SW0741 - Social Work Knowledge

An enquiry-based learning approach is adopted, using lectures, seminars, interactive e-learning resources Lead lectures will be offered by specialist researchers, practitioners and lecturers and are designed to develop knowledge during the initial stages of your professional development. Seminars will provide the opportunity for group work sessions with other students creating an authentic learning experience and providing the opportunity for critical analysis of issues and concepts in social work practice. The formative assessment will involve observation of a legal setting. The module has two summative assessment elements. The first is an assignment which will assess your understanding of human development across the life course and the nature of risk across different age groups. The second assessment for the law component is a time limited assessment of an unseen paper, drawing on case studies, taken under exam conditions.
You will be offered formative feedback from your peers and seminar leaders during seminar sessions.

The module begins with an introduction to its content and structure and a briefing to explain the context, aims and expectations of the work required for a successful outcome. Explored as part of the module introduction is how it contributes to the overall programme with a particular focus on the module aims, learning outcomes and assessment strategy. The provision of lectures and seminars are the key means of offering academic support to you as well as providing a reflective space for you to explore the more nuanced and complex areas of practice you will experience when qualified. These sessions will support you to recognise and debate the key skills, approaches and attributes expected of you on the programme. You will be encouraged and supported to have the confidence to engage in discussion and constructive critique of your own and others work in a safe environment.

Feedback and feedforward to guide future work will be provided through group work sessions throughout the module. These will also support you to generate material, debate ideas and discuss your developing views of key concepts and reflect on your practice helping you identify strengths and areas for development.

General queries about the module will be addressed by the module leader. Contact details for all tutors for this module are available in the module handbook and via the Electronic Learning Portal (eLP). You will have access to lecturers at teaching times, by email, and telephone.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk

Knowledge & Understanding:

LO.1 Critically evaluate knowledge of risk factors and protective factors for human development and wellbeing

LO.2 Demonstrate an in depth understanding of knowledge of relevant legislation underpinning social work and social care provision, and an ability to apply this to complex situations

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:

LO.3 Demonstrate a critical understanding of the processes involved in the application of social work law

LO.4 Critically appraise some of the social and psychological barriers which shape human development and well being

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):

LO.5 Critically analyse the tensions between protection and control when balancing the rights and responsibilities of social work practice within a legal framework

The assessment in this module have both a formative and summative component that you need to complete.

Formative
The formative assessment task is a court observation task to develop understanding of the court environment and reflect on the experience of the court process for the participants involved
Peer / practitioner/service user /staff feedback from workshop sessions

Summative
The summative assessment for the module is in two parts. Each element of the summative assignment contributes 50% of the mark and you must pass both elements of the summative assessment task in order to successfully complete the module.

Part one
Will be an assignment based on a case study of a family where you will need to identify risk and protective factors for identified individuals. In the assignment you will need to demonstrate an understanding of risk and application of professional judgement and decision making. 1500 words,50% of mark.
Part two
Unseen 3 hour written law exam. 50% of the mark.

SW0742, SW0743

The module seeks to develop critical understanding of social work theory and practice with respect to human development and risk. The module will enhance your understanding of various professional roles and responsibilities and facilitate your understanding of the multi-disciplinary environment and multiple contexts in which social workers operate. You will develop contemporary knowledge in the field of social work through use of research and learning directly relevant to professional practice The module will build on previous learning and experience to maintain and enhance employability and support you in continuing professional development. Social work is a complex area of practice, as such the module will allow you to critically evaluate and reflect upon your own professional development and the professional practice of others. With an acquired knowledge of Social Work England’s (SWE) Professional Standards, you will be required to demonstrate applied knowledge of professional codes of practice underpinning ethical decision making.