Southern Utah University

Course Syllabus

Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Fall Semester 2025

SWP: Individuals & Families (Face-to-Face)

SW 3100-01

Course: SW 3100-01
Credits: 3
Term: Fall Semester 2025
Department: FLHD
CRN: 31212

Course Description

This social work practice course introduces students to the values, knowledge, and skills essential for generalist social work practice. This course focuses on the integration of theory, methods, and skills as they apply to practice with individuals and families. This course provides students with an in-depth examination of the problem-solving process within individual, familial, and ecosystem developmental frameworks. This course emphasizes the engagement of clients in a professional working relationship with a focus on intra- and inter-personal communication skills and case-management assessment and treatment planning. (Fall, Spring [As Needed]) [Graded (Standard Letter)] Prerequisite(s): SW 2100 - Prerequisite Min. Grade: C Registration Restriction(s): Social work majors only

Required Texts

Cournoyer, B. R. (2016). The Social Work Skills Workbook (8th Ed.). Cengage Learning.

Learning Outcomes


By the end of this course, you will be able to:

  1. Develop professional knowledge and skills necessary to be proficient in facilitating groups and practicing within different cultures and human diversity.
  2. Apply social work values, ethics, and principles of social work practice within the context of a community setting.
  3. Develop critical thinking skills within the context of professional social work practice.
  4. Develop a breadth of experience when it comes to human diversity; appreciate human diversity; identify discrimination and oppression, and explore ways to advance social and economic justice within the context of community settings.
  5. Apply skills of the generalist social work model within community settings and with systems of all sizes.
  6. Apply and integrate a variety of social work methods and theoretical frameworks when working with individuals, families, organizations, communities, culture and society.
  7. Develop a better understanding of the bio/psycho/social context of individual human development and behavior.
  8. Increase your capacity to communicate in a variety of social work situations and contexts, i.e. communications with clients/co-workers.
  9. Develop the skill, leadership, and knowledge necessary to work more effectively with organizations and social systems, and to seek necessary change.

Course Requirements


Assignment Outline

Assignments (151)


Course assessments will range from interview supplements to larger projects.  Refer to this section in the Assignments tab of the course navigation for a clearer list of what assignments will be in this course, or refer to the weekly Module.

Interview Notes (140 Points)


In preparation for each interview, you will complete interview notes. These will be due before each interview is conducted. They should be written according to the writing expectations section.

SimuCase Case Studies (150 Points)


There will be bi-weekly case studies starting in Week 3, Module 3.  The goal of this case study is to provide you with real-world scenarios you may find in the field of social work.

Experiential Interview Assignments (350 Points)


Throughout the semester you will complete an interview with a practice client you select. This client and you will work together as the social worker and client throughout the semester. At the end of each chapter, you will complete the instructions in the text regarding the Chapter Experiential Interview Exercise. You will conduct your interview according to the notes you have prepared. You will also video record each interview to be shown in class. The interview will then be shown in class and you will be given feedback. The feedback will then be recorded and you will turn the completed assignment in with each of the needed parts, interview, transcript notes, feedback, and adjusted transcription based on the feedback. Description Assessment Contract / Social history report (100 Points): See Appendix 9 for an example of this assignment.

Interview Discussions


On the assigned date, the class as a whole will have one full class period to demonstrate the interviewing and counseling skills they have learned throughout the semester by using each of the following techniques: video of group members demonstrating skills, live role plays of various skills learned throughout the semester, and PowerPoint slides to complement the presentations as needed but used sparingly. All three formats must be included in the presentations. Presentation grade will be based on creativity and competence of skills.  Members will be graded as a group, not individually. A rubric evaluation system will be used by the instructor. Information contained in this syllabus (other than grading, late assignments, makeup work, and attendance policies), may be subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.

