In this course you will be introduced to the profession and discipline of social work. You will explore the breadth and variety of activity that constitutes social work nationally and internationally and the histories that have shaped it. You will examine key debates about social work and you will reflect on the challenges and opportunities awaiting those who choose to enter the social work profession.

You will also be provided with an introduction to studying and learning at university and in particular to ways of learning that are especially important in professional education. You will acquire study skills that will be relevant for successful completion of the social work program but also for continuing learning into the future.

As a foundational social work course, you will begin to develop an analytic and critical appreciation of the work done by social workers and the conditions that lead to their involvement in the lives of others. The course will help you to understand the potential of social work to be both a liberating and disabling profession: a tension/theme you will continue to explore throughout your program.