Module SOCI43330: Social Work: Context and Practice

Department: Sociology

SOCI43330: Social Work: Context and Practice

Prerequisites

• None

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• N/A

Aims

• This 30 credit module provides students with an introduction to the areas of knowledge, values and skills that inform a critical understanding of the contexts of social work and the foundations of social work in practice: i) the sociological basis for social work interventions, ii) the principles, values and ethical dimensions of social work, iii) theories and methods that underpin social work interventions, vi) the perspectives of service users.
• Social Work: Context and Practice draws on two modules from the Master of Social Work programme (i) Social Work in Context and ii) Social Work in Practice and provides an opportunity for students on the MA Social Research Methods (Social Work) to study alongside those training for professional practice in Social Work.

Content

• 1. the sociological basis for social work interventions/social exclusion (SWIP)
• 2. the principles, values and ethical dimensions of social work (SWIP)
• 3. theories and methods that underpin social work interventions, (SWIC)
• 4. the views and experiences of children and adult service users and carers (SWIP)
• 5. critical thinking (SWIP)
• 6. cultural diversity in social work (SWIP)
• 7. organisational theory and the organisational contexts of social work (SWIC)
• 8. power and the practice of social work (SWIP)

Learning Outcomes

• On completion of the module, students will have skills in:
• A detailed understanding of the construction of social problems and processes leading to social exclusion of individuals, families, groups and communities, and the implications for social work practice;
• A critical understanding of the organisational contexts of social work;
• A critical understanding of the theoretical and research foundations for social work interventions with individuals, families, groups and communities.

• On completion of the module, students will have skills in:
• critical analysis and evaluation of knowledge and its application in decision making and problem solving activities in social work practice;
• Critical reflection and self-reflection to inform the development of social work practice.

• On completion of the module students will have skills in:
• The use of information technology and computer skills to research, analyse and disseminate information relevant to social work;
• Effective communication of evidence and argument;
• Critical thinking and critical analysis;
• Ethically informed research skills to aid understanding of social work organisations and service users’ experiences.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• The module learning outcomes will be addressed through lectures, problem-based learning, group work, socratic dialogue, documentary and community-based research, engagement with a range of service users and carers.
• Knowledge and skills will be assessed through:
• Summative: Group presentation of community based research examining social exclusion (assessed by academic staff and service user colleagues);
• Summative: A 2,000 word essay addressing social exclusion and social work;
• Formative: 1000 word essay demonstrating critical thinking on a social work related topic. Feedback from module convenor consists of written feedback addressing five general assessment criteria:
• 1. Response to the question/assignment guidance, including originality of approach;
• 2. Awareness and understanding of power and inequality and opportunities for anti-oppressive and empowering practice;
• 3. Development of argument: assignment structure and use of supporting evidence;
• 4. Critical appraisal of theory/linking of theory & research to policy and practice;
• 5. Ability to present information and reference sources effectively; plus
• general comments and an indication of the mark that would have been awarded if a summative exercise. Providing feedback on each of these criteria develops an awareness of the expectations for the summative written assignment. Details of the gradings for each assessment criterion are published in the programme handbook.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

1000 word essay demonstrating critical thinking on a social work related topic. Feedback from module convenor consists of written feedback addressing five general assessment criteria as setout under 'Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment'.

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University