Exams / Quizzes (100 Points)


In lieu of a midterm exam, there will be several assignments and presentations due as listed in this syllabus. Your assignments will be considered your midterm so please treat your assignments as such. As mentioned earlier, no late assignments will be accepted so be sure to have them ready to turn in on the assigned date 


Quizzes are a great way to encourage reading. Each week there will be one (possibly two) reading quizzes due. Quizzes will open the previous week before they are due. Quizzes are objective (e.g., multiple-choice, matching, and true/false) and worth 10 points. Quizzes are time-limited, Quizzes will be administered through Canvas utilizing Proctorio.

Professional Engagement 


This assignment is based on your class attendance and participation in the class. Due to the nature of this course, it is important to be in attendance, engaged, and involved. This course is also a pre-requisite for practicum.


This course and your engagement will be a reflection of the professional behavior expected to participate in a practicum. Each week you will be given points based on the criteria below. 


Accordingly, we expect social work students to demonstrate courtesy, respect, and support for fellow students, instructors, clients, and all other persons. While the values of the profession are codified in the NASW Code of Ethics, the following additional standards of behavior are to be exhibited as well by all students enrolled in the social work program and this course: See rubric for further details.



1. Attendance: Attends classes and related meetings (CSWE EPAS 2.1.1)
2. Punctuality: Is punctual and present (CSWE EPAS 2.1.1)
3. Initiation of Communication: Initiates communication with the professor/supervisor
(CSWE EPAS 2.1.1; 2.1.3)
4. Course Engagement: Demonstrates appropriate engagement in class
activities/discussions (CSWE EPAS 2.1.1)
5. Responsiveness to Feedback: Demonstrates evidence of motivation to improve oneself (CSWE EPAS 2.1.1)

Course Outline

DateDetailsDue
 | Assignment Chapter 6: Interview | due by 11:59pm
Assignment OPLR video quiz | due by 11:59pm
| Quiz Syllabus Quiz | due by 11:59pm
Assignment Announcements Agreement | due by 11:59pm
| Quiz Chapters 5 & 6 Quiz | due by 11:59pm
 Assignment Unofficial interview practice | due by 11:59pm
 Quiz Commenced Attendance Quiz | due by 11:59pm
Assignment Roleplay & Interview Consent Forms | due by 11:59pm
 Quiz Pre-Assessment Questions About VR | due by 11:59pm
Assignment Vr Assessment 2 | due by 11:59pm
Sun  Discussion Topic Chapter 6 and 7 Interview Discussion | due by 11:59pm
Assignment Chapter 6 and 7: Interview Notes | due by 11:59pm
Assignment VR Practice 1 | due by 11:59pm
Tue  Assignment SimuCase Case Study 1 | due by 11:59pm
Thu | Assignment Alternate assignment Social Work day on the hill | due by 11:59pm
Sun  Quiz Chapters 6 & 7 Quiz | due by 11:59pm
Assignment Chapter 6 and 7: Experiential Interview Assignment | due by 11:59pm
Assignment Week 3: Chapter 8 Interview Notes due | due by 11:59pm
Sun  Discussion Topic Chapter 8 Interview Discussion | due by 11:59pm
Quiz Chapter 8 Quiz | due by 11:59pm
Assignment Chapter 8: Experiential Interview Assignment | due by 11:59pm
Assignment Social Work Program Entrance Survey | due by 11:59pm
Assignment VR Practice 2 | due by 11:59pm
Wed  Discussion Topic Introduction / OPLR Discussion | due by 11:59pm
Sun Quiz Chapers 8 & 9 Quiz | due by 11:59pm
Assignment SimuCase Case Study 2 | due by 11:59pm
Assignment Week 5: Chapter 9 Interview Notes | due by 11:59pm
Sun  Discussion Topic Chapter 9 Interview Discussion | due by 11:59pm
Assignment Chapter 9: Experiential Interview Assignment | due by 11:59pm
Assignment SimuCase Case Study 3 | due by 11:59pm
Assignment VR Practice 3 | due by 11:59pm
Fri Discussion Topic Chapter 9 Interview Discussion(1 student) | due by 11:59pm
Sun  Quiz Chapter 10 Quiz | due by 11:59pm
Assignment Week 7: Chapter 10 Interview Notes | due by 11:59pm
Sun | Discussion Topic Chapter 10 Interview Discussion | due by 11:59pm
Quiz Chapter 11 Quiz | due by 11:59pm
Assignment Chapter 10: Experiential Interview Assignment | due by 11:59pm
Assignment VR Practice 4 | due by 11:59pm
Sun  Assignment Week 9: Chapter 11 Interview Notes | due by 11:59pm
Sun  Assignment SimuCase Case Study 4 | due by 11:59pm
Assignment Week 11: Chapter 12 Interview Notes | due by 11:59pm
Sun | Discussion Topic Chapter 11 Interview Discussion | due by 11:59pm
Quiz Chapter 12 Quiz | due by 11:59pm
Assignment Chapter 11: Experiential Interview Assignment | due by 11:59pm
Sun  | Discussion Topic Chapter 12 Interview Discussion | due by 11:59pm
Quiz Chapter 13 Quiz | due by 11:59pm
Assignment SimuCase Case Study 5 | due by 11:59pm
Assignment VR Practice 5 | due by 11:59pm
Assignment VR Practice 6 | due by 11:59pm
Assignment Week 13: Chapter 13 Interview Notes | due by 11:59pm
Sun | Quiz Post Assessment Questions About VR | due by 11:59pm
Assignment Chapter 12: Experiential Interview Assignment | due by 11:59pm
Sun  Discussion Topic Chapter 13 Interview Discussion | due by 11:59pm
Assignment Chapter 13: Experiential Interview Assignment | due by 11:59pm
Assignment SimuCase Case Study 6 | due by 11:59pm
Assignment VR Post Assessment 2 | due by 11:59pm
Thu  | Assignment Description Assessment Contract / Social History Report | due by 11:59pm
| Assignment Chapter Student Presentation (100 Points)
Discussion Topic Conclusion Discussion
Assignment Professional Engagement
Assignment Professional Engagement
Assignment Professional Engagement
Assignment Professional Engagement
Assignment Professional Engagement
Assignment Professional Engagement
Assignment Professional Engagement
Assignment Professional Engagement
Assignment Professional Engagement
Assignment Professional Engagement
Assignment Professional Engagement
Assignment Professional Engagement
Assignment Professional Engagement
Assignment Professional Engagement
Assignment VR Practice 7

