Stress Management (3.0 credit hours)

SOWK 4370

Syllabus

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Required Text.

Schafer, W. (2000). Stress management for wellness. Fourth edition. Thomson/Harcourt College Publishers, New York.

Course Evaluation

Quizzes: periodic unannounced single-question attendance quizzes will be given. The student will be given one point for attending and one point if he/she submits the correct answerer. The question will be derived from the previous class session's lecture.

Article Review: Each student will select one article which discusses stress from a research journal and write a brief summary that includes the following main research question, main conclusions and how this could potentially impact stress management in the United States.

Examinations: A mid-term and a final, examination will be given during those associated periods with the dates to be announced in class (at least two weeks in advance).

Grading

	Grading Scale
Quizzes = 15%	90 - 100	A
Article Review = 15%	80 - 89	B
Mid-term Exam = 35%	70 - 79	C
Final Exam = 35%	60 - 69	D
	<60	F

NOTE: Open communication is essential to effective social work practice. 'Therefore, please discuss any special needs, problems or concerns with the instructor, at the earliest possible convenience.

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Course Outline

Part I: Introduction

1. Definitions (,read chapter 1)
2. Results of stress (read chapter 7)
3. Reactions & physiology responses to stress, (instructor notes)
4. The DSM-IV & stress disorders (instructor notes)
5. Evaluating stress (read chapters 5 & 6)

Part II Coping With Stress

1. Wellness & general strategies for stress management (read chapter 3)
2. Conflict resolution (instructor notes)
3. The problem solving process (instructor notes)
4. Anger management (read chapter 8)
5. Time management (read chapter 16)
6. Self-instruction & managing stress (read chapter 14)
7. 101 techniques to reduce life's stress (read chapter 13)
8. Crisis management (instructor notes)
9. Scripts (preplanned action strategies, instructor notes)
10. Distress tolerance (read chapter 11)
11. Relaxation therapy (read chapter 15)
12. Coping skills (read chapter 12)
13. Children & stress (instructor notes')
14. Psychotropic medications for stress reduction (instructor notes)
15. Maladaptive coping (read chapter 9)
    -alcohol & other substance abuse
    -suicide

Part III: Course Conclusion

1. Anticipating your post-college stress challenges
2. Course wrap-up

The instructor reserves the right to deviate from this course outline etc. on an as needed basis throughout the semester.

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FINALLY

Attendance of this class is assessed by NSU policy. Roll will be taken in each class. Attendance quizzes are given without notice through the semester. No make-up assignments for these quizzes are given under most circumstances. In addition, most test material will be taken from what is gone over in class sessions. LATE WORK AND/OR MISSED ASSIGNMENTS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED WITHOUT A UNIVERSITY APPROVED EXCUSE. CHEATING ON ANY ASSIGNMENT WILL RESULT IN AN AUTOMATIC 0 AND YOU RISK AN F SEMESTER GRADE.

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Statement on Differently Abled Students

It is the policy of NSU to accommodate students with disabilities, pursuant to federal law, state law, and the University’s commitment to equal educational opportunities. Any student with a disability who needs accommodations, for example in seating placement or in arrangements for examinations, should inform the instructor at the beginning of the course. Students with disabilities are encouraged to contact Services for Students with Disabilities, which is located in Kyser Hall, Room 237, telephone 357-6950 or (TTD) 357-4393

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02/03/2005