Course Syllabus

Contact Information

This table includes information about how to contact your instructor and other important details about your class

	Office Hours: Wednesdays, 9:00 - 10:00 am CST Phone: 918 527 1979 Email: lfranklin@ou.edu
Lori Franklin, DSW, LCSW MSW Program Director Clinical Assistant Professor

 

Course Details

For a list of course activities, scroll to the bottom of this page.

Course Prerequisites 

Students taking this course must be enrolled in the online MSW Program and have a graduate standing. 

Course Materials

• APA Style Manual 7th Edition (2020) (Links to an external site.)

The most recent APA Style Manual 7th Ed. (2020) is required for every course in the Online Masters of Social Work Program. The current manual is hyperlinked above. 

• NASW Social Work Code of Ethics (Links to an external site.)

This is the link to NASW Social Work Code of Ethics. 

• Next Steps: Decision Cases for Social Work Practice  (Links to an external site.)

Grades

Breakdown

Course activities and grades listed for each activity

Assignment	Description	Breakdown
Case Analyses	x4	48% of total course grade (12% each)
Feedback	x3	15% of total course grade (5% each)
Draft	x1	3% of total course grade
Additional Assignments	Discussions Live Sessions x 4 Activities	34% of total course grade
	Total	100%

Scale

 

90-100	A
80-89.9	B
70-79.9	C
60-69.9	D
<60	F

Course Components

Case Analyses

The case method engages students in class discussions centered on the in-depth analysis of social work cases. The cases involve a variety of problems and dilemmas at various system levels. Each case reports the actual experience of a social work professional, often one who is relatively new to the profession.

Using a rotating schedule, students will submit written case analyses for each weekly case. These analyses should be written as executive summaries. Executive summaries are designed for a decision-maker who needs understanding of an issue, an analysis of key issues and recommendations, but without extensive detail. Executive summaries are often the first few pages of a more comprehensive analysis. For the purposes of this class, these executive summaries should not exceed 4 pages. The executive summary format is not intended to be an exhaustive analysis of all possible alternatives but rather a concise, focused summary with the alternatives only mentioned to insure they receive consideration. In general, any issue, no matter how complex, can be summarized in this fashion if the case is reduced to its most essential elements.

In these analyses, you are asked to identify with the protagonist (the social worker) in the case, but as you will see, that social work is “stuck” at a point of making a decision.  The analysis is written from YOUR perspective, as the person who is advising the social worker as to the best course of action for him or her to take  

Students will submit written case analyses.  These include the following components: 

 

• Problem identification: a specific formulation of the problem or issue, usually not to exceed two sentences.  This is not a question but a statement of the problem.  A problem statement should succinctly identify the crucial themes or issues that contribute to the dilemma experienced by the social worker.  
• Contextual Analysis: Analysis of micro, mezzo, and macro issues.  Examples of such issues include analysis related to the relationship of the social worker to the client, the functioning of the group, the structure of the agency, the impact of the environment or the culture, or proposed explanations as to why this situation became as complicated as it did.   

• You are identifying the crucial issues that complicate the situation for the social worker.  This should be roughly half of your paper. 
• Alternative Strategies: includes at least 3 distinct alternative strategies that could address the identified problem.   

• Each strategy must address a short term solution (what needs to be done NOW, immediately, at the point the case narrative ends), and a longer term solution (what may need to be done LATER to reduce the chance the problem will happen again).  
• Each strategy must also include a brief description of the advantages and disadvantages of that strategy (both short term and long term solutions). This strategy will be phrased as a series of actions the social worker could take, within the scope of her/his role, to address the problem.. 
• It is possible that a short term solution could be the same for all three strategies. Likewise, a longer term solution could serve in the same way. If this choice is made, the analysis should justify why a solution (short or longer term) could be the same for each strategy. 

• Recommendation: the recommendation includes:  (1) identify one strategy chosen from the 3 alternatives presented and a justification for its selection, (2) provide evidence based practice support for the selected strategy, (3) Describe a plan for outcome evaluation to determine the strategy’s effectiveness and (4) at least one evidence based practice citation supporting the recommendation. Be sure your recommended strategy can be supported with available resources.   

 

• Pros and Cons: This is a statement of the advantages and disadvantages of the strategy you propose. This should be approximately 1-3 sentences long. 

 

Individual instructors are responsible for the development of guidelines and the assignment of grades.  Use of APA style and format in writing and use of non-sexist and person-first language in class discussion and written assignments is required. 

 

Process for Turning in Case Analyses (CA) 

 

The process for turning in cases is as follows: 

 

• Initial class sessions will involve discussion of a cases and practice assignments to prepare you for case writing. 
• Following the weeks of preparation, everyone turns in the first case analysis and instructors will provide detailed feedback to each student. 
• After the first ALL written case, students will be divided in two groups.  Each group will turn in case analyses on an alternating weekly schedule.  
• On the week students do not provide instructors with a case analysis, they will be responsible for providing feedback to their peer’s case analysis before final submission. 

