THEORIES OF THE SOCIAL SERVICE - WORKING GROUP

The course is part of the basic educational activities of the Bachelor's degree in Social Sciences and Social Work and provides an introduction to the knowledge of the disciplinary field of Social Work, understood as a profession and as an academic discipline. The teaching aims to facilitate the acquisition of knowledge relatated to some fundamental principles and theoretical perspectives of social work, both in the international context and the Italian one. Special attention will be given to the ethical, values-based, and deontological principles underlying the actions of social workers, highlighting the essential relationship between theory and practice. The course aims to stimulate a critical and reflective understanding of the profession and its recent transformations in order to promote a complex and conscious professional knowledge. Through the presentation of case studies, students will gain an understanding the pratical implications of the main theoretical approaches, the ambiguities and ethical-professional dilemmas that accompany the delicate and daily care work of the social workers, fostering critical analysis skills.

Upon completion of the course, students will have acquired skills in various areas of learning.

1. Knowledge and comprehension of:

- Epistemology of Social Work;
- Terminology and fundamental concepts of social work;
- Main models and theoretical approaches guiding professional action in interaction with other disciplines;
- Ethical and deontological principles of the profession;
- Ethical problems and dilemmas that may arise in the operational dimension of the social worker.

2. Application of knowledge and understanding:

- Clear and reasoned formulation of course content;
- Application of skills and abilities developed in social studies and work;
- Application of learned concepts and tools;
- Critical analysis of social problems and situations, considering ethical and deontological values and principles;
- Recognition of reference paradigms of professional action;
- Reflection on the importance of personal values in social relations and problem analysis;
- Understanding and decoding of individuals' social demands,demonstrating the use of correct technical terminology and professional values.

3. Judgment skills:

- Critical and conscious application of theoretical and deontological references in relation to evaluation and intervention activities in situations of disadvantage and vulnerability of individuals, groups and communities.

4. Communication skills:

- Adequate mastery of technical terminology, promoting relational intelligence in interactions with colleagues, other professionals and citizens/users;
- Presentation of works on theoretical and practical topics discussed in class.

5. Learning skills:

- Critical consultation and analysis of reference texts;
- Use of educational materials on Moodle, promoting circular knowledge paths between theory and practice.

There are no prerequisites for attending the course.

The course starts with the origins and evolution of the theoretical paradigms in social work and the ethical and deontological principles of the profession, aiming to familarize students with the practical applicability of reference theories in professional work, while also highlighting the ambiguities and tensions inherent in the social work profession. The goal is to create spaces for reflection through dialectical and interactive learning, helping to integrate "knowledge", "skills" and "attitudes".

In relation to the following texts, they will not be part of the examination, but it is recommended for further understanding of the topics covered.

- Dal Pra Ponticelli M., "Nuove prospettive del Servizio Sociale", Carocci Faber, Roma, 2010;
- Fargion S., "Il servizio sociale. Storia, temi e dibattiti", Laterza, Roma, 2009;
Cortigiani M., Marchetti P. (a cura di), "L'assistente sociale. Società complesse, nuovi bisogni, strategie e modelli di intervento", Maggioli, Santarcangelo di Romagna, 2021;
- Fargion S., "Il metodo del servizio sociale. Riflessioni, casi e ricerche", Carocci, Roma, 2013;
- Dominelli L., "Servizio sociale. La professione del cambiamento", Erickson, Trento, 2004;
- Dominelli L. "Il Servizio sociale. Una professione che cambia", Erickson, Trento, 2005;
- Di Santo R. (a cura di), "Dalla comunità alla prossimità: le nuove sfide del welfare", Maggioli, Santarcangelo di Romagna, 2022

For the understanding of the fundamental issues inherent in the course, it is more than appropriate to consult:

- Campanini A. (diretto da) (2013), "Nuovo Dizionario di Servizio sociale", Carocci Faber, Roma. In particolare per le seguenti voci: Assistente sociale, Assistenza (storia della), Deontologia, Ordine professionale, Processo di aiuto, Servizio sociale, Storia del servizio sociale, Principi del Servizio sociale, Teoria del Servizio sociale, Advocacy, Autonomia, Autodeterminazione, Trifocalità, Valori, Welfare State;
- Codice deontologico dell'assistente sociale - in vigore dal 01.06.2020 (disponibile https://cnoas.org/codice-deontologico/ )
- Other texts could be find in Moodle platform and will be required readings for participation in the exercises.

The exam is not scheduled within the workgroup activities. Theories of Social Service course includes a written exam as outlined in the course program.

The course consists of lectures and laboratory activities to actively engage students. Additional readings, exercises and discussion topics will be assigned for individual or group preparation and in-class discussion. Regular attendance and active participation in these sessions are highly recommended.

Italian

Course materials are available on the Moodle platform.

written

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "Poverty and inequalities" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development