Theory, Methods and Values in Practice 1 (861L5)

Theory, Methods and Values in Practice 1

Module 861L5

Core
Outline
Resources
Assessment
Contacts

30 credits

FHEQ Level 7 (Masters)

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, a successful student should be able to:
1: Critically analyse the significance of ecological and psycho-social perspectives to current social work practice
2: Relate theory to practice using ecological and psycho-social approaches to analyse case scenarios involving professional relationships with individuals, families and groups.
3: Utilise theory to analyse power, discrimination and methods of working with diversity
4: Have a critical understanding of the centrality of relationship building skills to effective social work practice
5: Integrate a critical understanding of the skills of reflective and observational learning into social work practice

Library

Indicative Reading and resource list

- Banks S (2000) Ethics and Values in Social Work. Basingstoke: Palgrave.
- Bauman Z (1993) Postmodern Ethics. Oxford: Blackwell.
- Culpitt I (1999) Social Policy and Risk. London: Sage.
- Gould N and Taylor I (1996) Reflective Learning for Social Work: research, theory and practice. Aldershot: Arena.
- Howe D (1992) An Introduction to Social Work Theory: making sense in practice. Aldershot: Ashgate.
- Jordan B (2000) Social Work and the Third Way: tough love as social policy. London: SAGE.
- Kemshall J and Pritchard J (eds) (1996) Good Practice in Risk Assessment and Risk Management.
- Parton N and O?Byrne P (2000) Constructive Social Work: towards a new practice. Basingstoke: Macmillan.
- Payne M (1997) Modern Social Work Theory. 2nd ed. Basingstoke: Macmillan.
- Preston-Shoot M and Agass D (1990) Making Sense of Social Work. Basingstoke: Macmillan.
- Stepney P and Ford D (eds) (2000) Social Work Models, Methods and Theories: a framework for practice. Lyme Regis: Russell House.
- Thompson N (2000) Understanding Social Work. Basingstoke: Macmillan.
- Thompson N (2001) Anti-Discriminatory Practice. Basingstoke: Palgrave.

Computing

Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Access;
Printing (b/w)
Internet access
E-mail.

Full Module Description

This course provides the main means by which students examine the nature of the contemporary social work role and task. It draws in particular upon psycho-social and ecological perspectives to explore in detail the relationship between individuals experiencing difficulties and their social and economic environments. Students will have the opportunity to:

- consider the process of identity formation for people who use services and the relationship between this and the external environments in which difficulties arise

- increase their own self awareness and explore the ways in which they can build effective relationships with people who use services, utilising a strengths based approach to effect change in a variety of circumstances

- critically examine the nature and role of contemporary social work including an exploration of power, oppression and policy formation and implementation. Recent changes to social work practice and current themes will be examined (including risk, working in partnership, user involvement)

- obtain a clear appreciation of the complexities and ambiguities of the contexts in which social work takes place.

A consideration of social work values and ethics runs throughout this course and will be integrated into the teaching as will a focus upon developing a research minded approach to students' work.

Additional Learning Tasks

Task or Requirement - LTP plan/outline
Word Length - 500 words
Submission Date - Spring Term Week 2
Mandatory - Yes

Module Outline

This course is directly linked with the first practice placement (SWP1). The focus here is on the nature of the contemporary social work role and tasks. Drawing in particular on psycho-social and ecological perspectives it will enable students to:

consider the process of identity formation for people who use services and the relationship between this and the external environments in which difficulties arise

increase their own self awareness and explore the ways in which they can build effective relationships with people who use services, utilising a strengths based approach to assess needs and effect change in a variety of circumstances

critically examine the nature and role of contemporary social work including an exploration of power, oppression and policy formation and implementation

obtain a clear appreciation of the complexities and ambiguities of the contexts in which social work takes place

Students join a small seminar group that meets throughout the year. In addition a series of workshops for the year group as a whole provide the opportunity for learning about and developing a range of practice methods and skills.

View timetable

Type	Timing	Weighting
Long Term Paper (5000 words)	Summer Term Week 2 Thu 16:00	100.00%

Timing

Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.

Weighting

Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.

Please note that the University will use all reasonable endeavours to deliver courses and modules in accordance with the descriptions set out here. However, the University keeps its courses and modules under review with the aim of enhancing quality. Some changes may therefore be made to the form or content of courses or modules shown as part of the normal process of curriculum management.

The University reserves the right to make changes to the contents or methods of delivery of, or to discontinue, merge or combine modules, if such action is reasonably considered necessary by the University. If there are not sufficient student numbers to make a module viable, the University reserves the right to cancel such a module. If the University withdraws or discontinues a module, it will use its reasonable endeavours to provide a suitable alternative module.

School of Education and Social Work

Theory, Methods and Values in Practice 1 (861L5)