its administration.

· Unauthorized use of another person’s work without proper acknowledgment.

· Intentional misrepresentation by word or action of any situation of fact, or intentional omission of material fact, so as to mislead any person in connection with any academic work

(including, without limitation, the scheduling, completion, performance, or submission of any such work).

· Offering or giving any favor or thing of value for the purpose of influencing improperly a grade or other evaluation of a student in an academic program.

· Conduct intended to interfere with an instructor’s ability to evaluate accurately a student’s competency or performance in an academic program.

CLASS CONDUCT/NETIQUETTE

Professionalism will be expected at all times, but most especially with your interactions online. Because the university classroom is a place designed for the free exchange of ideas, we must show respect for one another in all circumstances. We will show respect for one another by exhibiting patience and courtesy in our exchanges. Appropriate language and restraint from verbal attacks upon those whose perspectives differ from your own is a minimum requirement. Courtesy and kindness is the norm for those who participate in my class.

Our discussion board is a way for you to share your ideas and learning with your colleagues in this class. We do this as colleagues in learning, and the Discussion Board is meant to be a safe and respectful environment for us to conduct these discussions.

Some Netiquette Rules:

· Treat one another with respect. It will be expected that we will not attack one another personally for holding different opinions.

· Do not use all CAPITAL LETTERS in emails or discussion board postings. This is considered "shouting" and is seen as impolite or aggressive.

· Begin emails with a proper salutation (Examples: Dr. Name; Ms. Name; Hello Professor Name; Good afternoon Mr. Name). Starting an email without a salutation or a simple "Hey" is not appropriate.

· When sending an email, please include a detailed subject line. Additionally, make sure you reference the course number (Ex. ENGL 287) in the message and sign the mail with your name.

· Use proper grammar, spelling, punctuation, and capitalization. Text messaging language is not acceptable.

· Use good taste when communicating. Profanity should be avoided.

· Re-Read, think, and edit your message before you click "Send/Submit/Post."

Please remember when posting to be respectful and courteous to your colleagues, and limit your posts to discussions of this course and its assignments.

COPYRIGHT/FAIR USE STATEMENT

I will cite and/or reference any materials that I use in this course that I do not create. You, as students, are expected to not distribute any of these materials, resources, homework assignments, etc. (whether graded or ungraded).

NASW CODE OF ETHICS

Students in the College of Social Work are expected to demonstrate professional and academic responsibility at all times and are bound by the NASW Code of Ethics. The NASW Code of Ethics (https://www.socialworkers.org/about/ethics/code-of-ethics/code-of-ethics-english) states “Social workers should not participate in, condone, or be associated with dishonesty, fraud or deception.” One of the values on which the Code of Ethics is based is that of integrity and one of the ethical principles derived from this value is “Social workers behave in a trustworthy manner.”

INDIVIDUAL CONSULTATION

The instructor is available to meet with you for individual consultation throughout the course of the semester (see office hours). If you are having difficulty with the course material or assignments, you should schedule an appointment to see the instructor as soon as possible so that additional assistance can be offered as appropriate. Any questions about how scores were calculated should be discussed with your instructor as soon as possible.

ASSESSMENT OF THE COURSE

You are invited to provide the instructor with feedback throughout the semester on how the course can be improved to meet your specific needs. You will be asked for feedback mid-way through the course. You will also complete a formal course evaluation at the end of the semester.

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MODULE SCHEDULE