A Curious Curriculum Component: The Nonmandated "Given" of Field Seminar

Abstract

Purported to integrate theory and practice, field seminars are a neglected area of pedagogical analysis in social work education. Most BSW programs contain seminar components although they are not required by accreditation standards. The authors conducted this research to examine the prevalence, purposes, and practices of BSW field integration seminars. Data were gathered from course descriptions published on the Web sites of undergraduate programs accredited by the Council on Social Work Education and a nationwide survey of BSW field directors. Findings indicate that field seminar is a ubiquitous curriculum component, with wide variation in conceptualization, format, and design; however, there are some striking commonalities in stated purposes, teaching/learning methods, and assignments. Findings also suggest seminars constitute a valued instructional modality in social work education, occupying a unique curricular space in BSW programs. Implications for curriculum development and further pedagogical examination are addressed.