San Jose State University

College of Social Work

SW 010 Introduction to Social Welfare and Social Work

ONLINE COURSE

There are no Prerequisites: This Course is Open to All

1. Django Reinhardt. A Belgium gypsy and a gifted jazz musician. On November 2, 1928 an accident occurred . The caravan in which he and his family dwelt caught fire and as you can see from this photo his left hand possesses two hopelessly crippled fingers. Take the opportunity to listen to Django and the The Quintet of the Hot club of France  (witch includes Stephane Grappelly). From the Library of Congress, William P. Gottlieb: Photographs from the Golden Age of Jazz.

2. Image. Ben Shahn (1898-1969) color lithograph poster. 1936. "Years of Dust," produced for the Resettlement Administration (which later became the Farm Security Administration). A program that was a part of President Franklin Roosevelt's NEW DEAL, social programs designed to bring the Country out of the Great Depression.

Catalog Description

An introduction to social welfare institutions and the social work profession: Its development, knowledge base, value system, and specific areas of direct practice. 3 units.

Course Description

Social Work 10 is a basic introduction to the study of social work as a field of study and as a profession. The course is designed to provide students with a general understanding of the historical basis of social work and the development of social work theory and practice. 
The goal of the course is to offer students a view of social work which will enable them to make an informed decision about further study and a possible career choice.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this course, students will be expected to demonstrate an understanding of:

                    1. The range of persistent social problems, including poverty, oppression, discrimination, social injustice, violence, physical and mental illness, and substance abuse, in their historical context and the response of social work to these social and human problems.

                    2. The historical development of social work as an emerging vocation and profession seeking to alleviate human suffering and social injustice.

                    3. The basic methods of social work, the values and ethics of professional social work practice which value human diversity and promote justice.

                    4. The different fields of practice and local agencies in which social workers provide service for diverse populations, especially populations at risk.

Learning Experiences

This is an entirely online course utilizing WebCt format. The online course covers the same material as the on-campus course, and the student should anticipate devoting the amount of time to the online course as a classroom course. It helps to be a self-motivated independent learner. Shy students may find the opportunity to express themselves in a discussion board format an exceptional learning opportunity. Distance Learning is just that, a course you can take from a distance. You get to work independently, and you have the benefit of time flexibility.

Computer Requirements and Skills

*Internet access at home or elsewhere          *Microsoft Internet Explorer 5  

*Netscape 4.7 (recommended over 6.0)        *Windows 98 or above

*An email account (can obtain free:  Yahoo)  *Note: There have been problems with AOL

How to Register for an ONLINE COURSE

eCampus lets you take credit courses from San Jose State University's regular curriculum online. Classes are open to college and university students, high school graduates and other adults from the community. You do not have to be accepted to San Jose State University to attend the course. You will have to meet any pre-requisites  before registering for a specific course. See the College catalog or contact eCampus. Information regarding online courses offered and registration instructions can be found in the SJSU Course Schedule, the SJSU Open University Bulletin, and the SJSU International and Extended Studies Bulletin.

For more information on online courses: Call 408-924-2670, fax 408-924-2616, e-mail: de@email.sjsu.edu or visit www.online.sjsu.edu.

WebCT

This course utilizes a WebCT. Please check in with me by email once you have registered for the class. You will be notified via email with the login and password for accessing the course website. You can then access the course with any computer that has internet access and a browser such as Microsoft Internet Explorer 5 or Netscape 4.7.

Special Note

If you need course adaptations or accommodation because of a disability, if you have medical information to share with me, or if you need special arrangement in case the building must be evacuated, please make a special appointment with me as soon as possible, or see me during office hours.

Required  Textbooks

    H. Wayne Johnson and Contributors. (1998) The Social Services: An Introduction. (5th ed.). F.E. Peacock Publishers, Inc..

Summary of the Course: An Outline

This web page is under the supervision of Michael Anderson, College of Social Work.  He can be reached at manders8@email.sjsu.edu  or by message at (408) 924-5800.