Department of Social & Policy Sciences, Unit Catalogue 2011/12 |
|
 Credits:
| 6 |
| Level:
| Intermediate (FHEQ level 5) |
| Period: |
Semester 2 |
| Assessment:
| EX 100% |
| Supplementary Assessment: | Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations) |
| Requisites:
| This unit is for SWASS and ASS students only. |
| Description:
| Aims: This course aims to introduce students to the main social work methods within their theoretical frameworks. Learning Outcomes: Providing knowledge of a wide range of social work methods within their theoretical contexts; developing critical, analytical and reflective skills; equipping students to engage in self-assessment and evaluation of learning and practice; clarifying the links between theory and practice and enabling students to apply theories and methods to social work practice. Skills: * To develop critical and analytical powers in general. * To develop critical, analytical problem-based learning skills and the transferable skills to prepare the student for graduate employment or further study. * To enhance the development of the students' interpersonal skills. * To assist the student to develop the skills required for both autonomous and team work. Intellectual skills: * To communicate an argument. * To evaluate others' arguments and research. * To critically evaluate and assess research and evidence as well as a variety of other information. * To gather information, data, research and literature from a number of different sources (i.e. library, web-based, archives etc.). * To select appropriate and relevant information from a wide source and large body of knowledge. * To synthesise information from a number of sources in order to gain a coherent understanding. * To utilise problem solving skills. * To explore a variety of relationships and environments relevant to learning and practising within the context of the students' degree discipline. Professional Practical skills: * To reflect upon new technology and innovation within social sciences and to make decisions regarding legitimacy, reliability and effectiveness. * To develop sensitivity to the values and interests of others. Transferable/Key skills: * Study & Learning skills (note taking, avoiding plagiarism, using the library, gathering and using information, constructing a bibliography, referencing). * Basic Information and Computing Technology skills (word processing, email, using the web to search for information). * To be aware of ethical issues in carrying out research.Inter-personal and communication skills. Revision and Examination skills. * To reflect upon his/her own academic and professional performance and take responsibility for personal and professional learning and development. * To solve problems in a variety of situations. Knowledge outcomes: * Knowledge of the relationship between Sociology and other cognate disciplines. * Knowledge of social processes (e.g. poverty, unemployment, poor health) that impinge on service users, and which contribute to social differences and experience of exclusion. * Knowledge of the nature of social work services and practices that can respond to diversity and tackle discrimination. * Knowledge of services, in their contemporary and historical contexts and the complex relationship between statutory, voluntary and private sectors within which they reside. * Knowledge of the moral concepts of rights, responsibilities, freedom, authority and power and the influence on the relationship between justice, care and control in the delivery of social work services. * Knowledge of social processes (e.g. poverty, unemployment, poor health) that impinge on service users, and which contribute to social differences and experience of exclusion. * Knowledge of the nature of social care services and practices that can respond to diversity and tackle discrimination. * Knowledge of services, in their contemporary and historical contexts and the complex relationship between statutory, voluntary and private sectors within which they reside. * Knowledge of the moral concepts of rights, responsibilities, freedom, authority and power and the influence on the relationship between justice, care and control in the delivery of social work services. Content: The relationship between ttheory and practice is examined critically and the question 'what works in social work?' is posed. An overview of theories which impact upon social work is given and distinctions drawn between the broad theoretical perspectives which underpin practice and those theories of social work methods which more closely prescribe action. To meet the learning needs of future practitioners, theories and methods which have most relevance to present day social work are selected as the knowledge base most likely to inform future practice. They include counselling; family therapy; task-centred work; crisis intervention; behavioural and cognitive approaches. Various styles of adult learning are used and students are expected to participate in small groups, role plays and other exercises. Placement experiences provide illustrations of theories and methods in practice and also case examples for analysis. |
| Programme availability: |
SP20025 is a Designated Essential Unit on the following programmes:Department of Social & Policy Sciences
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