Course Resources Archive

This module introduces students to psychological and sociological theories and concepts, and applies them to issues relevant to the practice of professional social work.  In particular it utilises psychological and sociological theories to explore human behaviour in the social environment.  Those theories are applied to the creation of a sound theoretical basis for assessment, planning and review in the social work process and for the development of anti-oppressive practice.

Psychological theories including psychoanalytic, behavioural, attachment,  learning and humanistic theories; systems and PCS theories; social structural data in relation to factors including economics, ethnicity, culture, gender and diversity; socialisation theory; psycho-social theories concerning the processes of stereotyping, prejudice and discrimination.

i  Knowledge and Understanding
By the end of the module students should be able to:
a.  demonstrate an awareness of psychosocial approaches and theories relevant to people’s behaviour
b.  explore sociological theories and concepts relevant to socialisation
c.  demonstrate a capacity to analyse possible causes of individual behaviour in terms of various psychological models.
d.  demonstrate an awareness and understanding of the existence of inequality and diversity and their consequences.
e.  demonstrate an appreciation of the importance of anti-oppressive practice and link it to sociological theories and concepts.

ii. Skills
By the end of the module students should be able to:
a. Locate, read and evaluate key texts
b. Deploy developing skills of analysis
c. Work independently
d. Work with others in small groups.

Staff / student contact: 20% (lectures, tutorials)
Student directed learning: 80%

The Library Catalogue contains full details of the current reading list for this module. Further details may also be found in the Module Guide.