1.     Course Title

INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY FOR SOCIAL WORK

Course Code

SISS 1502

NQF Level

5

Notional Hours

80

NQF Credits

8

Prerequisites

NONE

Option (compulsory/Elective)

Compulsory

Semester Offered

2

Module description

This module is an introduction to social work. It introduces the social work student to the field of sociology, illustrating how sociology is connected to and fundamental to effective social work practice. The module applies theory to practice by a sociologist, a social worker, and service user. A wide range of topics and subjects relevant to social work are covered, including Gender, Class, Ethnicity and race, Ageing, Health, Intimacies, Social exclusion, Crime, and deviance, Communities, and Disability.

Module Aim

 

The aim of this module focuses on exploring and understanding human attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors. Using the scientific method, sociologists study patterns of social relations, social inequality, and social interaction. The study of sociology in social work helps the individual to understand human society and how social systems work. A comparative study of human societies enables students to understand that people in different societies have many different solutions to the universal human problems of making a living. By helping him/her determine how to appeal to each society and providing more information about the populations the social worker serves.

Exit learning outcomes

Upon completion of this module, the student social worker should be able to:

  1. Describe major sociological concepts, trends, and theories. (Know about sociology in social work) 
  2. Locate, organize, and evaluate sociological information. (Know how to explore social issues)
  3. Explain the social world from different sociological perspectives. (Be able to think and communicate like a sociologist)
  4. Conduct evidence-based analysis using appropriate methodology and statistics. (Do sociology)
  5. Apply sociological knowledge in addressing social issues and making ethical decisions. (Use sociology in positive ways

Course Content

 

 

 

 

 

Study Unit 1 Sociology for Social Work

An Overview of Sociology and Key Issues

Uses of sociology in social work

Importance of sociology to social workers

Meaning of sociology in social work

 

Study Unit 2 Social Inequality and Social Class

Define social class

Define the Sociology of Social Inequality

Examples of social class and inequality

Causes of social class inequality

The relationship between class and social inequality in sociology

 

Study Unit 3 Gender

Sociology of Gender

How does society influence understandings and perceptions between masculinity and femininity?

 

Study Unit 4 Race and Ethnicity

Define race and ethnicity

Difference between race and ethnicity

Sociological perspectives of race and ethnicity

 

Study Unit 5 Poverty and Social Exclusion

Define poverty

Social exclusion

Relationship between poverty and social exclusion

Reducing poverty by tackling social exclusion

 

Study Unit 6 Later Life

Concept of aging in sociology

Sociological Perspectives on Old Age

Main phases of aging in sociology

Sociology of later life

 

Study Unit 7 Health

Define Health according to sociology

The social definition of health

Importance of health in sociology

Theories of health in sociology

 

Study Unit 8: Disability

Definition of a disability

The social model of disability

Importance Disability is in sociology.

Disability in society

 

Study Unit 9: Crime and Society

Crime and society in sociology

Theory of crime and society

Functions of crime in society sociology

Major sociological theories of crime and criminality

 

Study Unit 10: Intimacies and Relationship

Sociological perspectives of intimate relationships

Definition of intimate relationship in sociology

Intimacy and relationship

Intimacies of a relationship

Types of Relationship Intimacy

 

Study Unit 11: Community and Social Capital

Social capital in sociology

Types of social capital

Relationship between community and social capital

Role of social capital in the community

Building Community Social Capital

Conclusion

 

Study Unit 12: Mental Health

Define Mental Health according to sociology

The social definition of mental health

Importance of mental health in sociology

Theories of mental health in sociology

 

Methods of Facilitating

Learning

Learning will be facilitated through the following activities:  classroom lectures, assignments, and presentations.

Assessment Strategy

 

Assessment will consist of Continuous Assessment (CA), and an end-of-semester examination. The CA is made up of class tests, and assignments/projects contributing 40% towards the final mark, while the end-of-semester examination contributes 60%. A minimum final mark of 50% is required to pass the module.

Quality Assurance

Arrangement

Moderation of final examinations will be done by the Assessment policy and procedures of Welwitchia Health Training Centre.  Regular review and consultations will also take place.

Student Support and

Learning Resources

 

 

 

The Resource Centre is available to the students 

Prescribed Learning Resources:

Sociology for Social Work: An Introduction. 2010 Edited by: Chris Yuill - Robert Gordon University, UK. Alastair Gibson

Sociology for Social Workers. 2008.Anne Llewellyn  (Author), Lorraine Agu (Author), David Mercer (Author)

Recommended  Learning Resources:

Sociology in Social Work Journals