Instructor's policies on late assignments and/or makeup work

Late Policy/Make Up Work - Late work will not be accepted unless you have an emergency situation. If so, please reach out as soon as possible. If you feel your situation warrants further consideration, please reach out to the disability resource center for approval of accommodations if circumstances require. 

Attendance Policy

If you are registered for a Face-to-Face, Synchronous Remote, Hybrid, or Remote Hybrid course, attendance is required. If you are ill or instructed to isolate or quarantine, you may request that a faculty member record the class and share it with you, but evidence of your illness or other status may be required. In order for you to receive academic accommodations and ensure that your request is communicated to faculty, you must submit this self-report form. If you miss more than three classes, you will not pass the course and will need to retake the course due to the experiential nature of the course. 

ADA Statement

Students with medical, psychological, learning, or other disabilities desiring academic adjustments, accommodations, or auxiliary aids will need to contact the Disability Resource Center, located in Room 206F of the Sharwan Smith Center or by phone at (435) 865-8042. The Disability Resource Center determines eligibility for and authorizes the provision of services.

If your instructor requires attendance, you may need to seek an ADA accommodation to request an exception to this attendance policy. Please contact the Disability Resource Center to determine what, if any, ADA accommodations are reasonable and appropriate.

Academic Credit

According to the federal definition of a Carnegie credit hour: A credit hour of work is the equivalent of approximately 60 minutes of class time or independent study work. A minimum of 45 hours of work by each student is required for each unit of credit. Credit is earned only when course requirements are met. One (1) credit hour is equivalent to 15 contact hours of lecture, discussion, testing, evaluation, or seminar, as well as 30 hours of student homework. An equivalent amount of work is expected for laboratory work, internships, practica, studio, and other academic work leading to the awarding of credit hours. Credit granted for individual courses, labs, or studio classes ranges from 0.5 to 15 credit hours per semester.

