Veidlapa Nr. M-3 (8)
Study Course Description
Social Work Theories and Methods
Course Code
LUSDK_207
Branch of Science
Social Politics and Organisation of Social Work; Sociology and social work
ECTS
6.00
Target Audience
Social Welfare and Social Work
LQF
Level 6
Study Type And Form
Full-Time; Part-Time
Study Course Implementer
Course Supervisor
Lolita Vilka
Structure Unit Manager
Liāna Deklava
Structural Unit
Department of Rehabilitation
Contacts
Riga, 26a Anniņmuižas boulevard, socdk@rsu.lv, +371 67061575
About Study Course
Objective
The objective of the study course is to provide knowledge and understanding of the theory and methods of social work, to develop analytical thinking and social problem-solving skills using theory and methods.
Preliminary Knowledge
Philosophy and History of Social Work; Sociocultural Competence in Social Work; Theories of Sociology; Foundations of Social Work; General Psychology.
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge
1.As a result of mastering the study course, students will be able: to define, explain and evaluate a social problem, to find and describe intervention points, elements of the general practice process, understand the use of theories in social work practice.
Skills
1.As a result of mastering the study course, students will be able: to analyse social systems, to evaluate and interpret social situations, to structure and plan the objectives and strategies of social intervention.
Competences
1.As a result of mastering the study course, students will be able to use appropriate theories, methods and techniques in providing assistance and solving social problems of their clients.
Assessment
Individual work
|
Title
|
% from total grade
|
Grade
|
|---|---|---|
|
1.
Individual work |
-
|
-
|
|
Studying of theoretical literature, practical classes: social case analysis and resolution, training of theory-based evaluation and diagnosis techniques in work with a “simulated client”.
In order to evaluate the quality of the study course as a whole, the student must fill out the study course evaluation questionnaire on the Student Portal.
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Examination
|
Title
|
% from total grade
|
Grade
|
|---|---|---|
|
1.
Examination |
-
|
-
|
|
Active participation in lectures and classes while mastering the course, demonstration of students’ knowledge and skills in practical classes, presentations of independent works are evaluated. The course ends with an oral examination.
|
||
Study Course Theme Plan
FULL-TIME
Part 1
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Social work as science, academic discipline and practice, system of theoretical knowledge of social work. Openness and integrity of the social work theory.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Modern age and society: changes in the structure of social relations in connection with social changes caused by the processes of technological modernization. New social problems, new social demands for the profession of a social worker.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Modern age and society: changes in the structure of social relations in connection with social changes caused by the processes of technological modernization. New social problems, new social demands for the profession of a social worker.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Research in social work. Paradigms and epistemological schools in research and practice. Evidence-based social work practice
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Methodological principles and basic methods of social work. Human and environment. Behaviour as the basic concept of theory and practice of social work.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Other
|
2
|
Topics
|
Human- in- environment. A technology-mediated environment. Observation of social behavior in the environment. Field work.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Other
|
2
|
Topics
|
Human- in- environment. A technology-mediated environment. Observation of social behavior in the environment. Field work.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Other
|
2
|
Topics
|
Human- in- environment. A technology-mediated environment. Observation of social behavior in the environment. Field work.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Types of social work theories. Knowledge, skills and competences of a social worker.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Theories of practice. Evaluation of theories for practical use.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Theories of practice. Evaluation of theories for practical use.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Systemic approach. Social activity system. Model of social systems: structure and organisation, dynamics and regularities of systems. Social activity system. Perspective of eco-social systems.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Systemic approach. Social activity system. Model of social systems: structure and organisation, dynamics and regularities of systems. Social activity system. Perspective of eco-social systems.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Basic systems of social work. Use of ecomap and genogram in social case analysis. Determination of intervention points.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Basic systems of social work. Use of ecomap and genogram in social case analysis. Determination of intervention points.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Systemicity of the intervention process: components of the work process, formulation of goals and objectives.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Family as a systemic unit. Systemic analysis of family relations
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Social case analysis: determination of intervention points, solution modelling.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Social case analysis: determination of intervention points, solution modelling.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Theories of social work practice. Cognition-based (cognitive) and behavioural approach in social work.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Theories of social work practice. Cognition-based (cognitive) and behavioural approach in social work.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Behaviour change strategy. Evaluation. Single system design.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Behaviour change strategy. Evaluation. Single system design.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Psychodynamic paradigm and clinical social work. Integration of psychodynamic principles in social work practice.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Psychodynamic paradigm and clinical social work. Integration of psychodynamic principles in social work practice.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Psychological structure of personality. Protection mechanisms.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Force theory: psychosocial evaluation, elements of the assistance process.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Motivation. Motivational interview.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Motivational interview.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Motivational interview.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Macropractice and social development work.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Macropractice and social development work.