 Feedback 

Students engage in a process of exchanging papers to provide meaningful feedback to their peers. 

• In order to provide quality feedback and enhance class discussion, it is expected that students will carefully read the cases for each week. 
• Therefore, students who turn in their case analysis must provide a draft of their CA to the person responsible for feedback 72 hours before the case is due. The student who provides feedback must respond to the student with feedback 48 hours before the case is due. The feedback writer returns the CA writer’s draft to the CA with comments and also turns in the same document with comments for their own feedback grade. 

• Students are responsible for providing quality feedback to their fellow colleagues. It is hoped that the feedback provided by the instructor will serve as a model for students to follow. Students are also encouraged to utilize the matrix when providing feedback. 
• A form will be provided for use in providing feedback.  You will complete the form BEFORE you receive your peer’s paper.  After you receive the paper, you will comment on it using “track changes”.  The person who wrote the feedback will turn in the form as well as the peer’s paper with comments to Canvas. 
• Individual instructors may have additional requirements for quality feedback and/or additional points of analysis of the peer’s paper expected. 

 

• Quality feedback consists of: 

(1) Concrete, usable suggestions (avoid generalized statements about quality) 

(2) Information re: gaps that students may have overlooked 

(3) Suggestions re: the flow of the paper, does it make sense? Is the problem statement accurate? Are the internal and external issues addressed? Have students considered all of the possible strategies? Does the recommendation seem reasonable and/or linked to the original problem statement? 

 

It is suggested that students utilize email for the transmission of feedback and drafts. This can be accomplished by attaching documents to email. However, discussion groups can be set up for any groups that are interested.  Do not discuss cases on Facebook or any other electronic media that is not on an OU server due to security and confidentiality reasons. 

 Draft 

This initial draft helps solidify some components of case analysis writing.

Participation 

Live sessions, Discussion Boards, and Additional Activities help enhance learning. 

 

Course Policies

Late Policy

Assignments should be turned in when they are due, electronically on Canvas, by the beginning of the class. Late papers WILL NOT be accepted at all on the case analysis or feedback assignments and no extensions will be granted. Any other late assignments will be reduced by 10% for each day they are late and will not be accepted at all after 3 days.  Extensions are granted only in emergencies and on a case by case basis.  Extensions will not be granted after the paper’s due date has passed. 

Attendance Policy

Graduate students are adult learners, indicating a willingness to attend all classes and actively participate. Students should have read the assigned material prior to class and be prepared to discuss it and apply it to issues related to the practice of social work.   

Arriving late or leaving early, or missing classes severely detracts from the learning process.  This class in particular depends on student discussion. I may reduce your grade for missing classes.  Missing more than 25% of the class time may result in a failing grade as it indicates you did not receive enough classroom time for me to agree in good conscience that you completed the course. I do understand that illnesses and emergencies occur, but it also stands to reason that missing class could affect grades. Good communication is key for helping me understand your situation and discuss attendance with you.

Academic Integrity Within This Seminar Course

This course is a little different in that you are asked to exchange papers and collaborate in discussions. However, you will ONLY exchange papers with students who are not writing the same case analysis. I urge you to NOT look at the written work of other students writing the same case analysis as you as it will greatly stifle your own idea generation. Additionally, it is difficult to write in a way that shows your unique work if you have read the work of another person. You may decide that speaking verbally about the cases with other case writers is helpful for you, but just keep your written work to yourself and your feedback partner, please. 

For most assignments, your work will be analyzed by a software program called Turnitin.  This program identifies portions of text in your work that are duplicated in other existing sources.  This does not necessarily mean that a person has plagiarized the work as it could be cited appropriately, but it is a useful tool to identify these types of issues. 

You also can utilize this program to check your own work.  If you turn in your work to the dropbox early, you can view the Turnitin report, make changes, and then replace the document with an updated one by the due date.  I encourage you to utilize this tool to not only check yourself for plagiarism, but also to identify if you are over utilizing other sources instead of your own thinking. 

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University Academic Policies and Student Support

Course Catalog 

Search the OU Course Catalog.

Student Handbook

Please familiarize yourself with the OU Student Handbook.

Online Library

Access digital materials and other resources at OU Libraries.

Academic Misconduct

In addition to the course conduct policies outlined by your professor in the Course Syllabus in the online classroom, please review the Graduate Student Handbook. 

It is the responsibility of each student to be familiar with the definitions, policies, and procedures concerning academic misconduct. The Student Code is available from the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs, and is contained in the Student's Guide to Academic Integrity.

This site also defines misconduct, provides examples of prohibited conduct, and explains the sanctions available for those found guilty of misconduct.

