CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY OF ZIMBABWE

FACULTY OF EDUCATION SOCIAL SCIENCES AND HUMANITIES

BACHELOR OF SOCIAL WORK HONOURS DEGREE

INTRODUCTION TO SOCIAL WORK (HSW 111)

COURSE OUTLINE

PROGRAMME: Bachelor of Science Degree in Social Work

MODULE CODE: HSW 111

LEVEL: 1.1

MODULE TITLE: Introduction to Social Work

LECTURER: Ms F.N. Takavarasha

CELL: 0772719522

EMAIL: [email protected]

1.0 PREAMBLE
This module introduces students to the social work profession by looking at the basic functions and
mission of social work. It examines the historical development of the profession of social work. The
module explores the International, African and Zimbabwean historical narratives on the history and
growth of social work as a profession. Students shall also be introduced to the major intervention
methods of social work practice as well as the social service delivery structures as mirrored in the social
welfare system. The historical commitment of the social work profession to social justice and to the
elimination of poverty shall be a major theme of this module. As such, the module provides a
comprehensive grounding for social work students and gives them a fuller appreciation of what the
profession entails.

2.0 AIM
The module intends to provide a comprehensive understanding of Social Work as a profession and
gives the students a fuller appreciation of what the profession entails. Purpose, functions, methods and
theories of Social Work shall be made clear for students. These will be useful intervention tools in the
provision of social welfare services in order to address issues of poverty which is one of the major
themes in this module.
3.0 LEARNING MODULE OUTCOMES
At the end of the module students are expected to have been:
3.1 Equipped with knowledge and skills in understanding major social work intervention methods.
3.2 Prepared to understand the link between social work and social welfare.
3.3 Prepared to have an in-depth analysis of social work interventions and theoretical underpinnings
3.4 Equipped with comprehensive understanding of the relationship between social work and other
social sciences.
4.0 MODULE CONTENT
4.1 Conceptual Analysis
4.1.1. What is Social Work?
4.1.2. What is Social Welfare?
4.1.3. Why and who does Social Work?
4.1.4. What are the goals of Social Work?
4.1.5. What is the nature of social problems and needs?
4.1.6. What are the fields of service in social work?
- Administration and Management; Advocacy & Community Organizing; Child Welfare;
Services for the Aging and Elderly; Disability Services; Health Care or Medical Social Work;
Justice and Corrections; Mental Health, Substance Abuse and Clinical Social Work; Research,
 Policy and Planning and Public Welfare; School Social Work; Occupational and Employee
Assistance Program (EAP) Social Work; and Politics.
4.2 Social Work History
4.2.1. The history of Social Work
4.2.2. International and local narratives
4.2.3. The implications of the history of Zimbabwean social work.
4.3 The Intervention Methods of Social Work
4.3.1. Social Casework
4.3.2. Group Work
4.3.3. Community Work
4.3.4. Social Services and Administration
4.3.5. Social Work Research
4.4 The Theoretical and Practice Paradigm of Social Work
4.4.1. Psychodynamic Theories and Social Work
4.4.2. Learning Theories and Social Work
4.4.3. Systems Theories and Social Work
4.4.4. Behavioral theories and social work
4.4.5. Indigenous Knowledge Systems
4.5 The Intervention Process of Social Work
4.1.1. Phase 1: Exploration, assessment and planning
4.4.2. Phase 2: Implementation and goal attainment
4.4.3. Phase 3: Termination and evaluation
4.6 Values in Social Work
4.6.1. Professional values of Social Work
4.6.2. Levels of values
4.6.3. Religion and values
4.6.4. Culture and values
4.6.5. Social ethics
4.7 Cross-Cultural Social Work
4.6.1. Cultural diversity and perceptions
4.7.2. Culturally friendly social work
4.8 Communication in Social Work
4.8.1. A few aspects which influence communication
-the self, perception/active listening, attending, culture
 4.8.2. Non-verbal and verbal communication
4.8.3. Written communication in social work
-functions of report writing, guidelines for written communication, types of reports
4.8 Common Social Work Challenges
4.8.1. Juvenile delinquencies, parent-children conflicts
4.8.2. Unemployment, poverty, & food insecurity
4.8.3. Marriage breakdown and divorce
4.8.4 Suicides
4.8.5 Substance use, alcoholism
4.8.6 Prostitution
4.8.7 Sexual and reproductive health, population issues
4.8.8 Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Housing
5 TEACHING METHODS

5.1 Lectures (Face to face and online)

5.2 Seminars (Weekly presentations, Discussions and Role Plays)

5.3 Guest lectures (Resource persons)

5.4 Videos

5.5 Essays/Assignments

5.6 Self-Directed learning (Independent research)

6.0 ASSESSMENT
Assessment is by continuous assessment and examination
6.1 Continuous assessment
A written assignment - The length of the essays should be 1300-1500 words, font 12, Times
New Roman, double-spacing
6.1.1 Seminar presentation/projects
6.1.2 In-class test
6.2 Examination
Students will write a 3-hour examination paper.

6.3 Weighting
6.3.1 Continuous assessment 30%
6.3.2 Examination 70%
6.3.3 To complete the module successfully the student should pass on average
6.4 Assignments

6.4.1 Assignment 1

Describe any TWO theories critical for social workers in assisting people with disabilities.

Due date: In two weeks (exact date TBA)

6.4.2 Assignment 2.

In-class test on social work methods. (exact date TBA)

7. Practice/presentation questions:

1: Examine the utility of any FIVE social work values when working at a Children’s home in
Zimbabwe.

2: Describe any FIVE skills that can be employed to assess the needs of vulnerable children.

3: Demonstrate the significance of any FOUR ethics in Social Work Practice.

4: Use examples to show the relevance of using any FOUR social work roles to address the
needs of people with disabilities.

5: Outline and discuss any THREE social work roles that can be used by a social worker in
assisting a group of adolescent girls with HIV in Zimbabwe.

References:
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Banks, S. (2020). Ethics and values in social work. Bloomsbury Publishing.

Beckett, C. (2013). Values and Ethics in Social Work: London, Sage Publications.

Chikoko, W. and Mwapaura, K. (2023). Challenges and Opportunities for Child-Sensitive

Social Protection Programmes in Zimbabwe. Journal of Social Development in Africa, 38(2),
1-30

Chikoko, W. and Mwapaura, K. (2024). Substance Abuse and Sexual Behaviour among
Street Children with Reference to the Child Agency Theory: The Case of Harare Central
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Theory and Practice. France: Domuni-Press. pp. 129-138

Chikoko, W., Mwapaura, K., Zvokuomba, K., Nyabeze, K and Soko, S. (2022). Challenges
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NB: This is not an exhaustive list. Each student is encouraged to use online material on
the website and material from the Library.