| Unit name | Applied Social Science and Law |
|---|---|
| Unit code | SPOLM0034 |
| Credit points | 40 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Academic Year (weeks 1 - 52) |
| Unit director | Ms. Norton |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
None |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| School/department | School for Policy Studies |
| Faculty | Faculty of Social Sciences and Law |
This Unit is designed to provide students with relevant underpinning knowledge of social science theory and research. They will gain a grounding in the legislative underpinnings of social work with children, families and young people, adults, and people with a mental illness and become familiarised with the policy context of practice. The Unit provides students with relevant theoretical explanations, through which they will be able to critically analyse contemporary social problems with which social workers are faced in practice.
On successful completion of the unit, students will be able to demonstrate: i) critical understanding of the central concepts relevant to understanding human growth and development ii) critical appreciation of research and theory concerning the social problems that impact critically on social work practice; iii) an understanding of the fundamental legal provisions relevant to key areas of social work practice, iv) an understanding of how these legal provisions are applicable to practice v) the ability to draw appropriately on the research and theory from relevant disciplines in support of evidence-informed assessment and intervention in social work and social care.
Methods of teaching will involve a combination of blended learning that is both synchronous and asynchronous. It will include lectures, group work, and seminars involving case discussion. This unit provides a significant opportunity in year one for experiential group work which will take place both on campus (as the situation allows) and in self-directed study groups.
2.5 hour examination in Law
1.5 hour examination in Human Development
Both are summative assessments, and each will assess the relevant learning outcomes. Both must be passed to complete the unit successfully and each assessment will contribute 50% towards the overall mark for the unit
Beckett, C. and Taylor H (2010) . Human growth and development(2nd Edn). London: Sage Publications.
Brammer, A. (2013) Social Work Law with updating supplement (3rd edn)Harlow, Pearson Education
Brayne,H. and Carr,H. (2012) Law for Social Workers (12th edn). Oxford, Oxford University Press
Daniel, B., Wassel, S., & Gilligan, R. (2010). Child development for child protection workers. Philadelphia: Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Dickens, J. (2009) Social Work and Social Policy: An Introduction. Basingstoke, Routledge.
Needham, C. (2011) Personalising Public Services: understanding the personalisation narrative. Bristol, The Policy Press
