KENNESAW STATE UNIVERSITY
GRADUATE COURSE PROPOSAL OR REVISION,
Cover Sheet (10/02/2002)
Course Number/Program Name Social Work (MSW)
Department Social Work and Human Services
Degree Title (if applicable) Master of Social Work
Proposed Effective Date Fall, 2010
Check one or more of the following and complete the appropriate sections:
x
New Course Proposal
Course Title Change
Course Number Change
Course Credit Change
Course Prerequisite Change
Course Description Change
Sections to be Completed
II, III, IV, V, VII
I, II, III
I, II, III
I, II, III
I, II, III
I, II, III
Notes:
If proposed changes to an existing course are substantial (credit hours, title, and description), a new course with a
new number should be proposed.
A new Course Proposal (Sections II, III, IV, V, VII) is required for each new course proposed as part of a new
program. Current catalog information (Section I) is required for each existing course incorporated into the
program.
Minor changes to a course can use the simplified E-Z Course Change Form.
Submitted by:
Faculty Member
Approved
_____
Date
Not Approved
Department Curriculum Committee Date
Approved
Approved
Approved
Approved
Approved
Approved
Not Approved
Department Chair
Date
College Curriculum Committee
Date
College Dean
Date
GPCC Chair
Date
Dean, Graduate College
Date
Not Approved
Not Approved
Not Approved
Not Approved
Not Approved
Vice President for Academic Affairs Date
Approved
Not Approved
President
Date
KENNESAW STATE UNIVERSITY
GRADUATE COURSE/CONCENTRATION/PROGRAM CHANGE
I.
Current Information (Fill in for changes)
Page Number in Current Catalog
___
Course Prefix and Number
___
Course Title
___
Class Hours
____Laboratory Hours_______Credit Hours________
Prerequisites
___
Description (or Current Degree Requirements)
II.
Proposed Information (Fill in for changes and new courses)
Course Prefix and Number _____SW 8707______________________________
Course Title _Forensic Social Work______________
___________
Class Hours
3____Laboratory Hours___0____CreditHours_____3___
Prerequisites Admission to the Social Work Program
Description (or Proposed Degree Requirements)
This course will cover the varied contributions and professional skills that social workers provide
in the legal system generally, and the criminal justice system specifically. Students will become
familiar with both civil (family law) and criminal law in order to better understand the relevance of
social work knowledge and skills in these systems. This course will include a focus on the
following: the significance of the social worker as mitigation specialists in capital cases; the
relationship between legal and social work ethics; developing and presenting mental health
evidence; working with experts in related fields; risk and support factors in child development
which influence behavior; the concept of restorative justice as an alternative to traditional notions
of criminal justice; the competency of an accused to understand rights, to waive rights, to be tried
and to be executed; the role of the social worker in juvenile justice; and an emphasis on community
supervision, parole and reentry as part of the criminal justice system.
III.
Justification
MSW graduates must be equipped for entry level professional practice in a variety of
clinical settings. Assessment and treatment planning skills are essential for such practice.
As professional staff, our social work graduates will be expected to perform intake and
other diagnostic services, lead treatment planning teams, and design effective
interventions for adults, children, and families.
IV.
Additional Information (for New Courses only)
Instructor: :Lisa B. Johnson
Text: Barker, R. and Branson, D. (2000). Forensic Social Work: Legal Aspects of
Professional Practice. Second Edition. New York: Hawthorne Press
Prerequisites:
Objectives:
- Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:
1.
Clarify the relationship between legal and social work ethics;
2.
Assess the role of the social worker in developing mental health evidence;
3.
Assess the role of the social worker as an expert witness. Students will be able to demonstrate
an understanding of state law applicable to expert testimony and skills that are needed for
effective testimony;
4.
Explain the concepts of victim advocacy in the criminal justice system and identify the roles
advocates play and the stakeholders who benefit from the assistance of the social worker.
5.
Identify and request those records needed to tell the story of the client's life;
6.
Explore alternatives to incarceration, including deferred adjudication and community
supervision. Students will be able to recognize the role the social worker plays in diagnosing a
possible cause of criminal behavior, identify solutions to behavioral problems, and access local
community based services that can address the causes of the behavior. Problems with inmate
reentry into the community will be identified and solutions will be brainstormed.
