Methods and theories of social, personal and organisational change in response to social problems. These are developed in relation to applied practice outcomes in social work.
This paper is for those who want to go beyond a basic understanding of social problems. It is about troubling one's analytical lens, self and practice as it is about figuring out ways to engage. A critical appreciation of social problems contributes to effective social work practice and is a valued skill in social service organisations.
| Paper title | Social Problems: Policies and Practice Models |
|---|---|
| Paper code | SOWK406 |
| Subject | Social Work |
| EFTS | 0.1667 |
| Points | 20 points |
| Teaching period | Not offered in 2023 (Distance learning) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees (NZD) | $1,442.12 |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Prerequisite
- 126 300-level SOWK or SOWX points
- Restriction
- SOWK 318, SOWX 318, SOWX 406
- Limited to
- BSW, MA
- Eligibility
- This is an optional paper for students enrolled in the Bachelor of Social Work programme.
- Contact
- More information link
View more information on the Social and Community Work programme website
- Teaching staff
Coordinator and Lecturer: Dr Patrick Vakaoti
- Paper Structure
- The paper covers these key areas:
- An examination of social problems from a social work perspective
- The use of critical theory to examine forms of oppression
- The use of 'self' in social work practice
- Teaching Arrangements
The paper content is taught over the first six weeks of the semester. Two 3-hour sessions per week.
A two-day compulsory workshop is held at the end of the semester.
- Textbooks
- There is no prescribed text. Assigned readings are made available online.
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Critical thinking, Cultural understanding, Ethics.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
In this paper students will:
- Engage in structural analysis of social problems
- Exhibit critical skills in the practice context
- Demonstrate reflective practice
- Gain practice knowledge of how to reduce the oppressive nature of social structures and the social work profession
