Southern Utah University

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Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Fall Semester 2026

Introduction to Social Work and Family Services (Face-to-Face)

FLHD 1010-01

Course: FLHD 1010-01
Credits: 3
Term: Fall Semester 2026
Department: Family Life & Human Develop
CRN: 30765

Course Description

Foundation course to understand social work and family services as professions. Explores the field of social work and careers in family services through understanding skills, programs, knowledge, social policies, and professional values found in social work and family services. (Fall, Spring) [Graded (Standard Letter)]

Required Texts

Introduction to Social Work: Social Workers Effecting Change in Our World (1st Edition, 2023)
by Jessica A. Ritter, Cognella Academic Publishing
ISBN: 978-1793567222Introduction to Social Work: Social Workers Effecting Change in Our World (1st Edition, 2023)
by Jessica A. Ritter, Cognella Academic Publishing
ISBN: 978-1793567222

Learning Outcomes

1. Understand social work as a profession.
2. Be able to identify different populations with whom social workers practice.
3. Demonstrate a beginning understanding of generalist social work practice.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of social work values and ethical principles.
5. Demonstrate an ability to apply critical thinking skills to multiple issues/topics with social work
and family services.
6. Demonstrate an understanding of the history and development of social work and family services.1. Understand social work as a profession.
2. Be able to identify different populations with whom social workers practice.
3. Demonstrate a beginning understanding of generalist social work practice.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of social work values and ethical principles.
5. Demonstrate an ability to apply critical thinking skills to multiple issues/topics with social work
and family services.
6. Demonstrate an understanding of the history and development of social work and family services.

Course Requirements

1. Please pay attention to Canvas Announcements as I use Canvas Announcements to communicate
about important information and updates.
2. Emotional Safety - Due to the emotionally and psychologically vulnerable content that will be
discussed throughout this course, it is essential that all participants contribute to an environment
of emotional safety. In the event of a student participating in emotionally unsafe
comments/behavior, the instructor will provide feedback which will serve as a warning. At that
time, the student will be invited to converse with the instructor about what made their
comments/behavior emotionally unsafe. If the behavior is repeated, students will be referred to
campus services. If you find you are emotionally overwhelmed by content in this or any other
course, the Counseling and Psychological Services Center (CAPS) is a resource available to you.
The phone number for CAPS is: (435) 865-8621.
3. As a student in this course, you are responsible for the content presented in this course and for
your own learning. If you need help, PLEASE ASK. If you have questions about the material that
you are interested in or curious about that is not addressed in the course, PLEASE ASK. If you do
not understand a concept being taught/discussed, PLEASE ASK. I am a resource to you; however,
if you do not communicate that you need help, I cannot help you.
4. Grammar and following instructions matters! Your grade will be affected by these things.
Please pay attention to page requirements - both minimums and limitations. You will lose points
if the page minimum is not reached (headings don’t count). While your grade will be impacted
according to assignment rubrics for incorrect grammar and poor writing mechanics, because of
the amount of time it takes to do so, I will not be editing your papers as I grade them.
a. Papers are graded on creative thought and personal insights, integration of course
concepts and principles, and clarity of writing and thought. Please feel free to show me
your paper or talk to me about it at any time.
5. Since writing, self-reflection, and critical thinking skills are part of the learning outcomes of this
course, I expect that all work students submit for this course will be their own. Additionally,
students are not allowed to use any generative artificial intelligence tools (e.g. ChatGPT or Dall-E
2) at any stages of the work process, including preliminary ones. AI-generated submissions are
not permitted and will be considered as plagiarism. If it is discovered that you are using AI to
generate work that you turn in as your own, SUU Policy 6.33 for Academic Integrity will be
followed.1. Please pay attention to Canvas Announcements as I use Canvas Announcements to communicate
about important information and updates.
2. Emotional Safety - Due to the emotionally and psychologically vulnerable content that will be
discussed throughout this course, it is essential that all participants contribute to an environment
of emotional safety. In the event of a student participating in emotionally unsafe
comments/behavior, the instructor will provide feedback which will serve as a warning. At that
time, the student will be invited to converse with the instructor about what made their
comments/behavior emotionally unsafe. If the behavior is repeated, students will be referred to
campus services. If you find you are emotionally overwhelmed by content in this or any other
course, the Counseling and Psychological Services Center (CAPS) is a resource available to you.
The phone number for CAPS is: (435) 865-8621.
3. As a student in this course, you are responsible for the content presented in this course and for
your own learning. If you need help, PLEASE ASK. If you have questions about the material that
you are interested in or curious about that is not addressed in the course, PLEASE ASK. If you do
not understand a concept being taught/discussed, PLEASE ASK. I am a resource to you; however,
if you do not communicate that you need help, I cannot help you.
4. Grammar and following instructions matters! Your grade will be affected by these things.
Please pay attention to page requirements - both minimums and limitations. You will lose points
if the page minimum is not reached (headings don’t count). While your grade will be impacted
according to assignment rubrics for incorrect grammar and poor writing mechanics, because of
the amount of time it takes to do so, I will not be editing your papers as I grade them.
a. Papers are graded on creative thought and personal insights, integration of course
concepts and principles, and clarity of writing and thought. Please feel free to show me
your paper or talk to me about it at any time.
5. Since writing, self-reflection, and critical thinking skills are part of the learning outcomes of this
course, I expect that all work students submit for this course will be their own. Additionally,
students are not allowed to use any generative artificial intelligence tools (e.g. ChatGPT or Dall-E
2) at any stages of the work process, including preliminary ones. AI-generated submissions are
not permitted and will be considered as plagiarism. If it is discovered that you are using AI to
generate work that you turn in as your own, SUU Policy 6.33 for Academic Integrity will be
followed.

