Course Resources Archive
SWU102: Social Work in Context: Law and Social Policy
| Module Title | Social Work in Context: Law and Social Policy |
|---|---|
| Module Code | SWU102 |
| Module Tutor | Andrea Collins |
| School | Institute of Education and Public Services |
| CAT Points | 30 |
| Level of Study | 4 |
| Pre-requisites | None |
| Co-requisites | None |
| Restrictions | Restricted to BSc (Hons) Social Work |
| Brief Description | This module introduces students to the legal and policy context in which social workers practice. Divided into two parts, the module explores how the machinery of government and the legal system work; the development of the Welfare State and theoretical models for explaining such development, and social welfare responses to foundational issues such as unemployment, poverty, social exclusion and homelessness. Students then go on to explore in detail the legal and policy context of social work practice in community care, child care and mental health. The implications for social work practice are stressed throughout. |
| Indicative Syllabus | This module provides an introduction to the legal and policy context within which social workers practice. It is divided into two parts. In Part 1, students will: • explore how the machinery of governance works at national and local level and the place of social work agencies within it • explore how the legal system works and the roles played by social workers within the legal system • discuss the development of the welfare state from 1906 - 2006, identifying key points of change (Liberal Welfare reforms, Beveridge Report, post - War consensus, Thatcherism etc...) • explore underpinning models of the Welfare State (functionalist approaches, Marxist approaches, feminist approaches, anti-racist approaches etc) and introduce the comparative concept of a welfare regime • discuss models of policy making and the link between policy generation and the making and implementation of statute law • in a sequence of sessions on foundational issues, discuss unemployment, poverty and social exclusion, health inequality and health status, housing and homelessness and consider the implications for social work practice. In Part 2, students will: • in a sequence of sessions on community care policy and practice identify how services have developed, key turning points, current legal and policy frameworks (including NSFs) and their implications for social work practice. • In a sequence of sessions on child welfare policy and practice identify how services have developed, key turning points, current legal and policy frameworks (including NSFs) and their implications for social work practice • In a sequence of sessions on mental health policy and practice identify how services have developed, key turning points, current legal and policy frameworks (including NSFs) and implications for social work practice • In a sequence of sessions on criminal justice (esp. youth justice) policy and practice identify how services have developed, key turning points, current legal and policy frameworks (including NSFs) and their implications for social work practice |
| Learning Outcomes | By the end of this module, students will be able to:
Knowledge
a) Describe how the machinery of government works at national and local level b) Describe how the legal system works and the roles played by social workers within the legal system c) Discuss the development of the welfare state from 1906 – 2006 and describe underpinning theoretical models d) Discuss the concept of a welfare regime e) Discuss models of policy making and the link between policy generation and the making and implementation of statute law f) Explain the impact of unemployment, poverty and social exclusion, health inequality and health status, housing and homelessness on social work practice g) Describe and evaluate the legal and policy framework for children’s services h) Describe and evaluate the legal and policy framework for community care services i) Describe and evaluate the legal and policy framework for mental health services j) Describe and evaluate the legal and policy framework for criminal justice and youth offending ii. Skills a) Critically evaluate theoretical models underpinning an understanding of social policy b) Read and understand legal materials (Acts of Parliament, regulations, government policy documents) c) Link the wider social policy context to the practice of social work d) Express him/herself clearly and succinctly in writing, using appropriate academic conventions e) Work individually and as a member of group to achieve learning outcomes |
| Learning and Teaching Activities | Staff/student contact circa 20% (to include, lectures, seminars, small group work, on line tuition) Student independent study circa 80% (to include reading and assignment preparation, personal research and visits) |
| Assessment (For further details see the Module Guide) | 001: 50% Coursework: Standard: 2000 words or equivalent 002: 50% Written Exam: End of year, unseen, closed book: 2.00 hours |
| Special Assessment Requirements | None |
| Indicative Resources | The Library Catalogue contains full details of the current reading list for this module. Further details may also be found in the Module Guide. |
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