SW 693 - Integrative Project

Units: 4
The integrative project provides students an opportunity to implement a significant community-based research, evaluation, or advocacy project relevant to social work practice. In doing so, students are expected to demonstrate mastery of all MSW Program Learning Outcomes.

Possible Instructional Methods: Hybrid.
Grading: A-F grading only.
Student Learning Outcomes - Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

Understand and analyze a social problem area by applying multiple perspectives and a broad range of resources, including academic, research-based, and community-based (PLOs: Critical Thinking/Applying Theory to Practice & Diversity)
Formulate advocacy and social change actions that are client-centered and solution-focused. (PLO: Advocacy)
Demonstrate mastery of all of the MSW Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs): a. Values and Ethics: Uphold the core values and ethical principles and standards of the social work profession as codified in the National Association of Social Worker’s Code of Ethics. b. Professional Use of Self: Conduct oneself autonomously in the professional social work role, including understanding personal values and biases and knowing their impact on clients, engaging in ongoing development of professional knowledge and skills, and exercising use of self in order to engage and collaborate effectively. c. Critical Thinking/Applying Theory to Practice: Use critical thinking skills in the analysis and synthesis of information, including in the application of evidence-based practice and theoretical material and in modifying intervention plans as needed. d. Advocacy: Advocate for clients, groups and communities in complex cultural, social and political situations. e. Diversity: Act with self-awareness and knowledge of diverse populations, with the commitment of providing culturally responsive services. f. Communication: Communicate effectively orally and in writing across diverse client and social services systems.
Assess their levels of skills and performance as well as needs for further professional development according to the ethics and competence standards defined by NASW and CSWE. (PLOs: Values & Ethics and Professional Use of Self).
Implement a community- or agency-based advocacy project that reflects agency and community needs, builds on agency and community strengths, and utilizes a promising or evidence-based social work-related practice based on theoretical and empirical literature, taking into account issues of social work ethics, diversity, and social and economic justice; (PLOs: All).
Adhere to ethical, political and organizational guidelines and policies while conducting an applied research project; (PLO: Values & Ethics).
Apply qualitative and quantitative participatory methods to program planning and evaluation; (PLO: Critical Thinking/Applying Theory to Practice).