As social work students begin their second theory course of the post-degree Bachelor of Social Work program, they have developed at least a beginning understanding of the assumptions and theoretical foundations for structural social work practice, and have had the opportunity to distinguish the ideological and practice differences between ‘conventional’ and structural social work. As well, most students are beginning to develop a repertoire of generalist practice skills. In this course, students have the opportunity to build on this foundation and develop strong links between theory and practice, so that they are prepared to actively engage in the practice of social work in their field placements and as they enter their professional social work careers.
Professional practice requires that each social worker has developed, and is able to articulate, their own approach to social work and those professional values are integrated with their personal belief system. When social workers have a clear sense of their own assumptions and beliefs, they are in a much more effective position to be able to evaluate critically their own practice and, as a result, are more able to develop and enhance their knowledge and skills as they gain professional experience.
The overall purpose of SCWK 5046 is to assist students to strengthen both their theoretical foundation for social work practice and their ability to integrate into their personal and professional lives developing knowledge, skills, and values. This course will present some recent and critical developments in knowledge and theory along with a variety of theories that may enhance structural social work practice if integrated appropriately. A variety of theories that inform direct practice approaches will be studied.
- Teacher: Arielle Dylan