Course Description
A critical perspective on theory and a pragmatic approach to development, grounded in recognition of theory’s complex and dynamic interrelationship with research and social work practice. Students will critically analyze theories designed to address persistent and emerging social issues and will develop theory construction and model-building skills.
Athena Title
Theory
Prerequisite
SOWK 8217
Semester Course Offered
Offered spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
•Build critical perspective and broad-based approaches to thinking about theory and its application in addressing persistent and emerging social issues. •Identify and critically analyze major issues and problems in the development of knowledge about society and human functioning. •Explore evolving knowledge paradigms to determine how dominant conceptions influence theory development and its relationship to research. •Explain and comparatively examine the origins, key assumptions, applications, limitations, and current examples of social science research in both modern and postmodern traditions. •Understand the reciprocal and dynamic links among theory, research, and social work practice. •Understand the development and application of theories in the context of culture, history, and diversity. •Develop theory construction and model-building skills to ground strong foundation for knowledge development and translational research.
Topical Outline
•Thinking about theory •Observation, field notes, and thick description •Thinking and knowing •Paradigms •The role(s) of theory in social work •Finding theory in the scholarly literature •Critical analysis of theory •Causal theories •Emergent theories •Process theories •Model building •How to effectively write about theory •How to effectively present theory