SOCW 6060 Application of Systems Theory to a Case Study

SOCW 6060
SOCIAL WORK CLINICAL THEORY AND PRACTICE
Application of Systems Theory to a Case Stud
WHAT TO KNOW
In this course, you will be asked to select one case study and to use it throughout the entire course. By doing this, you will have the opportunity to see how theories guide your view of a client and the client’s presenting problem. Although the case may be the same, each time you use a different theory, your perspective of the problem changes, which then changes how you go about asking the assessment questions and how you intervene.
The first theoretical approach you will use to apply to a case study is systems theory. In other words, your theoretical orientation—your lens—will be systems theory as you analyze a social work case study.
Different theories can be used to take a systems approach. For example, Bertalanffy’s General Systems Theory considers how a system is made of smaller subsystems that influence each other and seek homeostasis, whereas Brofennerbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory focuses on how an individual’s experience is influenced by different system levels (micro, meso, exo, macro, and chrono). Systems theory is commonly used to understand the interrelationships of the systems (e.g., family, community, organizations, society) of the client. If you are working with families, communities, and organizations, it is also beneficial to use systems theory to get a holistic picture of all the interrelated parts of the system.
TO PREPARE
• Select and focus on one of four case studies listed in the Learning Resources. You will use this same case study throughout the course.
• Complete the Dissecting a Theory and Its Application to a Case Study Worksheet found in the Learning Resources. Keep this Worksheet as the first entry for your Theories Study Guide compilation that you will submit in Week 11.
ASSIGNMENT
Submit your completed Dissecting a Theory and Its Application to a Case Study Worksheet. When completing the Worksheet, do the following:
• Focus on the identified client within your chosen case.
• Analyze the case using a systems approach, taking into consideration both family and community systems.

Support your post with examples from the course text to demonstrate that you have completed the required readings, understand the material, and are able to apply the concepts. As the course progresses, you will be expected to cite using APA. To develop APA skills, utilize resources from the Writing
PLEASE WRITE THE HEADINGS

COURSE BOOK/MATERIAL
Social Work Treatment 7TH 25
Author: Franklin, Cynthia
ISBN-13: 978-0-19-767725-4
ISBN-10: 0-19-767725-8
Edition/Copyright: 7TH 25
Publisher: Oxford University Press

WEEKLY RESOURCES

REQUIRED READING
• Franklin, C., & Jordan, C. (Ed.). (2024). Turner’s social work treatment: Interlocking theoretical approaches (7th ed.). Oxford University Press
o Chapter 12, “General Systems Theory” (pp. H109–H117)
o Chapter 32, “Family Systems Theory” (pp. H327–H337)
• Cappiccie, A. (2020, Fall). 5 tips for connecting theory to clinical social work practiceLinks to an external site.. New Social Worker, 27(3), 8–9.
• Turner, K., & Lehning, A. J. (2007). Psychological theories of povertyLinks to an external site.. Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment, 16(1–2), 57–72. https://doi.org/10.1300/J137v16n01_05
• Turner, F. (2011). Theory and social work treatment. In Social work treatment: Interlocking theoretical approaches Download In Social work treatment: Interlocking theoretical approaches (5th ed., pp. 3–13). New York, NY: Oxford University Press.

Social Work Treatment: Interlocking Theoretical Approaches, 5th Edition by Turner, F. Copyright 2011 by Oxford University Press – Books (US & UK). Reprinted by permission of Oxford University Press – Books (US & UK) via the Copyright Clearance Center.
• Document: Comparing Individual-Related and Structural/Cultural-Related TheoriesDownload Comparing Individual-Related and Structural/Cultural-Related Theories (Word document)
• Document: Moving From Theory to PracticeDownload Moving From Theory to Practice (PDF)
• Document: Worksheet: Dissecting a Theory and Its Application to a Case StudyDownload Worksheet: Dissecting a Theory and Its Application to a Case Study (Word document)
• Document: Theory Into Practice: Four Social Work Case StudiesDownload Theory Into Practice: Four Social Work Case Studies (PDF)

REQUIRED MEDIA

• Walden University, LLC. (2021). Quick guide to theories Links to an external site. [Website]. Walden University Canvas. https://waldenu.instructure.com
• Sommers-Flanagan, J., & Sommers-Flanagan, R. (2014d). Family systems therapyLinks to an external site.. In Irish Luck Productions (Producer), J. Sommers-Flanagan (Director), & R. Sommers-Flanagan, (Director), Counseling and psychotherapy theories in context and practice [Video]. Psychotherapy.net.