Social Work in a Changing Scotland module (SW51005)

This module will introduce you to social work and social care systems in Scotland. The module will take into account the variety of backgrounds that you may come from when exploring these concepts. It will also explore from a global perspective.

You will look at social work's place, at the interface between the individual and society. You will also see, based on this, the consequent interplay of private troubles and public issues.

You will be introduced to the implications of differing political and social policy orientations. You will explore what these mean for social work's positioning. You will also explore how these might play out in different approaches to practice. These will range from the individual to the structural.

The module will involve visits to communities and to social work agencies. This will allow you to explore the kind of social problems that social workers deal with and how they might do so.

What you will learn

In this module, you will:

• learn the history, context and organisation of social work in Scotland
• learn about the professional social work role and task. This will include reflexivity, ethics and values
• learn about critical issues and debates in contemporary social work
• learn how different kinds of professionals work together in the context of social work. You will learn what challenges and opportunities this entails

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

• show an awareness of the range of social issues facing individuals and communities. You will also be aware of the critical engagement with the causes and manifestations of these
• show an awareness of the social work role and task. You will understand this across sectors and professional frameworks and the approaches relating to these
• adopt a critical outlook on issues impacting social work practice
• reflect critically on and consider learning against the SiSWE

Assignments / assessment

• Essay (80%)
• Community profile poster group presentation (20%)

This module does not have a final exam.

Teaching methods / timetable

Lectures and community engagement activity