Critical Knowledge for Social Work Practice Part 1 - Assessing Human Behaviour in the Social Environment module (SW21015)

Understanding how people are influenced by their environment underpins any social work assessment. It informs how we should work with people to support them in addressing the challenges they may be experiencing.

You will explore a range of sociological and psychological theories. These seek to explain human behaviour. They also explain how individuals, both children and adults, grow and develop.

What you will learn

In this module, you will:

• learn about a range of sociological and psychological theories. These will seek to explain human behaviour and how individuals grow and develop
• study the ecological perspective. You will gain an understanding of how this can be used to frame social work practice
• learn key biopsychosocial theories. These are required for understanding and assessing human behaviour across the life course

By the end of this module you will be able to:

• describe the ecological perspective. You will also be able to describe its utility for organising the theory required for social work practice
• articulate major concepts within key biopsychosocial theories of human behaviour
• apply concepts from psychological and social theories when assessing human behaviour
• articulate different views about the nature and place of assessment in social work practice. This will also include assessment as a process and as a product
• articulate the ethical and professional issues associated with a range of social work theories. You will be able to place particular reference to anti-oppressive practice and social justice

Assignments / assessment

• essay 2,000 words (100%)

This module does not have a final exam.

Teaching methods / timetable

• weekly 2.5-hour lectures on campus
  • mixture of PowerPoint lectures and small/large group discussions
• independent study
  • you will be guided to relevant reading each week
• case studies
  • focused on the application of theory