2017/18 Undergraduate Module Catalogue
HECS1115 Sociology, Social Policy and Legal Perspectives in Social Work
20 creditsClass Size: 50
Module manager: Ros Day
Email: r.s.n.day@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2017/18
Pre-requisite qualifications
Normally fulfilment of entry requirements for BA Hons studyModule replaces
HECS 1081 Sociology and Social Policy Perspectives in Social WorkHECS 1076 Legal FrameworkThis module is not approved as a discovery module
Objectives
Overall:Students will be able to explain, understand and analyse the social policy and legal contexts within which social work practice takes place.
- To introduce students to sociological, social policy and legal perspectives, concepts and research that are crucial to social work
- To contextualise social work within the development of the British welfare state and to analyse the role of social work within society.
- To introduce to students the political process whereby social problems are identified and labelled and then addressed through policy and law.
- To explore international perspectives and the impact of globalisation
- To encourage students to understand why some people experience significant disadvantages and social exclusion.
- To study theories about anti-discriminatory practice and diversity and how through policy and the law social workers can empower people to challenge discrimination and oppression
- To understand the English and Welsh legal system and its relationship with social work practice
- To encourage students to understand the impact of Human Rights Legislation upon social work practice and the rights of service users.
- To encourage students to understand issues of authority and accountability within the social work profession.
Learning outcomes
1. Students will demonstrate knowledge of key sociological theories and concepts relevant to social work practice, particularly with service users who are socially disadvantaged
2. Students will show an understanding of the development of the British welfare state and have some understanding of international perspectives and globalisation issues
3. Students will analyse the role and functions of social work in contemporary society
4. Students will understand models of anti-discriminatory practice and which legislation challenges discrimination.
5. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the political and social processes behind the creation of new legislation and social policy.
6. Students will be able to explain the legal framework in England and Wales and how it applies to social work
7. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the significance of codes of practice, guidance, regulations and service delivery standards for social work practice.
8. Students will understand the impact of legislation concerning equality on social work practice
9. Students will be able to discuss the impact of Human Rights Legislation on social work practice.
10. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the inherent authority of using the law within social work practice and the importance of accountability and professionalism.
Skills outcomes
SOP
2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.6, 2.7
3.1,3.3
4.4
5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4
6.1, 6.2
8.4, 8.8
9.1, 9.3
13.1, 13.2, 13, 13.4
14.5, 14.6, 14.7
PCF
Professionalism 1.1, 1.5
Values & ethics 2.1, 2.2
Diversity 3.1
Rights, Justice etc 4.1
Knowledge 5.1, 5.3
Reflection & analysis 6.3
Contexts & Organisations 8.1
Syllabus
- Overview and key concepts
- Social stratification and poverty
- "Race" and ethnicity
- Globalisation
- Feminism, gender and sexuality
- Welfare state, form and function
- Development of social work in the Welfare State
- Debates about the role and function of social work
- Anti-discriminatory practice, diversity and social work
- Interactionism, labelling and stigma and exclusion
- The structure of the court and legal system.
- The Equality Act 2010.
- Asylum and Immigration Legislation
- Domestic Violence Legislation
- Childcare legislation
- The implications of the Human Rights Act 1998
- The relationship between Law and Social Work.
- The principles underpinning social work legislation.
- International perspectives in social work legislation - comparative values and ethics in social work legislation
Teaching methods
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
| Group learning | 10 | 1.00 | 10.00 |
| Lecture | 11 | 2.00 | 22.00 |
| Tutorial | 2 | 2.00 | 4.00 |
| Independent online learning hours | 30.00 | ||
| Private study hours | 134.00 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 36.00 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200.00 | ||
Private study
Directed use of SCIE Re-usable E-Learning toolsGuided reading and research related to the syllabus using on line and other resources
Preparation for class discussions and assessments
On line quizzes and exercises to reinforce classroom learning
Online research of relevant legislation and policy guidance.
Reading to complete essay
Opportunities for Formative Feedback
The case study analysis will provide formative evidence of student progressOn line exercises will provide self-assessment and outline gaps in student knowledge
Summative assessment will provide evidence of competence in relation to module outcomes.
During the module students will be required to undertake guided inquiry that will be shared in seminar time. This will allow them to develop their skills in finding, evaluating and applying evidence-based knowledge.
Methods of assessment
Coursework
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
| Essay | 2500 words | 50.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 50.00 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Exams
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
| Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) | 1 hr | 50.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 50.00 | |
Compensation will not apply. Both parts of the assessment must be passed.
Reading list
The reading list is available from the Library websiteLast updated: 30/08/2013
Browse Other Catalogues
- Undergraduate module catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
- Undergraduate programme catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team.PROD