Required Equipment:

Students must have a reliable computer and reliable internet connection. Mobile devices (cell phones and tablets devices) do not adequately support or run course content.

Computer Skills and Digital Information: All students are required to use a computer for this course. The required Browser is Google Chrome for Blackboard navigation.  Do not attempt to use Explorer or Safari for as they will not allow access to all Blackboard course content.  It is your responsibility to make sure that your computer is set up properly to navigate through all aspects of the class. 

All students should be able to use a word processor and its options such as spelling and grammar check and computer tutorials.

OVERVIEW OF COURSE

Introduction to Social Work is an overview of the history and development of social work as a profession. The course is designed to foster a philosophical, historical, and critical understanding of the social work profession, including social work values, ethics, and areas of practiced utilized under a Generalist Intervention Model (SOCW 2631 is included in the Social Work Field of Study.)  

A unique aspect of Introduction to Social Work continues to be its advocacy framework for understanding the historical development of social work, important figures influencing social work history, multiple practice settings, and the types of practice performed. In our textbook, social work is organized into three parts. Part One introduces reader to a definition of social work, reviews the history of the profession, and describes the advocacy as a major aspect of social work. Part Two examines how social workers respond to human needs – poverty and inequality, family and child welfare, health care and health care challenges, physical and mental challenges, mental health, substance use and addiction, helping older adults, and criminal justice. Part Three goes beyond the standard text coverage by including chapters on communities at risk and housing; the changing workplace; veterans, their families and military social work; environmentalism; and international social work. 

Please read and review your syllabus thoroughly. Pay close attention to the grading scale, the structure of the course, and what is expected from you during the semester. Below you will find how this course is structured in Blackboard. You may want to print these ORIENTATION NOTES and have them handy throughout the semester. 

Blackboard Menu Links You Will Navigate Throughout the Semester Include: 

Your Instructor - This link is located on the left hand side of the Blackboard Course. With this link, you are able to email your instructor. Office hours include Virtual hours per student request.

Roster - This link is also located on the left hand side of the Blackboard Course. You can use this link to also to email your instructor or other students in the class.

Announcements - Course updates and reminders of upcoming due dates for assignments and exams will be announced here. Check the course announcements regularly. Also, all announcements will be sent through your MYLAMAR student email.

Syllabus - The syllabus link can be found under the WELCOME START HERE LINK. 

COURSE CONTENT LINK

• ORIENTATION INFORMATION/START HERE: You will find your instructions on your Syllabus, Orientation Notes, and your Introduction Paragraph Blog, and Syllabus and Orientation Exam
• MODULES: Each Module includes chapter lecture assignments, “time to think” exercises, major exam reviews, and major exams. You will also find helpful videos and chapter power points.  Below please find a description of each:

1. CHAPTER LECTURE ASSIGNMENTS are equivalent to lectures if you were taking this course as a “face to face” class. CHAPTER LECTURE ASSIGNMENTS are chapter postings that give particular topics of interest. You will be given “posting instructions” which instruct you on what you need to discuss. These lecture assignments will only benefit you. You will see the information again on your exams. Please use the required textbook when completing the these particular assignments. Please do NOT use “Google” or “Wikipedia” to complete these lecture assignments. You may use any format when completing these assignments, such as paragraph form, bullets, highlighting terms, whatever helps you to remember the information.  Each lecture assignment is worth 10 points. You will have 15 Chapter Lecture Assignment which totals 150pts. The due dates will be on the CALENDAR.
2. TIME TO THINK ASSIGNMENTS can also be found through the MODULES link. Each journal will be worth 10 points and there will be a total of 15 of these assignments which totals 150 points. These assignments MUST be at least 300 words in length in order to receive credit. Due dates will be posted on the CALENDAR. 
3. ASSESSMENTS/EXAMS: There will 4 major exams worth 100 points for each exam. These exams will NOT require a proctor. You will find the exams under each Module. You will also be given and PRE-TEST and a POST-TEST. These test DO NOT count toward your grades. However, they will be in your grade book. Please do not count these grades in with your total points. I will give you extra credit for completing both tests. 
4. RESEARCH PAPER: The research paper will require each student to choose stated in the Part Two section of the book.   This topic must be approved by the instructor. This paper is worth 200 points and will be due at the end of the semester. The specific due date will be placed on the CALENDAR. Further instructions, including a detailed outline will be provided in the Blackboard course. 

• Calendar – This link is located at the top of the Blackboard Course page. This link should be the MOST USED link in the course. ALL due dates for assignments and exam can be found on the Calendar. HINT: Be sure your set your view of the Calendar in the MONTH view and not the WEEKLY view. You can click on the assignment or exam on the Calendar and it will take you to that assignment or exam. HINT: All assignments and exams are available at the beginning of the semester, If you would like to work ahead or have time to complete future assignments, they are available to you. HINT: If you know you have an extra curricular activity during the week and you know it will be a busy week, please take advantage of the opportunity to complete that assignment ahead of time. 
• Gradebook - Routinely check this folder to keep track of graded assignments and exams. A zero (0) will automatically be placed in the gradebook if an assignment is incomplete after the due date.
• EMAIL Please email me through the “MYLAMAR email. I will only respond to students through their MYLAMAR email. You can find my email in the Instructor link. You may also call or text me at 409-698-0826.

Many assignments in this class require research and your own thoughts and opinions. We will identify and address many of American’s social problems and how social workers fit in to these problems. The material in this class can be sensitive topics. Therefore, we want to remain respectful and sensitive to others throughout this course. 

I hope this ORIENTATION INFORMATION has helped you obtain a better understanding of what this course entails. If you should have any questions, please feel free to contact me. You may contact me primarily through the Blackboard, and your MYLAMAR email. I check my course daily. If for some reason you are not able to access the internet you may call me on my cell phone 409-698-0826. PLEASE do not abuse this privilege. You may text me or call me either way just PLEASE identify yourself because I don’t have you in my CONTACTS!! J

I look forward to this semester!