Power, Participation & Practice - SPY00136M
- Department: Social Policy and Social Work
- Credit value: 10 credits
- Credit level: M
- Academic year of delivery: 2022-23
Module summary
In this module you will develop an understanding of critical approaches to power in social work practice. You will consider how participatory approaches to Social Work can improve power dynamics in practice. You will draw on your own practice experiences across the programme to analyse how power and participation operates in the social work settings you have experienced on the programme.
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Autumn Term 2022-23 |
| B | Spring Term 2022-23 |
Module aims
| In this module you will apply the conceptual lenses of power and participation to strengthen you critically analytical approach to the profession and practice of social work and issues of social justice. You will use relevant theory and research to critically reflect on the social work structures and services you have experienced during the programme and consider the issues of power and participation in relation to your own practice and the wider context of social work. You will actively consider how participatory approaches challenge power inequities in practice and may enhance anti-oppressive approaches |
Module learning outcomes
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Critically analyse the role of power in social work systems and practice using relevant theories and approaches.
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Understand the role of participatory practices in counteracting unequal power dynamics and critically evaluate approaches to participation.
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Apply a critical understanding of relationships of power to practice settings encountered during the programme
Module content
This module is taught in 4 intensive 4 hour wokshops and one Skills Day (on Participatory Approaches)
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Theories of power and their relevance to Social Work
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Critical and radical approaches to Social Work
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Feminist & Black Feminist Social Work
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Anti-Oppressive Practice
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Participatory Approaches to Social Work
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Services User voices and power.
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De-colonising social work knowledge
The final day of workshops includes a 'Poster Presentation' session in which completed posters are displayed fro staff and students.
Indicative assessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Oral presentation/seminar/exam | 100.0 |
Special assessment rules
Non-compensatable
Additional assessment information
Posters are displayed at a celebration event at the end of the module attended by staff and students. There is no requirement to 'present' posters... although students may wish to stand with their posters in order to discuss them with staff and students. Students will be able to 'opt out' of having their posters displayed. The assessment of the poster is not contingent on, and is entirely separate from the poster presentation event.
Indicative reassessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Oral presentation/seminar/exam | 100.0 |
Module feedback
Students will receive formative feedback throughout the module in interactive workshops.
Students will receive feedback on summative assessment within four weeks from submission.
Indicative reading
Smith, R (2008) Social Work & Power, Palgrave McMillan