SOAD1008 Reasons for Social Work

2016

4.5

1 x 1-hour lecture weekly
1 x 1-hour tutorial weekly

1 Admission into BSW-Bachelor of Social Work
1a Admission into BSWSP-Bachelor of Social Work and Social Planning
Must Satisfy: ((1 or 1a))

SOAD1004 has been successfully completed

Bachelor of Social Work

Assignments

Since its inception social work has been and interpreted to be, many things: social reformist expression of social justice values, social control mechanism, professional occupation, response to particular social and individual problems and unique as having a dual focus on micro together with macro concerns (structural and systemic). In this topic we explore the multiple reasons or purposes for social work and how these have shifted over the course of the 20th century in concert with changes in the nature of and relationship between the state, market and civil society. In this exploration of diverse perceptions about social work we will pay attention to the views of those who receive social work support and assistance. This understanding lays the foundation for exploration of what it is that is distinct and common to social work. We will build upon this foundation by exploring the values and human rights base of social work, canvass the range of theoretical knowledge social work draws upon, and introduce the notion of social work models and methods. This will establish a framework for future studies in social work development.

This topic aims to:

• introduce the student to diverse views and historical intentions of social work
• explore this diversity of views from a range of perspectives; the state, civil society, clients and citizens
• introduce the student to what is distinct and common to social work
• explore the values and human rights base of social work and theoretical knowledge
• introduce the idea of social work models and methods
• establish a framework for future studies and social work identity development

On successful completion of this topic the student will:

• be familiar with the history of the development of social work and the relevance of this for contemporary practice
• demonstrate an understanding of what is the core or common value base of social work
• demonstrate an understanding of the notion of models and methods of practice in social work
• have established a Social Work Framework that they will take forward into subsequent studies in the degree