Course Outline

Week 1: An Introduction to the Social Work Profession
Week 2: The Evolution of Social Work and the Social Welfare System
Week 3: An Introduction to Generalist Social Work Practice
Week 4: Social Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in Social Work
Week 5: Macro Social Work
Week 6: Social Work Practice in Poverty and Housing Insecurity
Week 7: Social Work Practice in Mental Health Settings
Week 8: Social Work in Health Care and Public Settings
Week 9: Social Work with Children and their Families
Week 10: Social Work with Older Adults
Week 11: Social Work Practice in Criminal Justice and Legal Settings
Week 12: International Social Work and Human Rights
Week 13: Social Work Practice in Substance Use and Addiction
Week 14: Looking Forward to the Future in Social Work

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

1. Late assignments (reading quizzes, discussions) will be accepted at a 10% penalty per day after
the due date, including weekends (the late policy does not apply to the midterm or final.)
You do not need to ask permission to turn in something late, just turn it in and anticipate the late
policy to apply.
2. Late midterms, finals and presentations will not be accepted without DRC
Accommodations.
3. All late work is due on the last day of instruction as indicated by the University
Academic Calendar.
4. If you’re experiencing a physical and/or emotional health challenge and feel an exception not
covered above should be provided to you, please follow these steps: a) Reach out to the DRC first
and ask for accommodations as this is the best way to ensure an equitable treatment for all, b)
please then contact me via email so I can best support you c) If you are not in crisis, but want to
discuss late work or any other issues, please reach out.
5. All assignments are due by 11:59 pm on the due date unless otherwise noted, and should be
submitted via Canvas. Please always check the time that assignment is due. In some cases, there
will be an assignment due at 5pm for a specific reason. I will not accept "I thought it was due at
midnight" as an excuse.1. Late assignments (reading quizzes, discussions) will be accepted at a 10% penalty per day after
the due date, including weekends (the late policy does not apply to the midterm or final.)
You do not need to ask permission to turn in something late, just turn it in and anticipate the late
policy to apply.
2. Late midterms, finals and presentations will not be accepted without DRC
Accommodations.
3. All late work is due on the last day of instruction as indicated by the University
Academic Calendar.
4. If you’re experiencing a physical and/or emotional health challenge and feel an exception not
covered above should be provided to you, please follow these steps: a) Reach out to the DRC first
and ask for accommodations as this is the best way to ensure an equitable treatment for all, b)
please then contact me via email so I can best support you c) If you are not in crisis, but want to
discuss late work or any other issues, please reach out.
5. All assignments are due by 11:59 pm on the due date unless otherwise noted, and should be
submitted via Canvas. Please always check the time that assignment is due. In some cases, there
will be an assignment due at 5pm for a specific reason. I will not accept "I thought it was due at
midnight" as an excuse.

Attendance Policy

Much of the integrative learning that occurs in this class comes from lecture, activities, and discussions
in-class. Attendance is a necessary component of the course experience. Consequently, daily attendance
will be taken via a single canvas quiz at a random time during the class period. Students are allowed
five free absences without any penalty to their grade. When an emergency, illness or other events
arise, you do not need to let me know when you want to use one of your free days, just know I will apply
your free days to the missed day. In order to avoid penalty beyond the five days, you will need formal
accommodations from the Disability Resource Center (DRC). Please reach out to them if you experience
something that would lead to missing more than 5 days. In the event class is canceled, you will
automatically get credit for that day. Much of the integrative learning that occurs in this class comes from lecture, activities, and discussions
in-class. Attendance is a necessary component of the course experience. Consequently, daily attendance
will be taken via a single canvas quiz at a random time during the class period. Students are allowed
five free absences without any penalty to their grade. When an emergency, illness or other events
arise, you do not need to let me know when you want to use one of your free days, just know I will apply
your free days to the missed day. In order to avoid penalty beyond the five days, you will need formal
accommodations from the Disability Resource Center (DRC). Please reach out to them if you experience
something that would lead to missing more than 5 days. In the event class is canceled, you will
automatically get credit for that day.

Course Fees

Content for this section will be provided by the instructor.

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.