Unit THEORETICAL FOUNDATIONS OF SOCIAL WORK
- Course
- Social work
- Study-unit Code
- A005373
- Curriculum
- In all curricula
- Teacher
- Lorenzo Bruni
- Teachers
-
- Lorenzo Bruni
- Hours
- 60 ore - Lorenzo Bruni
- CFU
- 8
- Course Regulation
- Coorte 2026
- Offered
- 2026/27
- Learning activities
- Base
- Area
- Formazione sociologica di base
- Sector
- GSPS-05/A
- Type of study-unit
- Obbligatorio (Required)
- Type of learning activities
- Attività formativa monodisciplinare
- Language of instruction
- Italian
- Contents
- The course programme is divided into three parts: 1. the epistemological foundations and theoretical challenges facing social work in the light of recent contemporary developments; 2. theoretical and practical models of social work, with particular attention to the theoretical foundations of the systemic-relational approach; 3. an introduction to the Code of Ethics for Social Workers, with a particular focus on its epistemological and theoretical aspects
- Reference texts
- Essential bibliography for the exam:
Attending students:
• Gui L., 2014, The Theoretical Challenges of Social Work. The Scientific Foundations of a Discipline, Carocci, Rome.
• Lerma M., 1992, Methods and Techniques of the Helping Process, Astrolabio Publishers, Rome (Chapters I-II-III-IV).
• National Order of Social Workers, 2009, Code of Ethics for Social Workers (downloadable online from www.cnoas.it).
For non-attending students:
• Gui L., 2014, The Theoretical Challenges of Social Work. The Scientific Foundations of a Discipline, Carocci, Rome (Chapters I–II–III–IV–V–VI–VII).
. Lerma M., 1992, Methods and Techniques of the Helping Process, Casa Editrice Astrolabio, Rome (chapters I-II-III-IV).
• Luppi, M.; Bregantin, A.; Maiocchi, A.; Luppi, M.; 2016, Perspectives on Social Work. Experiences and Contexts of a Changing Profession, FrancoAngeli, Milan (chapters 1-2-3-4-5-6-7).
• National Order of Social Workers, 2009, Code of Ethics for Social Workers (available for download online at www.cnoas.it) - Educational objectives
- To provide students with an understanding of the historical development of the social work profession, as well as of the helping professions in the broadest sense, and of the disciplinary tradition of social work, in relation to their respective historical and cultural contexts. Knowledge of the methodological approach of social work is fundamental; within the course, this is constantly linked to the theoretical foundations of the discipline. To foster an understanding of the epistemological foundations, theoretical contributions, principles and values specific to the social work profession.
- Prerequisites
- It is preferable for students to have a background in the humanities and psychology.
- Teaching methods
- The course will consist mainly of lectures. It will also include in-depth seminar sessions focusing on specific aspects of the support process, with the involvement of experts. The course will also feature specific opportunities for dialogue and discussion between students and the lecturer.
- Learning verification modality
- An oral exam lasting no more than thirty minutes.
The lecturer may, at the end of the course and for students attending classes, set a written assessment. The written assessment will consist of multiple-choice questions and open-ended questions on the course content. - Extended program
- Extended Programme
Part 1. Theoretical Challenges in Social Work • The theoretical foundations of social work and interdisciplinary contributions • An overview of the history of social welfare in Europe • Towards a reflective social work.
Part 2. Theoretical and operational models of social work • Social work: a dynamic reality • The evolution and debate surrounding social work theory • The systemic-relational approach and social work.
Part 3 The Social Worker’s Code of Ethics • The ethical and values-based dimension of the social work profession • The essential content of the Code of Ethics - Obiettivi Agenda 2030 per lo sviluppo sostenibile
- 3, 10, 11