Academic Freedom

SUU is operated for the common good of the greater community it serves. The common good depends upon the free search for truth and its free exposition. Academic Freedom is the right of faculty to study, discuss, investigate, teach, and publish. Academic Freedom is essential to these purposes and applies to both teaching and research.

Academic Freedom in the realm of teaching is fundamental for the protection of the rights of the faculty member and of you, the student, with respect to the free pursuit of learning and discovery. Faculty members possess the right to full freedom in the classroom in discussing their subjects. They may present any controversial material relevant to their courses and their intended learning outcomes, but they shall take care not to introduce into their teaching controversial materials which have no relation to the subject being taught or the intended learning outcomes for the course.

As such, students enrolled in any course at SUU may encounter topics, perspectives, and ideas that are unfamiliar or controversial, with the educational intent of providing a meaningful learning environment that fosters your growth and development. These parameters related to Academic Freedom are included in SUU Policy 6.6.

Academic Misconduct

Scholastic honesty is expected of all students. Dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent (see SUU Policy 6.33). You are expected to have read and understood the current SUU student conduct code (SUU Policy 11.2) regarding student responsibilities and rights, the intellectual property policy (SUU Policy 5.52), information about procedures, and what constitutes acceptable behavior.

Please Note: The use of websites or services that sell essays is a violation of these policies; likewise, the use of websites or services that provide answers to assignments, quizzes, or tests is also a violation of these policies. Regarding the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), you should check with your individual course instructor.

Emergency Management Statement

In case of an emergency, the University's Emergency Notification System (ENS) will be activated. Students are encouraged to maintain updated contact information using the link on the homepage of the mySUU portal. In addition, students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Emergency Response Protocols posted in each classroom. Detailed information about the University's emergency management plan can be found at https://www.suu.edu/emergency.

HEOA Compliance Statement

For a full set of Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) compliance statements, please visit https://www.suu.edu/heoa. The sharing of copyrighted material through peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, except as provided under U.S. copyright law, is prohibited by law; additional information can be found at https://my.suu.edu/help/article/1096/heoa-compliance-plan.

You are also expected to comply with policies regarding intellectual property (SUU Policy 5.52) and copyright (SUU Policy 5.54).

Mandatory Reporting

University policy (SUU Policy 5.60) requires instructors to report disclosures received from students that indicate they have been subjected to sexual misconduct/harassment. The University defines sexual harassment consistent with Federal Regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106, Subpart D) to include quid pro quo, hostile environment harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. When students communicate this information to an instructor in-person, by email, or within writing assignments, the instructor will report that to the Title IX Coordinator to ensure students receive support from the Title IX Office. A reporting form is available at https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?SouthernUtahUniv

Non-Discrimination Statement

SUU is committed to fostering an inclusive community of lifelong learners and believes our university's encompassing of different views, beliefs, and identities makes us stronger, more innovative, and better prepared for the global society.

SUU does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex (including sex discrimination and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, disability status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or other bases protected by applicable law in employment, treatment, admission, access to educational programs and activities, or other University benefits or services.

SUU strives to cultivate a campus environment that encourages freedom of expression from diverse viewpoints. We encourage all to dialogue within a spirit of respect, civility, and decency.

For additional information on non-discrimination, please see SUU Policy 5.27 and/or visit https://www.suu.edu/nondiscrimination.

Pregnancy

Students who are or become pregnant during this course may receive reasonable modifications to facilitate continued access and participation in the course. Pregnancy and related conditions are broadly defined to include pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, related medical conditions, and recovery. To obtain reasonable modifications, please make a request to title9@suu.edu. To learn more visit: https://www.suu.edu/titleix/pregnancy.html.

Disclaimer Statement

Information contained in this syllabus, other than the grading, late assignments, makeup work, and attendance policies, may be subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.