UNIVERSITY OF KENT
Module Specification
1 The title of the module Social Work Theories, Methods and Practice 1 (SO313)
2 The School which will be responsible for management of the module SSPSSR
3 The Start Date of the Module Module specification revised January 2006
4 The number of students expected to take the module 45
5 Modules to be withdrawn on the introduction of this proposed module and consultation with other relevant Schools and Faculties regarding the withdrawal N/A
6 The level of the module (eg Certificate [C], Intermediate [I], Honours [H] or Postgraduate [M]) Certificate (FHEQ Level: 4)
7 The number of credits which the module represents 15 credits (7.5 ECTs)
8 Which term(s) the module is to be taught in (or other teaching pattern) Spring
9 Prerequisite and co-requisite modules Human growth and Development and Social Theory, are pre requisites or co requisites for this module
10 The programmes of study to which the module contributes BA(Hons) Social work
11 The intended subject specific learning outcomes and, as appropriate, their relationship to programme learning outcomes At the end of the module students will be able to: Illustrate how historical and cultural context impacts on the construction of social work theory and methods Understand the key concepts and approaches of contrasting social work theories and methods Explain and illustrate how issues of power and anti oppressive practice are reflected in particular social work theories and methods Identify the processes of social work intervention relating these to particular practice approaches Demonstrate application of theory to practice and identify preferred models focussing on work with individuals in a range of practice settings Reflect on, compare and contrast and evaluate the effectiveness of different approaches across users and settings based on theory and evidence
This curriculum reflects the QAA social work benchmark statement. This requires graduates in social work to assess the merits of contrasting theories and use their knowledge of a
range of interventions and evaluation processes selectively. In doing so this module will provide students with the underpinning knowledge required to prepare for and to work with service users during assessed practice learning.
12 The intended generic learning outcomes and, as appropriate, their relationship to programme learning outcomes On successful completion of this module students will: Acquire basic skills in regard to organisation of information in a clear and coherent manner, through essay writing, case study and seminar presentation (key skills 1 & 5) Be able to present arguments in oral form, through seminar presentation where group preparation is required (key skills 1,4,&6) Be able to conduct basic research using library, journals and other on line resources (key skills 3) Be able to demonstrate a beginning understanding of theory and its application to social work practice (key skill 6)
13 A synopsis of the curriculum The module will cover the following topics and issues: The dialogue between theory, current context, values and practice models. The processes of social work and the helping cycle. Assessment, care management and social work Systemic approaches in assessment with individuals, families, groups and communities Psychosocial approaches to assessment and intervention. Relevant methods, techniques and practice frameworks. Critical evaluation in contemporary practice context Task centred approaches. Components of the model and partnership and empowerment. Crisis intervention models. Applying theory to practice within an anti oppressive framework Exploration of relationship of social work with counselling and the use of counselling skills. Impact of context and working with difference Comparison of counselling approaches. Person centred approaches in social work practice. Cognitive behavioural approaches and application to short term social work practice Post-modern and constructionist approaches to social work. The focus on user strengths and possibilities in solution focussed and narrative approaches Evaluating social work theories. The place of theoretical perspectives and evidence from national and international research. The service user perspective.
