Singapore University of Social Sciences

Social Advocacy

Social Advocacy (SWK375)

Applications Open: To be confirmed

Applications Close: To be confirmed

Next Available Intake: To be confirmed

Course Types: To be confirmed

Language: English

Duration: 6 months

Fees: To be confirmed

Area of Interest: Social Services

Schemes: To be confirmed

Funding: To be confirmed

School/Department: S R Nathan School of Human Development


Synopsis

Promoting social change and addressing social injustice are embedded in social work practice, as reflected in the global definition of social work by the International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW). This global definition of social work, adopted by the Singapore Association for Social Workers (SASW), also states the core values of social work that are based on the respect for equality, worth and dignity of all people. This course aims to discuss the different types of advocacy in social work and the ways in which effective social advocacy can be carried out, based on the needs of the people whom social workers serve. In particular, the effectiveness of social advocacy efforts in Singapore is dependent on a deep appreciation of the historical, social, economic, political, legal and cultural contexts unique to the country. Comparative advocacy work in other countries will be explored. Effectiveness of advocacy efforts is also dependent on ethical and anti-oppressive social work principles that look beyond the social worker as the “expert”, to acknowledging clients as the experts in being responsible for their own lives.

Level: 3
Credit Units: 5
Presentation Pattern: -

Topics

  • Social advocacy and social work practice
  • Models and types of social advocacy.
  • Structural and human agency factors behind social change.
  • Advocacy and activism.
  • Anti-oppressive social work practices.
  • Working with different players in social advocacy.
  • Involving clients in social advocacy work.
  • Means and mechanisms used in social advocacy
  • Social advocacy in Singapore.
  • Civil society and advocacy players in Singapore.
  • Factors that drive social change in Singapore
  • Advocacy for hidden or emerging vulnerable populations in Singapore.

Learning Outcome

  • Explain why and how social advocacy is embedded in social work.
  • Compare different models and types of social advocacy, examine their effectiveness in social change
  • Discuss the roles that different stakeholders play in social advocacy and social change.
  • Evaluate the different means and mechanisms used in social advocacy.
  • Examine the key drivers of social change in Singapore.
  • Appraise the advantages and challenges of involving social work clients in their own advocacy.
  • Discuss different models of anti-oppressive forms of social work practice and how they can be applied in Singapore.
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