Social Work (Qualifying)
Errata
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| 1. |
The following unit has been added to the electives: SCWK6048 Social Work for Environmental Change Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Susan Heward-Belle Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x1hr lecture and 1x3hr tutorial per week for 5 weeks. 1x4hr conference in the final week Assessment: presentation (40%), report |
30/1/2018 |
Social Work
Candidates must complete 96 credit points of units of study, comprising:
- 78 credit points of core units, including a capstone unit; and
- 18 credit points of elective units, including a minimum of one research unit.
Core Units
Candidates must complete the following core units of study (please note, SCWK5011 and SCWK5012 are not on offer in 2017);
SCWK5008 Child Wellbeing and Child Protection
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Susan Heward-Belle Session: Semester 1a Classes: 1-hr lecture for 12 weeks and 2-hr seminar/week for 12 wks Assessment: essay (25%); 3000 group presentation (25%); participation statement (10%); major essay (40%) Mode of delivery: Block mode
Note: For 2018 this unit is only available for ECAV block mode students.
This unit addresses the range of factors from poverty to positive parenting that contribute to the safety, welfare and wellbeing of children, young people and their families. A range of theories, from psychological to sociological, are critically examined from a social work perspective. This unit examines multiple contested and socially constructed concepts such as 'child abuse and/or neglect,' 'child wellbeing and protection,' 'risk and resilience.' Research regarding the potential impact of child abuse and/or neglect on children's and young people's development is examined through human rights and trauma informed lenses. Promoting ethical, collaborative and socially just practices when working with individuals, families and communities is emphasised in order to develop environments that value children and young people. This UOS also addresses international issues of child protection and well-being including child trafficking, the treatment of refugee children and their families, poverty and war.
SCWK5009 Poverty and Social Exclusion
This unit of study is not available in 2018
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Assoc Prof Susan Goodwin Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x3hr seminar/wk Assessment: case study (30%) and essay (40%) and group presentation (30%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Poverty and Social Exclusion highlights key contextual, theoretical and practice issues for social work. This unit introduces the historical and contemporary role of social work in assessing and addressing poverty, inequality and social disadvantage. Students will be introduced to theories of social justice, the welfare state, social policy development and social change. The unit also provides knowledge about key groups in Australian society who are most affected by poverty and social exclusion, such as indigenous Australians, unemployed people, young people who are disconnected from family, people with disabilities, low income families, migrants and refugees and older people. Students will engage critically with policy and practice responses to poverty and social exclusion and local, national and global levels.
SCWK5010 Social Work Practice
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Mr Francis Duffy Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x3hr seminar/wk Assessment: 1xcommunication assignment (35%); assessment report (35%) and exam (30%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit of study addresses the theory-practice relationship and provides students with opportunities to engage with reflexive practice. It provides an introduction to the diversity of the professional practice of social work and aims to develop the capability of students to practise generic skills in social work practice and policy. There is an emphasis on understanding social work values and the fundamentals of ethical practice. Students are encouraged to recognise and build upon skills and knowledge they already have, and to develop their capabilities for acquiring further knowledge and skills. While applicable in all fields of practice, experiential class exercises will focus on core fields of practice in CALD and Indigenous communities.
SCWK5011 Violence Against Women
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Susan Heward-Belle Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1 hr lecture for 12 weeks and 2-hr seminar/week for 12 weeks Assessment: media analysis essay (20%); group presentation (30%); major essay (50%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Taking the example of violence against women, this unit of study builds upon previous studies of social inequality to explore the role of gender inequality as both a cause and consequence of violence against women. The intersection of gender inequality with other forms of inequality, such as that based on race, class and ability is also explored. Because of its short and long term impacts on women's health, well being and life chances, social workers in all settings are involved in responding to violence against women. Students will engage critically with a range of theories, research approaches, and policy and practice reponses to violence against women at local, national and global levels.
SCWK5012 Health and Inequality
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Associate Professor Margot Rawsthorne Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x3hr seminar/wk for 12 wks Assessment: major essay (40%); presentation (30%) group project (30%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
The field of health and illness is an important and challenging area for social workers. The distribution of health, illness and disability is a key indicator of social inequality. For that reason alone, provision of adequate, appropriate and accessible health services is one way to redress and prevent the health consequences of inequalities. This unit of study asks students to examine how social inequalities permeate the experience of health and illness, both physical and mental. It examines how health policy and health services, as an important surfacing point for personal and social troubles, can both redress and exacerbate inequalities.
