Social work and social care
Values, Ethics and Theories: preparing for complexity in Social Work Practice
Module code: L5091
Level 4
15 credits in spring & summer teaching
Teaching method: Seminar, Lecture
Assessment modes: Report
On this module, you’ll build on prior learning and focus on professional formation through social work values, ethics and theories. This module emphasises the importance of social work theory in practice.
You’ll analyse a range of social work theories, examining the historical development and contemporary expression of social work values and ethics. You’ll consider the use of codes of ethics and codes of practice and the ethical and value basis to theories.
Topics include:
- anti oppressive and anti discrimatory values in social work
- ethics based on principles and character
- radical, liberal and conservative theories of social work
- psychodynamic theories of social work
- task based and solution focused approaches
- systems theories and ecological approaches
- social work and post modernism
You’ll use case studies to tie the theoretical and ethical discussions to the reality of practice situations in order to prepare for future placements.
Module learning outcomes
- Identify ethical dilemmas in a practice situation and discuss how competing interests and priorities might be weighed up.
- Evidence through discussion the complex relationship between personal and professional ethics
- Demonstrate through accurate description, knowledge and understanding of social work theories and how such theories can inform practice.
- Discuss social work values, ethics and theories specifically in relation to anti-oppressive practice, anti-discriminatory practice and anti-racist practice