1.żOn completion of this module, you will be able to define sociological theories that are used within social work practice and describe their application, including strengths and limitations
Professional standards 3.3, 3.7, 3.14, 4.4
PCF 5,6,7

Knowledge and understanding, Application.

2. On completion of this module, you will be able to demonstrate how these theories can empower services users and address inequality via social work and personal values.
Professional standards 1.1, 1.5, 1.6, 3.7 4.8
PCF 2,3

Application, Problem solving

3. On completion of this module, you will be able to demonstrate awareness of different approaches from other professionals in a multi-agency context.
Professional standards 5.1
PCF 1,8

Learning, Enquiry

Formative Assessment:

You will perform tasks throughout the module aimed at aiding you to define and explain sociological theories.

Summative assessment:

Assessment 1: As a group, you will present a response to a scenario written in partnership with key stakeholders such as people with lived experience of social work, and social work practitioners. Presentations will be 20 minutes long, including 5 minutes for Q&A, all group members are expected to present evidencing learning outcomes 1 and 3.

Assessment 2: You will be asked to write a 1000-word assignment describing the relationship between systemic factors and the empowerment or oppression of one population in society, evidencing learning outcome 2.

All assessment elements must be passed at a grade of 40 or above to successfully complete the module

This module will introduce the core sociological theories that are used in social work practice. Learning to think sociologically is one of the most important skills a social work can bring to their practice. A sociological perspective enables social workers to step back from taken for granted assumptions about social life and encourages them to critically unpack these assumptions, to develop skills which enable them to link issues in their lives and the lives of services users to the bigger picture of society. The module will explore the links between social work values, sociological theories, and social work practice, a focus within this module will be on the role of power and the way in which this impacts on lived experience and social work practice.



A range of sociological theories will be explored in the module with a focus on understanding a range of global, social issues that impact on the lived experiences of people who access social work services, for example;



Globalisation

Poverty

Social class & geography

Gender

Race and ethnicity

Age

Sexuality

Disability

Mental health

This module will challenge your underlying assumptions about society and the people that live in it.

Sociology not only explores society but how society functions. It gives you a different perspective on power, particularly the power of human agency. It also explores the role of structure and culture and how they dominate not only your life but the lives of your service users. This is an exciting and challenging module that will prepare you for your first placement in practice.

Scheduled teaching and learning activities: 39 hours

To consist of

- 39 hours of whole group sessions, which will include participatory lectures and presentations by the module tutors, and where appropriate people with lived experience of social work.

Directed Independent Study: 161 hours

To consist of

- Accessing online resources

- Use of the VLE

- Independent reading to consolidate the knowledge introduced in the scheduled teaching and learning session

- Formative and summative assessment preparation

Bernard, C (2021) Intersectionality for Social Work: A practical introduction to theory and practice. Routledge: London

Cunningham, Cunningham and Sullivan (2022) Sociology and Social Work (Transforming Social Work Practice Series): London: Learning Matters

Giddens, A and Sutton, P (2021) Essential Concepts in Sociology. Cambridge: Polity Press

Tedam, P (2020) Anti-oppressive Social Work Practice. London: Sage

You will have access to a range of materials on Blackboard VLE including articles, lecture slides, and interactive activities. You will also be able to access a variety of digital material through our Library and specialist databases.