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Social Work Theories and Methods

Study Course Description

Course Description Statuss:Approved
Course Description Version:5.00
Study Course Accepted:08.11.2021 13:30:00
Study Course Information
Course Code:LUSDK_207LQF level:Level 6
Credit Points:4.00ECTS:6.00
Branch of Science:Sociology; Social Politics and Organisation of Social WorkTarget Audience:Biology; Social Welfare and Social Work
Study Course Supervisor
Course Supervisor:Lolita Vilka
Study Course Implementer
Structural Unit:Department of Welfare and Social Work
The Head of Structural Unit:
Contacts:Riga, 26a Anniņmuižas boulevard, socdkatrsu[pnkts]lv, +371 67061575
Study Course Planning
Full-Time - Semester No.1
Lectures (count)16Lecture Length (academic hours)2Total Contact Hours of Lectures32
Classes (count)16Class Length (academic hours)2Total Contact Hours of Classes32
Total Contact Hours64
Part-Time - Semester No.1
Lectures (count)10Lecture Length (academic hours)2Total Contact Hours of Lectures20
Classes (count)10Class Length (academic hours)2Total Contact Hours of Classes20
Total Contact Hours40
Study course description
Preliminary Knowledge:
Philosophy and History of Social Work; Sociocultural Competence in Social Work; Theories of Sociology; Foundations of Social Work; General Psychology.
Objective:
The objective of the study course is to provide knowledge and understanding of the theory and methods of social work, to develop analytical thinking and social problem-solving skills using theory and methods.
Topic Layout (Full-Time)
No.TopicType of ImplementationNumberVenue
1Social work as science, academic discipline and practice, system of theoretical knowledge of social work. Openness and integrity of the social work theory.Lectures1.00auditorium
2Era and society. Social work as a socially constructed professional field.Lectures1.00auditorium
3Types of social work theories. Knowledge, skills and competences of a social worker.Classes1.00auditorium
4Research in social work. Paradigms and epistemological schools in research and practice.Lectures1.00auditorium
5Evidence-based social work practice.Lectures1.00auditorium
6Theories of practice. Evaluation of theories for practical use.Classes2.00auditorium
7Methodological principles and basic methods of social work. Human and environment. Behaviour as the basic concept of theory and practice of social work.Lectures1.00auditorium
8Human and environment interaction. Observation of behaviour. Field work.Classes3.00other
9Basic systems of social work. Use of ecomap and genogram in social case analysis. Determination of intervention points.Classes2.00auditorium
10Systemic approach. Social activity system. Model of social systems: structure and organisation, dynamics and regularities of systems. Social activity system. Perspective of eco-social systems.Lectures2.00auditorium
11Social work with a family. Family systems.Lectures1.00auditorium
12Social case analysis: determination of intervention points, solution modelling.Classes2.00auditorium
13Basic systems of direct practice of social work. Intervention process as a system: components of the work process, formulation of goals and objectives.Lectures1.00auditorium
14Model of the social work process when working on a social case. Problem-solving process.Classes2.00auditorium
15Theories of social work practice. Cognition-based (cognitive) and behavioural approach in social work.Lectures2.00auditorium
16Behaviour change strategy. Evaluation. Single system design.Classes2.00auditorium
17Psychodynamic paradigm and clinical social work. Integration of psychodynamic principles in social work practice.Lectures2.00auditorium
18Psychological structure of personality. Protection mechanisms.Classes1.00auditorium
19Force theory: psychosocial evaluation, elements of the assistance process.Lectures1.00auditorium
20Motivation. Motivational interview.Lectures1.00auditorium
21Motivational interview.Classes1.00auditorium
22Macropractice and social development work.Lectures1.00auditorium
Topic Layout (Part-Time)
No.TopicType of ImplementationNumberVenue
1Social work as science, academic discipline and practice, system of theoretical knowledge of social work. Openness and integrity of the social work theory.Lectures1.00auditorium
2Era and society. Social work as a socially constructed professional field.Lectures1.00auditorium
3Types of social work theories. Knowledge, skills and competences of a social worker.Classes1.00auditorium
5Evidence-based social work practice.Lectures1.00auditorium
6Theories of practice. Evaluation of theories for practical use.Classes1.00auditorium
7Methodological principles and basic methods of social work. Human and environment. Behaviour as the basic concept of theory and practice of social work.Lectures1.00auditorium
8Human and environment interaction. Observation of behaviour. Field work.Classes2.00auditorium
9Basic systems of social work. Use of ecomap and genogram in social case analysis. Determination of intervention points.Classes1.00auditorium
10Systemic approach. Social activity system. Model of social systems: structure and organisation, dynamics and regularities of systems. Social activity system. Perspective of eco-social systems.Lectures1.00auditorium
12Social case analysis: determination of intervention points, solution modelling.Classes1.00auditorium
13Basic systems of direct practice of social work. Intervention process as a system: components of the work process, formulation of goals and objectives.Lectures1.00auditorium
14Model of the social work process when working on a social case. Problem-solving process.Classes1.00auditorium
15Theories of social work practice. Cognition-based (cognitive) and behavioural approach in social work.Lectures1.00auditorium
16Behaviour change strategy. Evaluation. Single system design.Classes1.00auditorium
17Psychodynamic paradigm and clinical social work. Integration of psychodynamic principles in social work practice.Lectures1.00auditorium
18Psychological structure of personality. Protection mechanisms.Classes1.00auditorium
19Force theory: psychosocial evaluation, elements of the assistance process.Lectures1.00auditorium
20Motivation. Motivational interview.Lectures1.00auditorium
21Motivational interview.Classes1.00auditorium
Assessment
Unaided Work:
Studying of theoretical literature, practical classes: social case analysis and resolution, training of theory-based evaluation and diagnosis techniques in work with a “simulated client”.
Assessment Criteria:
Active participation in lectures and classes while mastering the course, demonstration of students’ knowledge and skills in practical classes, presentations of independent works are evaluated. The course ends with an oral examination.
Final Examination (Full-Time):Exam (Oral)
Final Examination (Part-Time):Exam (Oral)
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge:As a result of mastering the study course, students will be able: to define, explain and evaluate a social problem, to find and describe intervention points, elements of the general practice process, understand the use of theories in social work practice.
Skills:As a result of mastering the study course, students will be able: to analyse social systems, to evaluate and interpret social situations, to structure and plan the objectives and strategies of social intervention.
Competencies:As a result of mastering the study course, students will be able to use appropriate theories, methods and techniques in providing assistance and solving social problems of their clients.
Bibliography
No.Reference
Required Reading
1Roga-Vailza, V., Ozola, I., & Apine, E. (Red.). Sociālais darbs ar gadījumu. Teorija praksē. 2021
2Payne, Malcolm. Modern social work theory. 4th edition, 2014
3Teater, Barbra. An introduction to applying social work theories and methods. Open University Press., 2nd edition, 2014
4Dimitris Michailakis and Werner Schirmer. Social work and social problems: A contribution from systems theory and constructionism. 2014
Additional Reading
1Žurnāls. Labklājības Ministrija. Sociālais darbs Latvijā. 1/2016. 2021
2Peins, M. Mūsdienu sociālā darba teorija. SPDA “Attīstība” tulk. Izdevumā.
3Silvija Fargioni: teorija un prakse: lietas būtība ir vārdos. Valoda, zināšanas un profesionālās aprindas sociālajā darbā. Zinātnisku rakstu krājums. Dzīves jautājumi XII., 2007
4Glicken, Morley D. Using strengths perspective in social work practice. 2004
5Rodžerss, M. Vispārējā sociālā darba prakse. Dzīves jautājumi, V. Grāmata
6Sociālā darba terminoloģijas vārdnīca. SPDA “Attīstība” izdevums, 2000
7Zinātniski metodiskie rakstu krājumi Dzīves jautājumi. I.-XIII. Grām. SPDA “Attīstība”
8Rokasgrāmata; metodes un pieejas sociālajā darbā
9Latvijas ilgtspējīgas attīstības stratēģija līdz 2030. Gadam. Latvijas Republikas Saeima
10Labklājības ministrija. Pētījums "Ex-ante izvērtējums pašvaldību sociālo dienestu darbības efektivitātes novērtēšanai". 2017
11Richmond, M. Social Diagnosis. New York. Russell Sage Foundation. 1917
12Loseke, Donileen R. Thinking about social problems:an introduction to constructionist perspectives. Aldine Transaction, c2003
Other Information Sources
1Interantional Federation of Social Workers: http://ifsw.org/
2International Associaation of Schools of Social Work: http://www.iassw-aiets.org/about-iassw
3International Council of Social Welfare: http://www.icsw.org/
4Video
5http://www.youtube.com
6Sociālā darba process.
71_Engagement.flv
8http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcghtMrTw8o&list=PL764074C8D…
92_Assessment.flv
10http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JDp4qsHi6I&feature=autoplay…
113_Planning.flv
12http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBSg2nmrKfg&list=PL764074C8D…
134_Implementation.flv
14http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNiuTqjwtgM&feature=relmfu
155_Evaluation.flv
16http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NUbnSAqywjg&feature=relmfu
176_Termination.flv
18http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qnvxQAw7qFM&feature=relmfu