Lambuth University

Social Work Program

SWK — 3013

 

The Helping Process

 

 

Instructor: James Jones, MSSW, ACSW                      Varnell~Jones Hall, Room 306

731-234-5695                                                                                                                          Wednesday, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

 

I. Course Description                       

 

This course is an introduction to the giving and taking of help, of communication processes, relationship building, the problem-solving model and various intervention concepts.

 

II. Course Objectives

 

At the completion of this course, participants will be able to:

 

  • Demonstrate an understanding and acquisition of methods of communication used in the helping processes, with diverse populations.
  • Demonstrate an understanding and application of the problem-solving model to clients’ problems.
  • Demonstrate an understanding and application of various modes of intervention.
  • Demonstrate an improved understanding of the ethical stance required by the professional in the helping processes.

 

III. Course Outline

 

This course will follow the content of the text used:

 

1.                  Introduction to professional helping of clients from diverse settings and

cultures.

2.                  Presentation of the process from beginning to end, with a look at outcomes and effectiveness.

3.                  Examination of the helping relationship between helper and client.

4.                  Looking at client concerns with exploration skills, techniques, and tools.

5.                  Promoting client understanding and skills necessary for this.

6.                  Goal setting with the actions identified to reach these.

7.                  Some skills used in taking action and evaluation of the process.

8.                  Ethical/legal issues; helping theories and the use of research in this process.

9.                  Personal development in becoming a helper.

 

 

IV. Course Expectation

 

A.     Attendance is necessary to receive most benefit from this course. Excessive tardiness or absences can affect the grade received.

 

  1. All reading assignments are to be completed and will be included in the tests   given. Class discussions will include the readings assigned. 

 

  1. Written assignments are to be type in 12 point, double-spaced text with 1 inch margins.

 

  1. Participation in class discussions and activities will benefit other class members.

 

  1. Appropriate ethical stance within the classroom setting, including a respect for any confidential material or disclosures made by others, academic dishonesty involving your own productions and your uses of others’ materials is to be demonstrated.

 

V. Instructional Methods and Materials

 

A.     The instructional methods will include lecture, discussion, any student presentations decided upon and an occasional visiting presenter from the working community, when possible.

B.     The primary text is: Skovholt, Thomas M. and Rivers, David A. Skills and Strategies For The Helping Professions. Love Publishing Company, 2004.

 

VI. Written Assignments

 

  1. A two-page paper presenting your thoughts, ideas, and/or opinions about any aspect of the helping process or about any specific field within it (such as Psychology, Family Therapy, Counseling, Social Work, Foster Care, etc.), in typed, 12-point, double-spaced text will be due at the specified date during the first four weeks.

 

  1. A 7-8 paper addressing a topic from the helping professions selected by you and the instructor, in the style authorized by the university, with four (4) to five (5) sources other than the text.

 

  1. Or, a 1-hour presentation to the class on a topic selected by you and the instructor with an accompanying four (4) page hand-out for the instructor and each class member with four (4) to five (5) sources other than the text.

 

  1. Sources are to be listed in an accompanying bibliography. This page, and the title page are not to be counted in the length of the paper.

 

 

VII. In-class Examinations

 

  1. An exam covering the material presented during the first quarter of the semester will be given at mid-point in the first half of the semester.

 

  1. The mid-term exam will be given at the scheduled time at mid-point of the semester.

 

  1. An exam covering the material presented during the third quarter of the semester will be given at mid-point in the second half of the semester.

 

  1. The final exam will be give at the scheduled time at the end of the semester.

 

VIII. Evaluation and Grading

 

A.     Grades will be based on scores of the exams given, papers produced, presentations made participation in class and attendance. Exams may be multiple choice, true/false, short answer and/or essay questions.

 

   B. The percentages making up the total grades possible for this course is as follows:

 

         First Exam                                                              15%

Mid-Term Exam                                                     15%

Third Exam                                                 15%

Final Exam                                                            15%

Personal Response (Opinion) Paper                     10%

         Research Paper or                   

Presentation & Paper                                            20%

Class participation & attendance                          10%

 

C.     If extra credit is desired, please discuss this possibility with the instructor in time to complete whatever paper or project is decided upon.

 

D.     The grading scale will be that used by the university.