Page 243 - SYU Prospectus

Social Work

various forms of human practices and relationships. The emphasis is on the systemic study of
human actions resulting from subjective meaningful interactions in everyday life. Major
sociological paradigms will be introduced to students, such as Structural-Functionalist, Marxist
and Symbolic Interactionalist. Students will also learn to adopt the sociological perspective to
understand some social phenomena such as culture, organization, gender, family, social
stratification, social policy, deviance, population and globalization.

SW 131 Self-understanding and Self-development I
1 Term; Non-Credit Bearing
This course aims to enhance students’ self-understanding and self-awareness to the
origin of oneself by introducing various aspects of human development from a lifespan
perspective. It examines the essential parts and processes of the personality formation
comprised of psychological, developmental, emotional and societal facets. Also, it facilitates
students’ sensitivity to comprehend and to accommodate individual strengths and limitations
as a life goal for personal growth and better prepare to be a capable social worker in the future.

SW 132 Self-understanding and Self-development II
1 Term; Non-Credit Bearing
This course aims to further enhance the self-understanding and self-awareness of social
work students in connection with their peers, family members and community. The course will
scrutinize the influences to personality formation by various types of human relationships,
such as friendship, marriage, parent-child, workplace and neighbourhood. Students’ past
experiences and stages of their personal development will be explained.

SW 200 Theories and Methods in Working with Individuals
1 Term; 3 Credits
This course aims at equipping students with theoretical knowledge and skills in the
application of an integrated approach to social work practice, especially in relation to the
generalist intervention model. The course will help students to gain a better understanding of
the nature, dynamics, and helping process of social casework by examining the skills and roles
of a social worker and the value dilemmas that may arise. Throughout the course, students are
encouraged to reflect on the integration of theoretical knowledge, values, and skills in
supporting service-users with varied needs and problems. Furthermore, it aims to broaden the
repertoire of social work interventions available to students before they begin their fieldwork
practice. Various theoretical approaches such as Task-Centred Approach, Crisis Intervention,
Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy and Family Therapy will be introduced and applied in different
case scenarios.

SW 210 Counselling Skills for Social Workers
1 Term; 3 Credits
This course aims at equipping students with basic counselling skills that professional
social workers will use at different stages of the helping process. To help them prepare well for

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