SCWK 1510 - Introduction to Social Work
Fall 2026 Syllabus, Section 03, CRN 44135,
Credit hours: 3
Course Meeting Times
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Instructor
Dana Davis
Email: ddavis05@ysu.edu
Course Description
1510. Introduction to Social Work. An overview of the values, systems, policy, theories and concepts central to the profession of social work. This course will also review roles, licensure requirements and history of the social work profession. This is the first course orienting students to the social work profession. 3 s.h.
Course Readings
| Group | Title | Author | ISBN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Required | Required Text Dubois, B. and Miley, K. (2019) Social Work: An empowering profession (9th ed.) Boston: Pearson. |
The course readings are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, research developments, current events, and/or to ensure better learning.
Assignments/Assessments
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Schedule of Topics and Assignments
| Week of | Reading(s) | Proposed Topic | Due/To Prepare for Class |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8/25 | Objectives Introductions, Review of Syllabus, Requirements and Expectations, Learning and Interests | ||
| 9/1 | Social Work: A Helping Profession Chapter 1 | Students will be introduced to the topic of social work as a helping profession. | |
| 9/8 | An Evolving Profession Chapter 2 & The Social Worker and the Social System Chapter 3 | Students will learn about the history of the profession of Social Work. Students learn about the nature and dynamics of social systems as a fundamental element of effective generalist social work practice. Students will learn about the levels of social work. Students will learn about the ecosystem’s perspective | |
| 9/15 | The Social Service Delivery System Profession Chapter 4 & NASW Code of Ethics Code of Ethics: English | Students will gain a basic understanding of the various elements involved in the social service system of delivery. Students will gain an understanding of social work licensing. | |
| 9/22 | Values and Ethics in Social Work Chapter 5 & NASW Code of Ethics | Students will gain a basic understanding of concepts related to the values and ethics of the social work profession. | |
| 9/29 | Human rights and Social Justice Chapter 6 | Students will learn the concepts of human rights and social justice. Students will learn the philosophical, sociological and psychological bases of social injustice. Students will Learn social work's response to the effects of social injustice and violations of human rights. | 9/29 Exam 1 Tuesday on Blackboard |
| 10/6 | Diversity and Social Work Chapter 7 | Students will learn about diversity and difference, including cultural diversity, cultural identity, and responses to dominance, cultural pluralism and intersectionality. Students will learn about human diversity and the value of cultural humility. Students will earn more about human diversity regarding sexual orientation and gender diversity. | |
| 10/13 | Empowerment Social Work Practice Chapter 8 | Students will learn about empowering social work processes related to engagement, assessment, intervention and evaluation. Students will learn about motivational interviewing. | |
| 10/20 | Social Work Functions and Roles Chapter 9 | Students will learn the characteristics of the multilevel approach to generalist social work. Students will learn the importance of research and scholarship for social workers. | |
| 10/27 | Social Work and Social Policy Chapter 10 | Students learn about social policy and the influence of political ideologies on the development of social policy. Students learn about the relationship between social work and social policy. | Exam 2 Oct 27 Tuesday on Blackboard |
| 11/3 | Social Work and Poverty, Homelessness, Unemployment and Criminal Justice Chapter 11 | Students will learn about poverty and homelessness. | Assignment Due Tuesday Nov 3 Social Service Agency paper |
| 11/10 | Social Work in Health, Rehabilitation and Mental Health Chapter 12 | Students will learn the many facets of social workers' involvement in healthcare. | |
| 11/17 | Social Work with Families and Youth Chapter 13 | Students will learn about the many facets of social workers working with families and youth. Students will learn the basics of child maltreatment and adverse childhood experiences. | |
| 11/24 | Adults and Aging Services Chapter 14 | Students will learn about the many facets of social workers working with adults and aging populations. Students will learn about the cycle of domestic violence. | |
| 12/1 | Students will develop an awareness of his or her suitability for the social work profession. Students will become knowledgeable of the social work profession and of key social welfare institutions. | ||
| 12/8 | Final Exam on Blackboard Due Tuesday Dec 8th |
The course schedule, policies, procedures, and assignments in this course are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, by mutual agreement, and/or to ensure better learning.