Plagiarism 

Plagiarism is the most common form of academic misconduct at OU. There is basically no college-level assignment that can be satisfactorily completed by copying. OU's basic assumption about writing is that all written assignments show the student's own understanding in the student's own words. That means all writing assignments, in class or out, are assumed to be composed entirely of words generated (not simply found) by the student, except where words written by someone else are specifically marked as such with proper citation. Including other people's words in your paper is helpful when you do it honestly and correctly. When you don't, it's plagiarism. 

For more information about plagiarism, watch this video and then take this short course offered by University Libraries.

Diversity Statement

The University of Oklahoma is committed to achieving a diverse, equitable, and inclusive university community by embracing each person's unique contributions, background and perspective. The University of Oklahoma recognizes that fostering an inclusive environment for all, with particular attention to the needs of historically marginalized populations, is vital to the pursuit of excellence in all aspects of our institutional mission. This enhances the OU experience for all students, faculty and staff and for the communities we engage.

Land Acknowledgement

Long before the University of Oklahoma was established, the land on which the University now resides was the traditional home of the “Hasinais” Caddo Nation and “Kirikirʔi:s” Wichita & Affiliated Tribes.

We acknowledge this territory once also served as a hunting ground, trade exchange point, and migration route for the Apache, Comanche, Kiowa and Osage nations. 
Today, 39 tribal nations dwell in the state of Oklahoma as a result of settler and colonial policies that were designed to assimilate Native people.

The University of Oklahoma recognizes the historical connection our university has with its indigenous community. We acknowledge, honor and respect the diverse Indigenous peoples connected to this land. We fully recognize, support and advocate for the sovereign rights of all of Oklahoma’s 39 tribal nations. This acknowledgment is aligned with our university’s core value of creating a diverse and inclusive community. It is an institutional responsibility to recognize and acknowledge the people, culture and history that make up our entire OU Community.

Non-Discrimination Policy

The University does not discriminate or permit discrimination by any member of its community against any individual based on the individual’s race, color, religion, political beliefs, national origin, age (40 or older), sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, disability, or veteran status in matters of admissions, employment, financial aid, housing, services in educational programs or activities, or health care services that the University operates or provides. For more information, please contact the Institutional Equity Office.

Reasonable Accommodation for Disabilities

The University of Oklahoma is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for all students with disabilities. Students with disabilities who require accommodations in this course should contact their professor as early in the semester as possible.

Students with disabilities must be registered with the Accessibility and Disability Resource Center prior to receiving accommodations in this course.

If you have a disability and you would like to make a request for reasonable accommodation, please see the Graduate Student Handbook or get in touch with the Accessibility and Disability Resource Center.

Adjustments for Pregnancy/Childbirth Related Issues

Should you need modifications or adjustments to your course requirements because of documented pregnancy-related or childbirth-related issues, please contact me as soon as possible to discuss your options. Generally, modifications will be made where medically necessary and similar in scope to accommodations based on temporary disability. Learn more about the rights of pregnant and parenting students by consulting the FAQ sheets provided by the Institutional Equity Office.

Title IX Resources  

For any concerns regarding gender-based discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, stalking, or intimate partner violence, the University offers a variety of resources, including advocates on-call 24/7, counseling services, mutual no contact orders, scheduling adjustments and disciplinary sanctions against the perpetrator. Please contact the Title IX Office at 405-325-2215 (8–5, M–F) or OU Advocates at 405-615-0013 (24/7) to learn more or to report an incident. Also, please be advised that a professor/GA/TA is required to report instances of sexual harassment, sexual assault, or discrimination to the Sexual Misconduct Office.

Religious Holidays

It is the policy of the University to excuse absences of students that result from religious observances and to provide without penalty for the rescheduling of examinations and additional required classwork that may fall on religious holidays. It is the responsibility of the student to make alternate arrangements with the instructor at least one week prior to the actual date of the religious holiday.

Student Grievances

In addition to any policies outlined related to submitting an informal or formal grievance by your professor in the Course Syllabus in the online classroom, please review the Graduate Student Handbook for more information about the process of submitting a formal grievance.

Copyright Policy

It is illegal to download, upload, reproduce, or distribute any copyrighted material, in any form and in any fashion, without permission from the copyright holder or their authorized agent. The University of Oklahoma expects all members of its community to comply fully with federal copyright laws. If such laws appear to have been violated by any user, the university reserves the right (1) to terminate that user's access to some or all of the university's computer systems and information resources and (2) to take additional disciplinary actions as deemed necessary or appropriate. Repeat offenders will be sanctioned and their privileges terminated.

Registration and Withdrawal

If you choose to withdraw from this course, you must complete the appropriate University form and turn the form in before the deadline. If you stop attending the course and doing the coursework without doing the required paperwork, your grade will be calculated with missed homework and examination grades entered as zero. This could result in receiving a grade of F in the course. Deadlines are shown in the Academic Calendar, which is available from the Office of the Registrar.