SOCIAL WORK THEORIES AND METHODS II

This course is included in the “basic educational activities” of the degree in Scienze della Società e del Servizio sociale. The course offers some theoretical principles and references that constitute the foundations of professional social work within contemporary society.
The programme allows students to deepen their understanding of the main theoretical approaches used in social work. In this regard it is given great attention to the historical development of the professional social work. The course also provides knowledge about the ethical principles, values and ethics that are the basis of the action of the social worker.

Knowledge and understanding:
at the end of the course students will know and will comprehend:
- the definitions of social work;
- the circular relationship between theory and practice in social work;
- the main theories, models and approaches that guide the professional practice of social work;
- the history of social work, with particular attention to the Italian context;
- the ethical and value bases of social work and their traslation in operational terms;
- problems and ethical dilemmas that may be present in social work practice.

Applying knowledge and understanding:

at the end of the course the student will be able to critically evaluate the application of theoretical knowledge in professional practice. They will also have the main ethical and value coordinates that guide the different professional choices.

Evaluating skills
the course develop critical thinking skills about different theoretical and ethical references. This is done in particular in relation to the activities of evaluation and intervention in situations of disadvantage: individuals, groups and communities exposed to conditions of vulnerability and social distress.

Communication skills
at the end of the course the student must have acquired appropriated level of technical terminology.
The student will have improved his ability of interacting with other students: discussing about the issues of the course and giving a presentation to the class about a work group.


Learning skills:
The course promotes the ability to read critically the texts for the exam. The ability to make connections between different concepts and the possibility to activate a circular knowledge between theoretical and practical aspects are encouraged.

No specific courses are required as prerequisites.

During the course the following aspects are treated and analyzed:

Elements defining professional social work.
History of social work, with particular reference to the Italian context.
Main paradigms and theoretical models of social work.
Ethical and deontological aspect of social work.
New directions of social work.
Social work as force for change.

- G. Pieroni, M. Dal Pra Ponticelli, Introduzione al servizio sociale. Storia, principi, deontologia. Roma, Carocci, 2005 (ultima edizione 2024).
- T. Bertotti, Decidere nel servizio sociale. Metodo e riflessioni etiche. Roma, Carocci, 2016 (ultima ristampa 2016).
- Codice deontologico dell’Assistente sociale (versione aggiornata, 1 giugno 2020. Testo disponibile al seguente indirizzo: https://cnoas.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Il-nuovo-codice-deontologico-dellassistente-sociale.pdf ).
- Online material uploaded on Moodle.
For a good understanding of the topics, it may be useful to use a social work dictionary.

Written examination divided into three open-ended questions relating to the topics in the course and covered in the reference readings: two of a theoretical nature and one linked to aspects that refer to the practice of the profession. The questions will be formulated in such a way as to bring out the ability to expound upon and make connections between the various topics dealt with by the candidate. Time available for the test: two hours.
The test grade isn't influenced by the student’s presence at the lessons and it is attributed according to the following criteria:
A. Scores in the 18-22 range will be awarded if:
- sufficient knowledge and understanding applied to the programme;
- limited ability to collect and/or interpret data, making independent judgements;
- sufficient communication skills, especially in relation to the use of the specific language of social work and social sciences.
B. Scores in the 23-26 range will be awarded if:
- Discrete knowledge and understanding applied to the programme;
- Considerable ability to collect and/or interpret data, making independent judgements;
- discrete communication skills, especially in relation to the use of specific language that affects of social work and social sciences.
C. scores in the range 27-30 will be awarded if:
- good or excellent knowledge and understanding applied to the programme;
- good or excellent ability to collect and/or interpret data, making independent judgements;
- Fully appropriate communication skills, especially in relation to the use of specific language related to of social work and social sciences.
D. The award will be given in the presence of excellent applied knowledge and understanding in relation to the program, judgement and communication skills.

Frontal lessons, realized with slides and videos, will be alternated with didactic moments characterized by the use of typical instruments of participatory teaching. Among them: group re-elaboration work with plenary restitution, simulations and case studies.

Italian

Ca' Foscari applies the Italian Law n. 17/1999 and Law n. 170/2010.
If you have a motor, visual, auditory or other disability, or a specific learning disorder, we invite you to do two things:
1. Talk to your course instructor
2. Contact the office of disability support services: disabilita@unive.it 
Contact the office of disability support services (disabilita@unive.it) for general information: to find out what you are entitled to by law, and to request support and accommodation - www.unive.it/disabilita

written