Overview
Examines social problems in the context of social work. It explores the influence of anti-oppressive practice in understanding social problems and advancing social justice, equality and social inclusion.
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. It explores the influence of anti-oppressive practice and critical theory in understanding social problems and advancing social justice, equality and social inclusion. A critical appreciation of social problems contributes to effective social work practice and is a valued skill in social service organisations.
About this paper
| Paper title | Social Problems: Policies and Practice Models |
|---|---|
| Subject | Social Work |
| EFTS | 0.1667 |
| Points | 20 points |
| Teaching period | Semester 1 (Distance learning) |
| Delivery mode | The Distance Learning offering of this paper is a combination of remote and in-person teaching |
| Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) | $1,665.83 |
| 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, SOWK 506
- 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 Katheryn Margaret Pascoe
- 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 Distance Learning offering of this paper is a combination of remote and in-person teaching. Interactive online sessions will be delivered throughout the semester, as well as a compulsory in-person workshop at the end of the paper.
- Textbooks
To be determined
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Scholarship, Critical thinking, 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
- Assessment details
Assignment 1: Media analysis (30%)
Assignment 2: Structural analysis of agency (35%)
Assignment 3: Advocacy intervention (30%)
Assignment 4: Peer assessment (5%)
Overview
Examines social problems in the context of social work. It explores the influence of anti-oppressive practice in understanding social problems and advancing social justice, equality and social inclusion.
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. It explores the influence of anti-oppressive practice and critical theory in understanding social problems and advancing social justice, equality and social inclusion. A critical appreciation of social problems contributes to effective social work practice and is a valued skill in social service organisations.
About this paper
| Paper title | Social Problems: Policies and Practice Models |
|---|---|
| Subject | Social Work |
| EFTS | 0.1667 |
| Points | 20 points |
| Teaching period | Semester 2 (Distance learning) |
| Delivery mode | The Distance Learning offering of this paper is a combination of remote and in-person teaching |
| Domestic Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for 2027 have not yet been set |
| 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, SOWK 506
- Limited to
- BSW, MA
- Eligibility
- This is an optional paper for students enrolled in the Bachelor of Social Work programme.
- Contact
Dr Katheryn Margaret Pascoe: katheryn.pascoe@otago.ac.nz
- More information link
View more information on the Social and Community Work programme website.
- Teaching staff
Co-ordinator and Lecturer: Dr Katheryn Margaret Pascoe
- 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
Harnessing a flipped classroom model of teaching, this paper is offered via distance learning with a combination of remote synchronous online classes and two in-person workshops on campus. Students are required to attend both the online classes and on campus workshops.
- Textbooks
A reading list combining book chapters and journal articles is made available to students. The following text is recommended for students if they can access a personal copy:
Mullaly, B. (2010). Challenging Oppression: A Critical Social Work Approach (2nd ed.). Oxford University Press.
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Lifelong learning, Scholarship, Critical thinking, Ethics, Research, Self-motivation.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
- Engage in structural analysis of social problems/issues
- Demonstrate reflective practice by being able to identify how social work as a profession is implicated in the creation and/or perpetuation of this social problem/issue
- Exhibit critical skills for the practice context
- Gain practice knowledge of how to reduce the oppressive nature of social structures and the social work profession
- Assessment details
Assignment 1: Media analysis (30%)
Assignment 2: Structural analysis of agency (35%)
Assignment 3: Advocacy intervention (30%)
Assignment 4: Peer assessment (5%)