SCWK 3738 - Social Work Methods with Families
Fall 2026 Syllabus, Section 01, CRN 40836,
Credit hours: 3
Course Meeting Times
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Instructor
Patricia Sciaretta MSSA, LSW
Email: pasciaretta@ysu.edu
Course Description
3738. Social Work Methods with Families. In-depth analysis of problem-solving strategies and skills in working with families. Theory and research relating to practice. Social work purposes, functions, and values are addressed from the systems perspective. Prereq.: Social Work Majors Only. 3 s.h.
Course Readings
| Group | Title | Author | ISBN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Required | Family Therapy an Overview, 9th edition | Irene Goldenberg, Mark Stanton, Herbert Goldenberg | 978-1-305-09296-0 |
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
| Day | Date | Reading(s) | Proposed Topic | Due/To Prepare for Class |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tue | 8/25 | Introduction and Review of the Syllabus Chapter 1 |
Intro, Review & Questions - Syllabus Adopting a Family Relationship Framework |
Read Chapter 1 |
| Thu | 8/27 | Chapter 2 | Family Development | Read Chapter 2 |
| Tue | 9/1 | Chapter 3 | Diversity in Family Functioning | Read Chapter 3 |
| Thu | 9/3 | Chapter 4 | Systems Theory & Systemic Thinking | Read Chapter 4 |
| Tue | 9/8 | Chapter 5 | Origins and Growth of Family Therapy | Read Chapter 5 |
| Thu | 9/10 | Chapter 6 | Professional issues & Ethical Practices | Read Chapter 5 |
| Tue | 9/15 | Chapter 7 | Psychodynamic Theory | Read Chapter 7 |
| Thu | 9/17 | Chapter 8 | Transgenerational Model | Read Chapter 7 |
| Tue | 9/22 | Lecture | Beginning Phase | In class lecture |
| Thu | 9/24 | Lecture | Assessment | In class lecture |
| Tue | 9/29 | In Class Assessment Reflection Paper Due - (70 pts) |
Assessment | In class Assessment with partner |
| Thu | 10/1 | Chapter 9 | Experiential Models | Read Chapter 9 |
| Tue | 10/6 | Chapter 9 | Gestalt Family Therapy | Review Chapter 9 |
| Thu | 10/8 | Chapter 10 | Structural Model | Read Chapter 10 |
| Tue | 10/13 | Chapter 10 | Structural Family Theory/Therapy | Review Chapter 10 |
| Thu | 10/15 | Chapter 11 | Communications Outlook | Read Chapter 11 |
| Tue | 10/20 | Review Chapter 11 | MRI Interactional Family Therapy | Review Chapter 11 |
| Thu | 10/22 | Review Chapter 11 | Strategic Family Therapy | Review Chapter 11 |
| Tue | 10/27 | Chapter 12 | Behavioral Therapy & Family Systems Intervention Lecture |
Read Chapter 12 Intervention Material Passed out in class |
| Thu | 10/29 | Chapter 12 Assessment Paper Due (100 pts) |
CBT with Families | Review Chapter 12 |
| Tue | 11/3 | Chapter 13 | Solution Focused Brief Therapy Social Constructionist Therapies |
Read Chapter 13 |
| Thu | 11/5 | Chapter 14 | Social Construction Models: Narrative Therapy | Read Chapter 14 |
| Tue | 11/10 | Review Chapter 14 | Self-Narratives & Cultural Narratives | Review Chapter 14 |
| Thu | 11/12 | Chapter 15 | Families & Schools | Read Chapter 15 |
| Tue | 11/17 | Review Chapter 15 | Families & Mental Disorders | Review Chapter 15 |
| Thu | 11/19 | Review Chapter 15 | Medical Family Therapy/Gay & Lesbian Families | Review Chapter 15 |
| Tue | 11/24 | Review Chapter 15 Intervention Paper Due - (100 pts) |
Family Violence/Divorce & Remarriage | Review Chapter 15 |
| Thu | 11/26 | No Class - Thanksgiving Break | ||
| Tue | 12/1 | Chapter 16 | Evidence-Based Family Therapy | Read Chapter 16 |
| Thu | 12/3 | Chapter 17 Self Assessment Paper Due (90 pts) Last Day of Class |
Family Theories - Comparative Overview | Read Chapter 17 |
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.