Introduction to Social Work

Recommended Prerequisites

NA

Teaching Methods

The curricular unit of ISW has a theoretical approach so the explanatory method is more emphasized as a teaching methodology. Yet, in some classes, are also promoted more interactive strategies of knowledge appropriation by students, by the use of audiovisual material, document analysis, interpretation and discussion of texts, among others.

Learning Outcomes

The curricular unit of ISW intends to position the ontological/epistemological/political bases of Social W. For this purpose it is divided in 2 axes: 1 - explanation of the SW object and nature; 2nd - historical basis of emergence and institutionalization as a profession. Thus the goals of the curricular u. are to: understand the specificity of the S. work object, analyze the scientific, political and ideological within the theoretical/conceptual/methodological construction of SW; explain and analyze the historic, social, political and ideological frames, underlying the genesis/institutionalization as a profession, namely in Portugal; identify and understand the challenges and current guidelines of the profession. At the end of the c. unit students should be able to explain and critically discuss the nature and specificity of the object of the SW and to understand their historical roots and connections between the profession and the contexts.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

I. Social Work Ontological foundations

The subject of Social Work and the relationship with the Social Sciences

Structural axes of professional practice: the social demand, the context, subjects

II. The construction of Social Work as a profession

Pre modern genesis

The modernity and scientific philanthropy

The 19th century Social Question and its social relevance to the institutionalization of the SW

Stages and processes of affirmation of the SW in the twentieth century

III. Emergency, Institutionalization and Recognition of Social Work in Portugal

The movement of the social medicine and the first formations

The New State and the emergence of the first SW schools in Portugal

The S W. in Portugal after April 25, 1974

IV. Contemporary Social Work: Challenges and Guidelines

Transformations of contemporary societies, (new) problems and the role of Social Work

New challenges and opportunities: social innovation in the information and communication societies.

Head Lecturer(s)

Cristina Maria Pinto Albuquerque

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Exam (100%) or Midtern exam (2-75%) + Research work (25%): 100.0%

Bibliography

Bastos, S. (1997). O Estado Novo e os seus vadios. Contribuição para o estudo das identidades marginais e da sua repressão. Lisboa: D. Quixote.

Caparrós, M. J. E. et al (1994). Introducción al Trabajo Social I. Alicante : Editorial Aguaclara.

Delgado, J. P. F. (2000). A pobreza e a marginalização social do século XV aos nossos dias. Porto: U. Portucalense.

Geremek, B. (1995). A Piedade e a Forca. História da Miséria e da Caridade na Europa. Lisboa: Terramar.

Martins, A. C. (1999). Génese, Emergência e Institucionalização do Serviço Social Português. Lisboa: FCG/FCT.

Montaño, C. (2007). A Natureza do Serviço Social. S. Paulo: Cortez Editora.

Mouro, H. & Simões, D. (2001). 100 Anos de Serviço Social. Coimbra: Quarteto.

Pinto, M. F. (1999). Os indigentes. Entre a assistência e a repressão. A outra Lisboa no primeiro terço do século. Lisboa: Livros

Horizonte.

Smale, G. et al (2000). Social Work and Social problems. Working towards social inclusion and social change. NY: Palgrave.