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Module SXP-2040:
Social Work Perspectives

Module Facts

Run by School of Health Sciences

20 Credits or 10 ECTS Credits

Semester 2

Organiser: Ms Rhian Lloyd

Overall aims and purpose

This module provides an overview of the roles in which social workers practice in current society. Debates about ‘What is Social Work?’ have been at the heart of international and national debate. The International Federation of Social Workers and the International Association of Schools of Social Work affirms a shared understanding of social work:

“The Social Work profession promotes change, problem solving in human relationships and the empowerment and liberation of people to enhance well -being.” (Coulshed and Orme 2012: xviii) This module will, therefore, explore and analyse the purpose and value of social work, within the diverse and complex settings in which human needs are understood by the social sciences. Students will also be encouraged to make connections between social work values and practice and a range of other subjects which they study on their degree programmes; not least those that also have personal or work-based relevance.

Course content

  1. What is Social Work? Describing and defining Social Work.

  2. You and Social Work. What do Social Workers do and where do they work?

  3. Values and Ethics for Social Work. Codes of Practice for Social Work Practice.

  4. The Legal and Organisational context in which the Social Work process occurs.

  5. Research and service user and carer experiences – analysing serious case reviews in social work and how they inform current social work practice.

  6. Anti -oppressive practice. Identity and understanding oppression and the many faces of oppression in society.

  7. Social work process: Assessment: Theories and Models (Questioning model, Procedural model, Exchange model and Narrative) Assessment of Risk and Need; Assessment and Oppression; Multi-disciplinary assessment.

  8. Social Work process: Systems Theory as an underpinning approach to social work interventions; User participation; Theories of Empowerment; Advocacy, Negotiation and Partnership.

  9. Social Work processes: Communication- Interviewing skills and structure; Questioning; Responding; Barriers; Using interpreters; Interviewing children.

  10. Social Work processes: Reflective practice; Review stages in social work; Endings.

Rhestr Darlithoedd / Seminarau Wythnosol / Weekly Lecture / Seminar List :

S2  Darlith / Lecture   Seminarau / Seminars

15 23/1 What is Social Work? Critical analysis of social work 16 30/1 You and Social Work. Critical and personal reflection in social work practice 17 6/2 Values and Ethics for Social Work. An evaluation of values and ethics in social work 18 13/2 The Legal and Organisational context of Social Work Exploring social work policies in current practice 19 20/2 The Social services and Well -being (Wales) Act 2014 Evaluating The Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 20 27/2 Research and the experiences of individuals and carers Discussion on the importance of research for current social work practice 21 6/3 Analysing serious case reviews in social work and how they inform current social work practice. Discussion and evaluating best practice in serious case reviews 22 13/3 Anti -oppressive practice. Identity and understanding oppression and the many faces of oppression in society 23 20/3 Social work process: Assessment, Theories and Models Discuss key models of social work practice 24 27/3 Social Work process: working in partnership to create positive outcomes Discuss key models in social work practice 25 24/4 Social Work processes: Communication Developing effective communication and listening skills 26 1/5 Social Work processes: Reflective practice Review stages in social work: effective relationships, endings.

Assessment Criteria

threshold

To pass the module students must have achieved the expected outcomes at a basic level. They will be able to identify the main contributors to contemporary sociological theory and offer a basic description of their theories in context. They will show an adequate awareness of recent trends and the main similarities and contrasts between them. They will show some understanding of how theories may be applied to selected contemporary social issues.

good

Good students will be able to identify main contributors to contemporary sociological theory, summarise their theories and explain their origins. They will show a good awareness of recent trends and the main similarities and contrasts between them. They will show a good understanding and reflexive awareness of how theories may be applied to contemporary social issues.

excellent

Excellent students will be able to demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge and a developed understanding of contemporary sociological theory, its social context and relationship to other social theories. They will display mature reflexive awareness and critical judgement in the application of recent theories to a range of contemporary issues.

Learning outcomes

  1. Recognise, describe and critically evaluate what is current social work practice in society.

  2. Understand how ethical approaches and values inform social work processes.

  3. Critically analyse different methods and models of assessment.

  4. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the social work process.

Assessment Methods

Type Name Description Weight
A 100

Teaching and Learning Strategy

Hours
Lecture

Students’ autonomous learning will be supported by a blended learning environment.

 24
Individual Project

Students will be exposed to a variety of teaching and learning formats, including lectures and seminars, independent study and flexible learning via Blackboard.

 164
Seminar

Seminars will provide the opportunity for student-centred and interactive learning that enables them to reflect on their learning.

 12
 

Group work and workshops.

  

Transferable skills

  • Literacy - Proficiency in reading and writing through a variety of media
  • Numeracy - Proficiency in using numbers at appropriate levels of accuracy
  • Computer Literacy - Proficiency in using a varied range of computer software
  • Self-Management - Able to work unsupervised in an efficient, punctual and structured manner. To examine the outcomes of tasks and events, and judge levels of quality and importance
  • Exploring - Able to investigate, research and consider alternatives
  • Information retrieval - Able to access different and multiple sources of information
  • Inter-personal - Able to question, actively listen, examine given answers and interact sensitevely with others
  • Critical analysis & Problem Solving - Able to deconstruct and analyse problems or complex situations. To find solutions to problems through analyses and exploration of all possibilities using appropriate methods, rescources and creativity.
  • Presentation - Able to clearly present information and explanations to an audience. Through the written or oral mode of communication accurately and concisely.
  • Teamwork - Able to constructively cooperate with others on a common task, and/or be part of a day-to-day working team
  • Mentoring - Able to support, help, guide, inspire and/or coach others
  • Caring - Showing concern for others; caring for children, people with disabilities and/or the elderly
  • Argument - Able to put forward, debate and justify an opinion or a course of action, with an individual or in a wider group setting
  • Self-awareness & Reflectivity - Having an awareness of your own strengths, weaknesses, aims and objectives. Able to regularly review, evaluate and reflect upon the performance of yourself and others

Courses including this module

Optional in courses: