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Social Work Theories and Methods
Study Course Description
Course Description Statuss:Approved
Course Description Version:7.00
Study Course Accepted:29.08.2024 11:14:53
| Study Course Information | |||||||||
| Course Code: | LUSDK_207 | LQF level: | Level 6 | ||||||
| Credit Points: | 4.00 | ECTS: | 6.00 | ||||||
| Branch of Science: | Sociology; Social Politics and Organisation of Social Work | Target Audience: | Social Welfare and Social Work | ||||||
| Study Course Supervisor | |||||||||
| Course Supervisor: | Lolita Vilka | ||||||||
| Study Course Implementer | |||||||||
| Structural Unit: | Department of Rehabilitation | ||||||||
| The Head of Structural Unit: | |||||||||
| Contacts: | Riga, 26a Anniņmuižas boulevard, socdk rsu[pnkts]lv, +371 67061575 | ||||||||
| Study Course Planning | |||||||||
| Full-Time - Semester No.1 | |||||||||
| Lectures (count) | 16 | Lecture Length (academic hours) | 2 | Total Contact Hours of Lectures | 32 | ||||
| Classes (count) | 16 | Class Length (academic hours) | 2 | Total Contact Hours of Classes | 32 | ||||
| Total Contact Hours | 64 | ||||||||
| Part-Time - Semester No.1 | |||||||||
| Lectures (count) | 10 | Lecture Length (academic hours) | 2 | Total Contact Hours of Lectures | 20 | ||||
| Classes (count) | 10 | Class Length (academic hours) | 2 | Total Contact Hours of Classes | 20 | ||||
| Total Contact Hours | 40 | ||||||||
| 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. | Topic | Type of Implementation | Number | Venue | |||||
| 1 | Social work as science, academic discipline and practice, system of theoretical knowledge of social work. Openness and integrity of the social work theory. | Lectures | 1.00 | auditorium | |||||
| 2 | Modern age and society: changes in the structure of social relations in connection with social changes caused by the processes of technological modernization. New social problems, new social demands for the profession of a social worker. | Lectures | 1.00 | auditorium | |||||
| Classes | 1.00 | auditorium | |||||||
| 3 | Research in social work. Paradigms and epistemological schools in research and practice. Evidence-based social work practice | Lectures | 1.00 | auditorium | |||||
| 4 | Methodological principles and basic methods of social work. Human and environment. Behaviour as the basic concept of theory and practice of social work. | Lectures | 1.00 | auditorium | |||||
| 5 | Human- in- environment. A technology-mediated environment. Observation of social behavior in the environment. Field work. | Classes | 3.00 | other | |||||
| 6 | Types of social work theories. Knowledge, skills and competences of a social worker. | Classes | 1.00 | auditorium | |||||
| 7 | Theories of practice. Evaluation of theories for practical use. | Lectures | 1.00 | auditorium | |||||
| Classes | 1.00 | auditorium | |||||||
| 8 | Systemic approach. Social activity system. Model of social systems: structure and organisation, dynamics and regularities of systems. Social activity system. Perspective of eco-social systems. | Lectures | 2.00 | auditorium | |||||
| 9 | Basic systems of social work. Use of ecomap and genogram in social case analysis. Determination of intervention points. | Classes | 2.00 | auditorium | |||||
| 10 | Systemicity of the intervention process: components of the work process, formulation of goals and objectives. | Lectures | 1.00 | auditorium | |||||
| 11 | Family as a systemic unit. Systemic analysis of family relations | Lectures | 1.00 | auditorium | |||||
| 12 | Social case analysis: determination of intervention points, solution modelling. | Classes | 2.00 | auditorium | |||||
| 13 | Theories of social work practice. Cognition-based (cognitive) and behavioural approach in social work. | Lectures | 2.00 | auditorium | |||||
| 14 | Behaviour change strategy. Evaluation. Single system design. | Classes | 2.00 | auditorium | |||||
| 15 | Psychodynamic paradigm and clinical social work. Integration of psychodynamic principles in social work practice. | Lectures | 2.00 | auditorium | |||||
| 16 | Psychological structure of personality. Protection mechanisms. | Classes | 1.00 | auditorium | |||||
| 17 | Force theory: psychosocial evaluation, elements of the assistance process. | Lectures | 1.00 | auditorium | |||||
| 18 | Motivation. Motivational interview. | Lectures | 1.00 | auditorium | |||||
| 19 | Motivational interview. | Classes | 2.00 | auditorium | |||||
| 20 | Macropractice and social development work. | Lectures | 1.00 | auditorium | |||||
| Classes | 1.00 | auditorium | |||||||
| Topic Layout (Part-Time) | |||||||||
| No. | Topic | Type of Implementation | Number | Venue | |||||
| 1 | Social work as science, academic discipline and practice, system of theoretical knowledge of social work. Openness and integrity of the social work theory. | Lectures | 1.00 | auditorium | |||||
| 2 | Modern age and society: changes in the structure of social relations in connection with social changes caused by the processes of technological modernization. New social problems, new social demands for the profession of a social worker. | Lectures | 1.00 | auditorium | |||||
| Classes | 1.00 | auditorium | |||||||
| 4 | Methodological principles and basic methods of social work. Human and environment. Behaviour as the basic concept of theory and practice of social work. | Lectures | 1.00 | auditorium | |||||
| 5 | Human- in- environment. A technology-mediated environment. Observation of social behavior in the environment. Field work. | Classes | 2.00 | auditorium | |||||
| 6 | Types of social work theories. Knowledge, skills and competences of a social worker. | Classes | 1.00 | auditorium | |||||
| 7 | Theories of practice. Evaluation of theories for practical use. | Lectures | 1.00 | auditorium | |||||
| Classes | 1.00 | auditorium | |||||||
| 8 | Systemic approach. Social activity system. Model of social systems: structure and organisation, dynamics and regularities of systems. Social activity system. Perspective of eco-social systems. | Lectures | 1.00 | auditorium | |||||
| 9 | Basic systems of social work. Use of ecomap and genogram in social case analysis. Determination of intervention points. | Classes | 1.00 | auditorium | |||||
| 10 | Systemicity of the intervention process: components of the work process, formulation of goals and objectives. | Lectures | 1.00 | auditorium | |||||
| 12 | Social case analysis: determination of intervention points, solution modelling. | Classes | 1.00 | auditorium | |||||
| 13 | Theories of social work practice. Cognition-based (cognitive) and behavioural approach in social work. | Lectures | 1.00 | auditorium | |||||
| 14 | Behaviour change strategy. Evaluation. Single system design. | Classes | 1.00 | auditorium | |||||
| 15 | Psychodynamic paradigm and clinical social work. Integration of psychodynamic principles in social work practice. | Lectures | 1.00 | auditorium | |||||
| 16 | Psychological structure of personality. Protection mechanisms. | Classes | 1.00 | auditorium | |||||
| 17 | Force theory: psychosocial evaluation, elements of the assistance process. | Lectures | 1.00 | auditorium | |||||
| 18 | Motivation. Motivational interview. | Lectures | 1.00 | auditorium | |||||
| 19 | Motivational interview. | Classes | 1.00 | auditorium | |||||
| 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”. In order to evaluate the quality of the study course as a whole, the student must fill out the study course evaluation questionnaire on the Student Portal. | ||||||||
| 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 | |||||||||
| 1 | Roga-Vailza, V., Ozola, I., & Apine, E. (Red.). Sociālais darbs ar gadījumu. Teorija praksē. (2021) | ||||||||
| 2 | Payne, Malcolm. Modern social work theory. 4th edition. (2014) | ||||||||
| 3 | Teater, Barbra. An introduction to applying social work theories and methods. Open University Press., 2nd edition. (2014) | ||||||||
| 4 | Dimitris Michailakis and Werner Schirmer. Social work and social problems: A contribution from systems theory and constructionism. (2014) | ||||||||
| 5 | Daniel Markovič. (2024) Digital social work or e-social work? Towards social work in a digital environment | ||||||||
| 6 | Brelyantika Indra Jesa. (2023) Digital Social Work with Children and Youth : A New Challenge in Professional Practice | ||||||||
| Additional Reading | |||||||||
| 1 | Žurnāls. Labklājības Ministrija. Sociālais darbs Latvijā. 1/2016. 2021 | ||||||||
| 2 | Peins, M. Mūsdienu sociālā darba teorija. SPDA “Attīstība” tulk. Izdevumā. | ||||||||
| 3 | Silvija Fargioni: teorija un prakse: lietas būtība ir vārdos. Valoda, zināšanas un profesionālās aprindas sociālajā darbā. Zinātnisku rakstu krājums. Dzīves jautājumi XII., 2007 | ||||||||
| 4 | Glicken, Morley D. Using strengths perspective in social work practice. 2004 | ||||||||
| 5 | Rodžerss, M. Vispārējā sociālā darba prakse. Dzīves jautājumi, V. Grāmata | ||||||||
| 6 | Sociālā darba terminoloģijas vārdnīca. SPDA “Attīstība” izdevums, 2000 | ||||||||
| 7 | Zinātniski metodiskie rakstu krājumi Dzīves jautājumi. I.-XIII. Grām. SPDA “Attīstība” | ||||||||
| 8 | Rokasgrāmata; metodes un pieejas sociālajā darbā | ||||||||
| 9 | Latvijas ilgtspējīgas attīstības stratēģija līdz 2030. Gadam. Latvijas Republikas Saeima | ||||||||
| 10 | Labklājības ministrija. Pētījums "Ex-ante izvērtējums pašvaldību sociālo dienestu darbības efektivitātes novērtēšanai". 2017 | ||||||||
| 11 | Richmond, M. Social Diagnosis. New York. Russell Sage Foundation. 1917 | ||||||||
| 12 | Loseke, Donileen R. Thinking about social problems:an introduction to constructionist perspectives. Aldine Transaction, c2003 | ||||||||
| Other Information Sources | |||||||||
| 1 | Interantional Federation of Social Workers | ||||||||
| 2 | International Associaation of Schools of Social Work | ||||||||
| 3 | International Council of Social Welfare | ||||||||
| 4 | Video | ||||||||
| 5 | Sociālā darba process. | ||||||||
| 6 | 1_Engagement.flv | ||||||||
| 7 | 2_Assessment.flv | ||||||||
| 8 | 3_Planning.flv | ||||||||
| 9 | 4_Implementation.flv | ||||||||
| 10 | 5_Evaluation.flv | ||||||||
| 11 | 6_Termination.flv | ||||||||