7.
Assess the various methods of risk assessments for their applicability to the criminal justice
process.
8.
Identify and assess the risk factors and supports that influence criminal behavior in juveniles
and how the juvenile system differs from the adult system.
9.
Dissect the Texas Competency to Stand Trial statute and compare it to standards relating
to competency to understand rights, to waive rights and competency to be executed;
10. Define mitigating evidence by exploring applicable state and federal statutory and case law,
and apply the concept of mitigation to both capital and non-capital cases.
Instructional Method
- The major
cognitive method will be lecture/discussion and speakers. Experiential methods
include group exercises, role-plays, videotapes as supplements to class materials. Affective
methods include class discussion, papers, and practice with vulnerable clients. Students will be
expected to have read materials before each class meeting and be prepared to discuss reading
assignments. Students will not be able to participate in experiential exercises and class
discussions unless they are present in class. Therefore, class attendance and participation is
imperative.
Method of Evaluation
- Class
attendance and participation
Research Paper
Mid-term exam
Final Exam
V.
10%
30%
30%
30%
100%
Resources and Funding Required (New Courses only)
Resource
Amount
Faculty
Other Personnel
Equipment
Supplies
Travel
New Books
New Journals
Other (Specify)
TOTAL
Funding Required Beyond
Normal Departmental Growth
0
VI. COURSE MASTER FORM
This form will be completed by the requesting department and will be sent to the Office of the
Registrar once the course has been approved by the Office of the President.
The form is required for all new courses.
DISCIPLINE
COURSE NUMBER
COURSE TITLE FOR LABEL
(Note: Limit 30 spaces)
CLASS-LAB-CREDIT HOURS
Approval, Effective Term
Grades Allowed (Regular or S/U)
If course used to satisfy CPC, what areas?
Learning Support Programs courses which are
required as prerequisites
Social Work
SW 8707
Forensic Social Work
3-0-3
Fall, 2010
APPROVED:
________________________________________________
Vice President for Academic Affairs or Designee __
KENNESAW STATE UNIVERSITY
COLLEGE OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WORK AND HUMAN SERVICES
MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK PROGRAM
SW 8707 Forensic Social Work
Instructor:
Lisa B. Johnson, Ph.D., L.C.S.W
Meeting Time:
Thursdays 6:30pm-9:15pm
Semester Credits:
3 hrs.
Email Address:
Ljohn120@kennesaw.edu
Phone Number:
678-797-2165
Office:
220 Pilcher Building
Office Hours:
Mondays 5:30-6:30pm, Wednesdays 9:30am-11:30pm and
1:30-2:30pm, Thursdays 5:30pm-6:30pm or by
appointment
REQUIRED TEXTS
Barker, R. and Branson, D. (2000). Forensic Social Work: Legal Aspects of Professional
Practice. Second Edition. New York: Hawthorne Press
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course will cover the varied contributions and professional skills that social workers provide
in the legal system generally, and the criminal justice system specifically. Students will become
familiar with both civil (family law) and criminal law in order to better understand the relevance of
social work knowledge and skills in these systems. This course will include a focus on the
following: the significance of the social worker as mitigation specialists in capital cases; the
relationship between legal and social work ethics; developing and presenting mental health
evidence; working with experts in related fields; risk and support factors in child development
which influence behavior; the concept of restorative justice as an alternative to traditional notions
of criminal justice; the competency of an accused to understand rights, to waive rights, to be tried
and to be executed; the role of the social worker in juvenile justice; and an emphasis on community
supervision, parole and reentry as part of the criminal justice system.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:
9.
Clarify the relationship between legal and social work ethics;
10. Assess the role of the social worker in developing mental health evidence;
11. Assess the role of the social worker as an expert witness. Students will be able to demonstrate
an understanding of state law applicable to expert testimony and skills that are needed for
effective testimony;
12. Explain the concepts of victim advocacy in the criminal justice system and identify the roles
advocates play and the stakeholders who benefit from the assistance of the social worker.