|
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
6.00
Contact hours:
64 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam (Oral)
PART-TIME
Part 1
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Social work as science, academic discipline and practice, system of theoretical knowledge of social work. Openness and integrity of the social work theory.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Modern age and society: changes in the structure of social relations in connection with social changes caused by the processes of technological modernization. New social problems, new social demands for the profession of a social worker.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Modern age and society: changes in the structure of social relations in connection with social changes caused by the processes of technological modernization. New social problems, new social demands for the profession of a social worker.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Methodological principles and basic methods of social work. Human and environment. Behaviour as the basic concept of theory and practice of social work.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Human- in- environment. A technology-mediated environment. Observation of social behavior in the environment. Field work.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Human- in- environment. A technology-mediated environment. Observation of social behavior in the environment. Field work.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Types of social work theories. Knowledge, skills and competences of a social worker.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Theories of practice. Evaluation of theories for practical use.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Theories of practice. Evaluation of theories for practical use.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Systemic approach. Social activity system. Model of social systems: structure and organisation, dynamics and regularities of systems. Social activity system. Perspective of eco-social systems.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Basic systems of social work. Use of ecomap and genogram in social case analysis. Determination of intervention points.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Systemicity of the intervention process: components of the work process, formulation of goals and objectives.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Social case analysis: determination of intervention points, solution modelling.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Theories of social work practice. Cognition-based (cognitive) and behavioural approach in social work.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Behaviour change strategy. Evaluation. Single system design.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Psychodynamic paradigm and clinical social work. Integration of psychodynamic principles in social work practice.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Psychological structure of personality. Protection mechanisms.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Force theory: psychosocial evaluation, elements of the assistance process.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Motivation. Motivational interview.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Motivational interview.
|
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
6.00
Contact hours:
40 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam (Oral)
Bibliography
Required Reading
1.
Roga-Vailza, V., Ozola, I., & Apine, E. (Red.). Sociālais darbs ar gadījumu. Teorija praksē. (2021)
2.
Payne, Malcolm. Modern social work theory. 4th edition. (2014)
3.
Teater, Barbra. An introduction to applying social work theories and methods. Open University Press., 2nd edition. (2014)
4.
Dimitris Michailakis and Werner Schirmer. Social work and social problems: A contribution from systems theory and constructionism. (2014)
5.
Daniel Markovič. (2024) Digital social work or e-social work? Towards social work in a digital environment
6.
Brelyantika Indra Jesa. (2023) Digital Social Work with Children and Youth : A New Challenge in Professional Practice
Additional Reading
1.
Žurnāls. Labklājības Ministrija. Sociālais darbs Latvijā. 1/2016. 2021
2.
Peins, M. Mūsdienu sociālā darba teorija. SPDA “Attīstība” tulk. Izdevumā.
3.
Silvija Fargioni: teorija un prakse: lietas būtība ir vārdos. Valoda, zināšanas un profesionālās aprindas sociālajā darbā. Zinātnisku rakstu krājums. Dzīves jautājumi XII., 2007
4.
Glicken, Morley D. Using strengths perspective in social work practice. 2004
5.
Rodžerss, M. Vispārējā sociālā darba prakse. Dzīves jautājumi, V. Grāmata
6.
Sociālā darba terminoloģijas vārdnīca. SPDA “Attīstība” izdevums, 2000
7.
Zinātniski metodiskie rakstu krājumi Dzīves jautājumi. I.-XIII. Grām. SPDA “Attīstība”
8.
Rokasgrāmata; metodes un pieejas sociālajā darbā
9.
Latvijas ilgtspējīgas attīstības stratēģija līdz 2030. Gadam. Latvijas Republikas Saeima
10.
Labklājības ministrija. Pētījums "Ex-ante izvērtējums pašvaldību sociālo dienestu darbības efektivitātes novērtēšanai". 2017
11.
Richmond, M. Social Diagnosis. New York. Russell Sage Foundation. 1917
12.
Loseke, Donileen R. Thinking about social problems:an introduction to constructionist perspectives. Aldine Transaction, c2003
Other Information Sources
1.
Interantional Federation of Social Workers
2.
International Associaation of Schools of Social Work
3.
International Council of Social Welfare
4.
Video
5.
Sociālā darba process.
6.
1_Engagement.flv
7.
2_Assessment.flv
8.
3_Planning.flv
9.
4_Implementation.flv
10.
5_Evaluation.flv
11.
6_Termination.flv