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MODULE 5
THEORIES IN SOCIAL WORK
Aug. 28 - Sept 1. 2009
Professor Dee (Douglas Durst), M.S.W., Ph.D.
Faculty of Social Work
University of Regina,
Canada, S4S 0A2
[Link]@[Link]
DESCRIPTION
Students will examine the role of theory and examine theoretical frameworks relevant to social
work. Attention is given to practical applications and comparative analysis from theoretical
perspectives. Out of these theories, models and approaches to practice are formulated and applied to
social welfare at the individual, couples, groups, community, and macro levels.
COURSE RATIONALE
A solid grounding in the basics of the theoretical foundation of social work is necessary for the
social work practitioner. The knowledge, skills and values inherent in social work practice cross
the "artificial boundaries" of the disciplines. Competent social workers whether they practice with
individuals, families and groups, or with community organizations, or in the field of social policy
and planning need the ability to interpret and apply theoretical approaches.
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COURSE OBJECTIVES
Upon the completion of this course, the student will be able:
1. To explain basic knowledge and critically assess major theoretical
frameworks;
2. To demonstrate through the assignments a range of basic skills applied
in a social work or social welfare setting;
3. To assess and evaluate the quality and applicability of approaches and
their application to practice; and,
4. To develop teaching methods for social work theory at the university
level.
RECOMMENDED TEXTS
Payne, Malcolm, (2005). Modern Social Work Theories. 3 rd Edition. Chicago,
Il: Lyceum Books, Inc.
Howe, David, (1987). An Introduction to Social Work Theory. Hampshire, UK:
Wildwood House Press.
METHODS OF EVALUATION
CLASS SCHEDULE
1. Introduction to Theories in Social Work
Introductions
Class Outline, Expectations, Assignments
What is Theory?
Types of Theoretical Approaches
Philosophical and Value Assumptions in Theory
Theoretical Map for Organizing Theory
Objective versus Subjective
What ought to be versus what is reality
The Quadrants
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2. Positivists (The Fixers): Functionalism
The Theorists: Spencer, Parsons & Merton.
Criticisms
Functions of Societal Institutions
3. Positivists (The Fixers): Behavioural Cognitive Theories
Behaviourist Learning Theory
Learning Theories
Social Learning and Cognitive Theory
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Solution Focused Brief Therapy
4. Positivists (The Fixers): Ecological Systems Theory
Ecological Systems Theory
Systems Theory: The Structuring, Classification, and Analysis of Systems
Family as a System
Crisis Intervention
5. Structural Functionalists (The Revolutionalist): Psychoanalytic
Theory
The Practitioners
The Conscious and Unconscious Mind
Psychoanalytic Theories of Development
Erikson’s Theory of Psycho-social Development
Attachment Theory
6. Structural Functionalists (The Revolutionalist): Conflict Theories
Conflict Theory
Basic Conflicts: Education
Critical Theory: Post Modern
Midgley’s Theory of Social Development
Community Development and Organization
7. Interactionism (The Seekers After Meaning): Symbolic
Interactionism
Symbolic Interactionism
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Phenomenology in Psychology
Labelling Theory
8. Interactionism (The Seekers After Meaning): Role Theory
Sociological Role Theory
Cultural Roles
Strengths-based Approach
9. Emancipationist (The Raisers of Consciousness): Existentialism
Concepts of Existentialism
Existential Feminism
10. Theories Summary and Exam