13. Identify and request those records needed to tell the story of the client's life;
14. Explore alternatives to incarceration, including deferred adjudication and community
supervision. Students will be able to recognize the role the social worker plays in diagnosing a
possible cause of criminal behavior, identify solutions to behavioral problems, and access local
community based services that can address the causes of the behavior. Problems with inmate
reentry into the community will be identified and solutions will be brainstormed.
15. Assess the various methods of risk assessments for their applicability to the criminal justice
process.
16. Identify and assess the risk factors and supports that influence criminal behavior in juveniles
and how the juvenile system differs from the adult system.
9.
Dissect the Texas Competency to Stand Trial statute and compare it to standards relating
to competency to understand rights, to waive rights and competency to be executed;
10. Define mitigating evidence by exploring applicable state and federal statutory and case law,
and apply the concept of mitigation to both capital and non-capital cases.
METHODS OF INSTRUCTION
The major cognitive method will be lecture/discussion and speakers. Experiential methods
include group exercises, role-plays, videotapes as supplements to class materials. Affective
methods include class discussion, papers, and practice with vulnerable clients. Students will be
expected to have read materials before each class meeting and be prepared to discuss reading
assignments. Students will not be able to participate in experiential exercises and class
discussions unless they are present in class. Therefore, class attendance and participation is
imperative.
Academic Integrity Statement
Every KSU student is responsible for upholding the provisions of the Student Code of Conduct,
as published in the Undergraduate and Graduate Catalogs. Section II of the Student Code of
Conduct addresses the University’s policy on academic honesty, including provisions regarding
plagiarism and cheating, unauthorized access to University materials,
misrepresentation/falsification of University records or academic work, malicious removal,
retention, or destruction of library materials, malicious/intentional misuse of computer facilities
and/or services, and misuse of student identification cards. Incidents of alleged academic
misconduct will be handled through the established procedures of the University Judiciary
Program, which includes either an “informal” resolution by a faculty member, resulting in a
grade adjustment, or a formal hearing procedure, which may subject a student to the Code of
Conduct’s minimum one semester suspension requirement.
Accommodations for Students with Disabilities
If you believe you qualify for course adaptations or special accommodations under the
Americans with Disabilities Act, it is your responsibility to contact the disAbled Student Support
Services office in the Student Development Center and provide the appropriate documentation. If
you have already documented a disability or other condition that would qualify you for special
accommodations, or if you have emergency medical information or special needs I should know
about, please notify me during the first week of class. You can reach me by phone or e-mail, or
you can schedule an appointment to meet with me.
Statement of Diversity and Nondiscrimination
Discriminatory and harassing behaviors are reprehensible and will not be tolerated at Kennesaw
State University Master of Social Work Program. As they subvert the mission of the University
and the MSW program, violate social work code of ethics, and threaten the careers, educational
experiences and well being of students, faculty and staff. The University and the MSW program
will not tolerate behaviors between or among members of the University community, which
create an unacceptable working environment. Similarly, the Instructor will tolerate neither
discriminatory nor harassing behaviors between or among students enrolled in the course. The
program promotes an atmosphere of inclusion, non-judgmental, and empowerment.
CLASS EXPECTATIONS
INCOMPLETE POLICY- A grade of Incomplete or “I” will not be given unless the student
contacts the instructor and makes special arrangements for making up the required work. Only
emergency situations that prohibit a student from completing the course will warrant a grade of
“I”. Therefore, it will not be given automatically.
ATTENDANCE POLICY- Students are expected to attend each and every class and to arrive
on time. Roll will be taken regularly. Students are allowed to miss two classes without penalty.
After two absences, you will lose 1 point of your attendance/participation grade for each
additional day missed (up to 10 points maximum). Students do not need to notify the professor
regarding the reason for their absence(s). Be aware that tardiness will also affect your final
grade. Please turn off all cell phones and pagers during class.
MAKE-UP POLICY- Make-up exams, as a rule, will not be permitted. Only in extraordinary
circumstances this may be considered. If a make-up exam is warranted, it will be an essay exam.
