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Overview

An examination of 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.

About this paper

Paper title Social Problems: Policies and Practice Models
Subject Social Work
EFTS 0.2500
Points 30 points
Teaching period Semester 1 (Distance learning)
Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $2,867.00
International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
Restriction
SOWK 406
Limited to
PGDipSW, MSCW(Applied), MSW

Overview

An examination of 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.

About this paper

Paper title Social Problems: Policies and Practice Models
Subject Social Work
EFTS 0.2500
Points 30 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.
Restriction
SOWK 406
Limited to
PGDipSW, MSCW(Applied), MSW
Contact

Dr Katheryn Margaret Pascoe: katheryn.pascoe@otago.ac.nz

Teaching staff

Course Co-ordinator: 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.
  • The paper is assessed through three main assignments where students choose a social problem to explore in depth throughout the course of the semester, applying different theoretical lenses and critical explanations to explore causes and solutions, with attention to macro systems and policy.
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, Communication, Critical thinking, Research, Self-motivation.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
Learning Outcomes
  1. Engage in theoretically informed structural analysis of social problems/issues.
  2. Demonstrate critical reflexive practice with a nuanced understanding of power, subjectivity and use of self.
  3. Exhibit and apply critical skills for the practice context.
  4. Gain practice knowledge of how to reduce the oppressive nature of social structures and the social work profession.
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