Social Theories and their Relationship to Clinical Practice

Catalog description

Every clinical theory presupposes an account of the nature of the mind. Moreover, clinical theory continues to grapple with the philosophical conundrum of the mind-body relationship. The course will review selected topics in the philosophy of mind and the explanation of human action, and their application to theoretical debates within the clinical literature. Social Theories and their Relationship to Clinical Practice- Course number 4002.001 This course will examine how professional social work knowledge evolves in the context of broader intellectual currents in philosophy and the social sciences, including debates in epistemology, ontology, as well as political and moral philosophy. Postmodern perspectives such as relational theories, narrative, culture and race, second wave feminist theories, queer theories, and social constructivism will be examined in relation to clinical practice with vulnerable populations traditionally served by social workers. Emphasis will be placed on the critical review of each of these theories, particularly in relation to each other and their clinical utility and limitations when applied to at-risk populations. Best,