ASSIGNMENTS POLICY- All written assignments must be uploaded to
http://www.turnitin.com*. All assignments will need to be uploaded by the start of class on the
scheduled due date. Please be sure to print out your electronic receipt and keep it as a record of
the time that you turned it in. Late assignments (after class starts) will be penalized as follows:
1(starting after 6:30 p.m.)-2 days (-10%), 3-4 days (-20%), 5-7 days (-30%), 7+ days not accepted. Students who
are unable to email an assignment on the date it is due may place it in the instructor's mailbox in the main office of
the Department of Human Services by the start of class (6:30 p.m.) on the due date in order for it not to be
considered late. It MUST be date/time stamped (there is one at the front counter). If it is not date/time stamped by
the time indicated, it will be considered late. Students will then be responsible for getting an electronic copy to the
instructor as soon as possible.
All papers must be completed per APA 5th edition guidelines (see www.apastyle.org). That includes, but is not
limited to, using double-spacing, as well as standard fonts (Times New Roman 12) and margins (1 inch on all sides).
Page number requirements do not include the cover page, reference pages or appendices**.
For all assignments: References counted as ‘required’ include ONLY peer reviewed journal articles or book
chapters published from a scholarly press (such as Columbia University Press, Free Press, Allyn & Bacon, etc. [ask
if you are not sure]). Other references may be utilized; however, they do not count as a required reference.
*IMPORTANT: In order to submit assignments you will need the following class ID: 2790816 and enrollment
password: forensic
** The KSU Writing Center is a free service offered to all KSU students. Experienced, friendly
writing assistants work with you throughout the writing process on concerns such as topic
development, revision, research, documentation, grammar, and mechanics. Rather than edit your
paper for you, writing assistants will help you learn strategies to become a better writer on your
own. For more information or to make an appointment (appointments are strongly encouraged),
visit http://www.kennesaw.edu/english/WritingCenter, or stop by Room 242 in the English
Building.
CRITERIA FOR STUDENT EVALUATION
Progress will be evaluated utilizing the following criteria:
Class attendance and participation
Research Paper
Mid-term exam
Final Exam
10%
30%
30%
30%
100%
Course grades will be assigned on the basis of:
A = 89.5% or greater
B = 79.5% - 89.49%
C = 69.5% - 79.49%
D = 59.5% - 69.49%
F = Below 59.49%
COURSE OUTLINE AND READINGS (Tentative)
VII: COURSE OUTLINE
1.
Understanding Concepts of the Social Worker's Role Developing Mitigating evidence
Wiggins v. Smith, 123 S.Ct. 123 S.Ct. 2727 (2003) Williams v, Taylor, 529 U.S. 362 (2000)
Robert L. Barker and Douglas M. Branson, Forensic Social Work: Legal Aspects of
Professional Practice. Second Edition. The Hawthorne Press New York (2000). (Chapters 1 &
2)
2.
Theories of Causation of Violent and Criminal Activity
Child Trauma Academy: www.childtrauma.org
Research assignment: Find 3 articles that are describe risk factors that can lead to criminal
conduct. These can be from any area, including substance addiction, trauma, dependency and
neglect, attachment disorder. Robert L. Barker and Douglas M. Branson, Forensic Social Work:
Legal Aspects of Professional Practice. Second Edition. The Hawthorne Press New York
(2000). (Chapter 3)
3.
The Social Workers' Role in Developing Mental Health Evidence
Robert L. Barker and Douglas M. Branson, Forensic Social Work: Legal Aspects of
Professional Practice. Second Edition. The Hawthorne Press New York (2000). (Chapters 5 &
6)
4.
The Bio/Psycho/Social History in Evaluating Responsibility for Conduct
Robert L. Barker and Douglas M. Branson, Forensic Social Work: Legal Aspects of
Professional Practice. Second Edition. The Hawthorne Press New York (2000). (Chapters 7 &
8)
5.
Expert Testimony
Robert L. Barker and Douglas M. Branson, Forensic Social Work: Legal Aspects of
Professional Practice. Second Edition. The Hawthorne Press New York (2000). (Chapter 4).
6.
Defining Competency
Ford v. Wainwright, 477 U.S. 399 (1986)
Robert L. Barker and Douglas M. Branson, Forensic Social Work: Legal Aspects of
Professional Practice. Second Edition. The Hawthorne Press New York (2000). (Chapter
9)
7.
Mid-term
8.