14 Indicative Reading List Core texts: Adams,Dominelli & Payne (2002) Social Work: Themes, Issues & Critical Debates 2nd edn Palgrave Macmillan Coulshed,V & Orme,J (1998) Social work practice: an introduction BASW Milner & O’Byrne (2002) Assessment in Social Work 2nd edn Palgrave Macmillan Howe,D (1987) An introduction to social work theory Aldershot Gower Parton,N (ed) (1996) Social theory, social change and Social Work London Routledge Payne,M. (1997) Modern Social Work Theory, 2nd edn Palgrave Macmillan Stepney,P & Ford,D Social work models, methods and theories Russell House Publishing Tompson N (2001) Anti-discriminatory practice (3rd ed) Palgrave
Supplementary reading for specific lectures / seminars includes: Banks N (1999) White counsellors, black clients: theory, research and practice Ashgate Brearley J (1995) Counselling and Social work OU Press Caplan, G (1961) An approach to community mental health London Tavistock Cigno,K (1998) Cognitive behavioural practice In Adams,Dominelli & Payne Social Work: Themes, Issues & Critical Debates Macmillan Doel, M & Marsh,P (1992) Task centred social work London:Ashgate
Dryden,W & Feltham,C (1992) Brief Counselling OU Hanvey and Philpot (1994) Practicing Social Work London Rutledge Hough,M (2001) Groupwork and Theory Hodder & Stoughton Jacobs,M (1999) (2nd ed) Psychodynamic counselling in practice Sage O’Hagan,K (1994) Crisis intervention: changing perspectives in Hanvey & Philpot (eds) Practicing Social Work London Routledge Palmer &Langani (1999) Counselling in a multi cultural society Sage Parton.N & O'Byrne (2000) Constructive Social Work Palgrave Macmillan Seden, J (1999) Counselling skills in social work practice OUPress Saltzberger-Wittenberg (1970) Psychoanalytic insight & relationships Routledge Sheldon,B. (1995) Cognitive Behavioural Therapy London: Routledge Trower, Casey & Dryden (1993) Cognitive Behavioural Counselling in action Sage
Journals: Journal of social work Practice British Journal of Social Work Journal of Social Work education Research Matters
15 Learning and Teaching Methods, including the nature and number of contact hours and the total study hours which will be expected of students, and how these relate to achievement of the intended learning outcomes Contact hours: There are 22 contact hours taught over 12 weeks during the Spring term, with one reading week to allow for completion of essays. Contact hours consist of four interactive two-hour workshops. There will also be seven one-hour lectures followed by a one-hour seminar in those weeks. Study hours: Of 150 hours of study, 22 are contact hours as described above and below. This implies 10-11 hours of private study a week. In this case this will include preparatory reading for each seminar and lecture and some of the interactive workshops Learning and teaching methods: This module enables students to gain familiarity with some practice theories and models, which can be applied in their practice settings. The mix of lecture and interactive learning reflects the dual emphasis on social work theory as an academic subject and as occupational practice. The two hour workshops will enable students to acquire a more in depth awareness of some practice models through demonstration, analysis and application to case material. Lectures will be supported by background reading and will employ triggers, worksheets, critical incidents, case studies and other means to actively engage the student in applying learning to personal and practice experiences. Seminars will focus on the critical examination of practice theories and models in specific practice contexts. While purchase of two contrasting core texts would be beneficial, the aim is to develop skills in accessing and retrieving from a range of sources and particularly professional journals.
16 Assessment methods and how these relate to testing achievement of the intended learning outcomes The module will be assessed as follows: A 2,000 word essay will comprise 40% of the total mark An assessed small group presentation will comprise 20% of the total mark. This will include a self assessment element A Case study of 2,000 words is designed to test application of theory to practice and will comprise 40% of the total mark.
Rationale for the methods of assessment: The essay will test critical understanding and analysis of the key features of a practice approach and the ability to apply it to a particular setting or service user group. The small group presentation will evaluate the ability to present and evaluate the relevance of a particular social work approach. Presentation skills and styles and skills in working with others will comprise part of the evaluation. These are fundamental, transferable skills within
social work practice. The case study will test the student's reflection on and integration of theoretical perspectives and their accompanying value base into practice.
17 Implications for learning resources, including staff, library, IT and space The module will be taught by an experienced practitioner and lecturer Ela O’Farrell, The stock of relevant books and periodicals, IT facilities and space for study has increased since the opening of the Drill hall Library at Medway. Library staff are kept informed of new stock requirements.
18 As far as can be reasonably anticipated, the curriculum, learning and teaching methods and forms of assessment do not present any non- justifiable disadvantage to students with disabilities
Statement by the Director of Learning and Teaching: "I confirm I have been consulted on the above module proposal and have given advice on the correct procedures and required content of module proposals"
...... Director of Learning and Teaching Date
Statement by the Head of School: "I confirm that the School has approved the introduction of the module and will be responsible for its resourcing"
...... Head of School Date