Social Science for Social Work (P01665)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 10 ? Acronym : SPS-P-sps

This course acts as a conversion course for students whose first undergraduate degree is not in the area of social science. The course is divided into three components:
Sociology for social work (14 hours direct teaching organised on the basis of 7x2 hour sessions);
Social Policy for social work (18 hours direct teaching organised on the basis of 9x2 hour sessions);
Criminology for social work (12 hours direct teaching organised on the basis of 6x2 hour sessions).

The course will be based on workshop sessions (which will include direct teaching and work in small groups), tutorials and independent learning.

Entry Requirements

none

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Postgraduate (School of Social and Political Studies), (School of Social and Political Studies, Schedule J)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : Postgraduate

? Delivery Period : Full Year (Blocks 1-4)

? Contact Teaching Time : 3 hour(s) per week for 17 weeks

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

The course introduces sociological, social policy & criminological theories as related to social work policy & practice. Students will learn about: 1. Social processes e.g racism, poverty, unemployment, poor health, disability, lack of education, unemployment, unsuitable housing, victimisation & other sources of disadvantage associated with risks of crime, marginalisation, isolation & exclusion. 2. Effect these processes have on demand for s/work services. 3. Nature of s/work services in a diverse society (particular reference to concepts such as social need, informed choice, prejudice, inter-personal, institutional & structural discrimination, empowerment & anti-discriminatory practices).4. Explanations of the links between processes contributing to social difference (e.g. social class, gender, racial & ethnic differences) & problems of inequality & differential need that people who use services face.5. Relevance of sociological & criminological perspectives to understanding societal & structural influences on human behaviour at individual, group & community levels.6. Complex relationships between justice, care & control in social welfare & community justice & their practical & ethical effects.7. Position of contemporary s/work within historical & comparative perspectives, inc European & international contexts.8. Complex relationships between public, social & political philosophies, policies & priorities & organisation & practice of social work.9. Issues & trends in modern public & social policy & their relationship to contemporary practice & service delivery. 10. Complex relationships between justice, care & control in social welfare & community justice & their practical & ethical implications. 11. Links between processes contributing to social differences (e.g social class, gender & ethnic differences) & problems of inequality & differential need faced by service users.

Assessment Information

There will be three component-based assessment exercises, each carrying one-third of the overall assessment mark. These will be set by the component teachers, but marked within Social Work (with the guidance of a framework for assessment).

Exercises may include 2,000 word essays; poster presentations; or a critical review of a policy paper.

The course organiser may at his/her discretion, vary the assessment for students who have successfully completed a previous degree relating to one of these subject areas.