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LP20631: Social work theory

Follow this link for further information on academic years Academic Year: 2013/4
Further information on owning departmentsOwning Department/School: Department of Social & Policy Sciences (administered by the Learning Partnerships Office)
Further information on credits Credits: 12
Further information on unit levels Level: Intermediate (FHEQ level 5)
Further information on teaching periods Period: Semester 1 at Wiltshire College
Further information on unit assessment Assessment: CW100
Further information on supplementary assessment Supplementary Assessment: Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Further information on requisites Requisites:
Further information on descriptions Description: Aims:
The aim of this module is to prepare students for the process of supervised practice- learning & assessment & to facilitate the development of theoretically informed & anti-oppressive practice. Learners will be able to draw upon a variety of theoretical perspectives & evaluate their effectiveness in different settings. The emphasis is on application of theory & learners will be able to state how perspectives would shape their practice.

Learning Outcomes:
On completion of the unit the students should be able to:
* Identify, use & justify social work theories, methods & models appropriate to needs & circumstances in work with users & carers (Key Role 2 unit 5 Element 5.3 a & b);
* Critically appraise theories of social work & recognise their relationship to practice;
* Identify & justify the basis for professional judgements and the underpinning social work theory, knowledge or evidence base (Key Role 6 Unit 19 Element 19.1b);
* Select & use appropriate theories, models & methods to help participants understand group processes ( Key Role 2 Unit 8 Element 8.3 c);
* Identify, use & justify appropriate social work theories, methods & approaches to disengage from groups & networks (Key Role 2 unit 7 Element 7.3f; Key Role 2 Unit 8 Element 8.4c);
* Work within the principles & values underpinning social work practice as identified by the GSCC National Occupational Standards and Code of Practice.

Skills:
Intellectual
* develop skills in problem solving, utilising research and evaluation methodologies. (F,T,A)
* use research-based concepts and critical explanations from social work and allied theoretical disciplines. (F,T,A)
* utilise knowledge of practice and practice models in settings such as group-care, community development and fieldwork, in all sectors of service delivery.(F,T,A)
* think creatively and analytically, including self-assessment and critical reflection upon knowledge and practice relevant to social work. (F,T,A)
* communicate an argument (F,T,A)
* evaluate others' arguments and research. (F,T,A)
* synthesise information from a number of sources in order to gain a coherent understanding. (F,T,A)
Professional & Practical
* Prepare for and work with individuals, families, carers, groups and communities to assess their needs and circumstances. (F,T,A)
* Plan, carry out, review and evaluate social work practice with individuals, families, carers, groups and communities and other professionals. (F,T,A)
Transferable/Key
* communicate effectively at all levels and using different means (F,A)
* construct a bibliography of varying complexity. (F,T,A)
* utilise communication and IT skills to produce report and access management information systems (F,A)
* Utilise problem solving skills in a variety of theoretical and practical situations. (F,T,A).

Content:
Perspectives on human behaviour & the values that underpin them; principles, theories & methods of social work practice applicable to working with a the range of service-users; theories on the impact of discrimination & methods of working with diversity; values & ethics for social work practice; theories of organisations, group behaviour & organisational change; theories of how systems work; evidence & knowledge-based practice; Lessons learned from both successful interventions & serious failure of service. Application of theory to practice.
Further information on programme availabilityProgramme availability:

LP20631 is a Designated Essential Unit on the following programmes:

Programmes administered by the Learning Partnerships Office
  • UHSP-WFB19 : BSc (hons) Social Work (Full-time at Wiltshire College) - Year 2

Notes:
* This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2013/4 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2014/15 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2013/14.
* Programmes and units are subject to change at any time, in accordance with normal University procedures.
* Availability of units will be subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.