Methodology of Social Work I (with modules on Principles and Foundations
of Social Work and Procedures and Techniques of Social Work)
PROF. FRANCESCA MACI; PROF. BRUNO BORTOLI; PROF. ANNA MARIA ABBURRÀ
Methodology of Social Work Module (Prof. Francesca Maci)
COURSE AIMS
This course sets out to provide the basic concepts regarding the nature and
purposes of social work in general, and the functions of the social worker
specifically, with reference to the ethical and methodological principles guiding the
profession. These basic concepts will be tackled by providing an initial practical
overview, through an examination of the main stages in the helping process, and of
various techniques and operative procedures used in social work.
COURSE CONTENT
1. Specific features of the functions of social work:
1.1 The purpose of social work as a profession and as a discipline: coping
with life tasks.
1.2 Social work and the professional social services.
1.3 Differences and connections between the profession of social worker and
other similar professions.
2. The helping process: the stages of problem solving as applied to social work.
3. Analysis of the stages of the helping process: the assessment.
3.1 Needs assessment: sources and tools.
3.3 The dimension of time in the assessment process.
3.4 The concept of resource.
4. Analysis of the stages of the helping process: planning intervention, and criteria
for setting objectives and evaluating strategies.
5. Analysis of the stages of the helping process: carrying out intervention. Main
types of direct and indirect interventions carried out by the social worker.
6. Analysis of the stages of the helping process: checking and concluding an
intervention.
READING LIST
The reading list will be announced in lectures.
TEACHING METHOD
Classroom lectures.
ASSESSMENT METHOD
Written and oral exam.
NOTES
Further information can be found on the lecturer's webpage at
http://docenti.unicatt.it/web/searchByName.do?language=ENG, or on the Faculty notice
board.
Principles and Foundations of Social Work Module (Prof. Bruno Bortoli)
COURSE AIMS
The course is intended to focus on the conceptual features of the Social Work
profession, and on the characteristics of the context and period in which it
developed. In particular, it will look at: the socio-cultural dimensions –
exemplified through various keywords – which inform its professional
methodology, its framework of values as well as the functions it performs in the
various fields of intervention.
COURSE CONTENT
The keywords of the profession
Need, suffering
Help, care
Helping relationship
Knowledge, skills and values
The values of the Social Services
The values and principles of the profession
Ethical code
Moral dilemmas
Understanding the profession
Welfare and Social State
Social services in Italy
READING LIST
S. BANKS, Etica e valori nel servizio sociale, Erickson, Trento, 1999 (certain sections).
B. BORTOLI, I giganti del lavoro sociale, Erickson, Trento, 2006 (certain sections).
M.L. RAINERI (Editor), Assistente sociale domani, Erickson, Trento 2011, seconda edizione, vol. I
(certain sections)
Codice Deontologico dell’Assistente Sociale, 2009.
Further reading indications will be provided during lectures.
TEACHING METHOD
Lectures, group work, individual contributions.
ASSESSMENT METHOD
There will be one exam covering all three modules, and it will be in both written and
oral form.
NOTES
Further information can be found on the lecturer's webpage at
http://docenti.unicatt.it/web/searchByName.do?language=ENG, or on the Faculty notice
board.
Practical Techniques and Procedures Module (Prof. Anna Maria Abburrà)
COURSE AIMS
The course is intended to provide students with a basic knowledge of the most
common working practices in use within organisations that manage social services
for individuals in order to fulfil the institutional functions of the social worker, and
deliver the main categories of social welfare services.
COURSE CONTENT
The course is divided into three teaching units.
Teaching unit 1. Basic elements of administrative procedures in public social
welfare services.
Teaching unit 2. Techniques and procedures in interventions for adults with
income and housing problems.
Teaching unit 3. Techniques and procedures in interventions for situations of lack
of self-sufficiency and disability.
READING LIST
M.L. RAINERI, Linee Guida e procedure di Servizio sociale, Erickson, Trento, 2012. (Chapp. 1, 3, 4,
5, 6, 7).
Texts from practical exercises done in the lectures.
Lecture notes and texts from practical exercises all available in the downlaod area on the
tutor’s web page (the password will be announced during the course).
TEACHING METHOD
Teaching will alternate lectures with practical exercises.
ASSESSMENT METHOD
There is one exam for all three modules (methodology, principles and foundations,
practical techniques and procedures) and it consists of both written and oral tests
NOTES
Further information can be found on the lecturer's webpage at
http://docenti.unicatt.it/web/searchByName.do?language=ENG or on the Faculty notice
board.