Risk Assessments
Edens, et al, "Predictions of Future Dangerousness in Capital Murder Trials: It is Time to 'Disinvent the Wheel'"? Law and Human Behavior, Vol. 29., No.l, Feb. 2005
Robert L. Barker and Douglas M. Branson, Forensic Social Work: Legal Aspects of
Professional Practice. Second Edition. The Hawthorne Press New York (2000). (Chapter
10)
9.
Forensic Interviewing (TBA) Guest Speaker
10-12.
Presentations
13.
CASA Guest Speaker
14.
Angela’s House Guest Speaker
15.
Stewards of Children Training
16.
Test review and evaluations
17.
Final Exam
ASSIGNMENTS
The following activities will be completed during the semester with points given for each course
requirement. Grading will be based on a total of 100 possible percentage points accrued by the end
of the course.
(a)
Class Participation
Students are expected to attend all classes and participate meaningfully in class discussion.
Emphasis is placed not only on familiarity with assigned reading, but also on the student's creativity
in identification of issues and proposed solutions.
PERCENTAGE OF GRADE: 10/100
(b)
Research Paper
One research paper (10 pages in length) will be required of each student. Students should
identify the research topic by the second week of class. An outline and list of sources will be
due by the third week of class. The paper will be due the sixth week of class. No late papers
will be accepted. Failure to cite relevant sources (10 sources) will result in no credit being
given for quality of research (35% of research paper grade). The paper will be graded as
follows:
Significance of the issue to the course topic:
Quality of research apparent in the paper:
Clarity in identifying the issue and discussion:
Adherence to Publication manual of the American
Psychological Association . An outline will be
provided on the first day of class.
20%
35%
35%
10%
Total 100%.
The grade on the research paper will make up 30% of the course grade.
PERCENTAGE OF GRADE 30/100
(c) Examinations
Objective examinations will be given as a mid-term and final examination. The tests may
include true/false, multiple choice, and/or essay questions.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Allen-Meares, Paula. (1995). Social Work with Children and Adolescents. New
York: Longman Publishers.
Ammerman, R. and Hersen M. (1997). Handbook of Prevention and Treatment with
Children and Adolescents: Intervention in the Real World. John Wiley and Sons.
Bloomquist, M. and Schnell, S. (2002). Helping children with aggression and conduct
problems. Best practices for intervention. New York: Guilford Press
Boik Labovitz, Barbara and Goodwin, Anna E. (2000). Sandplay Therapy: A Step By
Step Manual for Psychotherapists of Diverse Orientations. New York: W.W. Norton and Co.
Boyd-Webb, N. (2003). Social Work Practice with Children. Guilford Press.
Bromfield, Richard.(1992). Playing for Real: The World of A Child Therapist. New
York: Penguin, Dutton Book.
Chicchetti, D. and Toth, S. (1998). Developmental Perspectives on Trauma: the
Rochester Symposium. University of Rochester Press.
Cohen, N.J. (2001). Language impairment and psychopathology in infants, children and
adolescents: Assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. New York: Guilford Press.
Coyle, J.T. (2000). Psychotropic drug use in very young children. Journal of the
American Medical Association, 283, 1156.
Davis Fishman, Kathrine. (1995). Behind the One-Way Mirror: Psychotherapy and
Children. Batam Books.
Fraser, M. (1997). Risk and Resilience in Childhood: An Ecological Perspective.
NASW Press.
Malchiodi, Cathy A. (1998).Understanding Children’s Drawings. New York: The
Guilford Press.
Malekoff, A. (1997). Group Work with Adolescents. Guilford Press.
Mash, E. and Barkley, R. (1998). Treatment of Childhood Disorders. Guilford Press.
Steinberg, L. (2004). The ten basic principles of good parenting. New York: Simon and
Schuster.
Timberlake, E. and Cutler, M. (2002). Developmental play therapy in clinical social
work. Needham heights, MA: Allyn and Bacon
COURSE SYLLABUS REVIEW STATEMENT AND SIGNATURE FORM
I have carefully read the syllabus for SW 8707and have had the opportunity to ask the instructor any questions that I
may have about it. I understand its contents, including the course requirements and grading policy.
_______________________________________________________
Print Name
_______________________________________________________
Signature
_________________________
Date