SCWK5004 Practice Learning 1
Credit points: 18 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Amanda Howard Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x6 hr pre-placement seminar, 6x2-hr seminars fortnightly, 60 days agency field based placement Prerequisites: SCWK5010 Assessment: Seminar presentation, 1x1500-word learning plan, 1x1500-word mid placement report , 1x1000 word end of placement report and 60 days agency based practice. All tasks are assessed as pass/fail. Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Field education is a core component in all social work degree programs. The 60 days of this first placement and the fortnightly seminars provide a forum in which to explore issues concerning the theory/practice relationship, the development of core social work practice knowledge, skills and values as well as opportunities for support and consultation with other students and Faculty staff. The written assignments comprise the placement portfolio.
SCWK5005 Practice Learning 2A
Credit points: 12 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Amanda Howard Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 6x3-hr seminars, eLearning online discussions, 80 days agency based field placement Prerequisites: SCWK5010 and SCWK5004 and 12 additional credit points Assessment: This unit is jointly assessed with SCWK5006. 1x1500wd learning contract, group presentation, 1x1500wd mid placement report, 1x1000wd final placement report and 80 days placement. All tasks are assessed as pass/fail. Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
This is the first part of a field education practicum of 80 days. Field Education is a core component in all social work degree programs. The 80 days of second placement comprising SCWK5005 Practice Learning 2A and SCWK5006 Practice Learning 2B and the seminars provide a forum in which to explore issues concerning the theory/practice relationship, the development of advanced social work practice knowledge, skills and values as well as opportunities for support and consultation with other students and Faculty staff.
SCWK5006 Practice Learning 2B
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Amanda Howard Session: Semester 2 Classes: 6x3-hr seminars, eLearning online discussions, 80 days agency placement Prerequisites: SCWK5005 Assessment: This unit is jointly assessed with SCWK5006. 1x1500wd learning contract, group presentation, 1x1500wd mid placement report, 1x1000wd final placement report and 80 days placement. All tasks are assessed as pass/fail. Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit is a continuation of SCWK5005 Practice Learning 2A
SCWK5007 Social Perspectives on Ageing
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Margaret Spencer Session: Semester 2a Classes: 2x2-hr lectures/wk for 5 wks, 2x2-hr seminars/wk for 5 wks Assessment: Group presentation (40%) and 1x3000wd essay (60%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit of study aims to collapse the boundaries between 'them' (old people) and 'us' (everyone else) by examining how age is historically and socially constructed and experienced. The unit will examine social policies and social work practices and skills in relation to old people, their families and communities, with particular emphasis on diversity and inequality.
Elective Units
Candidates must complete 18 credit points from the elective units of study listed below, including a minimum of one research unit;
SCWK6902 Social Research
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Associate Professor Margot Rawsthorne Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr seminar/week Assessment: 1x2000wd essay (30%); 1x1000wd blog posting (20%); and 1x3000wd research proposal (50% ) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) evening, Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit of study introduces students to a range of research methods and focus on quantitative and qualitative methods. Many other research issues in developing a research proposal will be addressed through the semester. It is intended that, at the conclusion of this unit, students will have developed a research project able to implement through either further study or in workplaces.
SCWK6910 Working with Communities
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Amanda Howard Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr seminar/week Assessment: 2x500wd on-line quiz (35%); 1x4000wd practice essay (45%); and participation (20%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) evening
Working with communities is a key policy and practice priority for government and non-government agencies in Australia. This unit will critically examine the current policy frameworks informing work with communities as well as current practice models of community development and community engagement. The unit seeks to explore the why and how of work with communities. It will draw on an emerging Australian body of research about working with communities based in the community of Glebe. This unit is suitable for practitioners seeking to work more effectively with communities.
SCWK6918 Critical Leadership and Society
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Professor Donna Baines Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x2hr seminar/week Assessment: 1x2000wd class presentation (35%); 1x4000wd essay (65%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) evening
This unit targets social workers and other human service professionals interested in critically assessing the contemporary organizational context of human service delivery. The course will aim to encourage reflection and critical understandings of individual and collective leadership styles and abilities and how they may be used effectively within contemporary organisational contexts. The content will be based on in-depth understandings of professional practice, critically-informed practice and theory, and social justice.
SCWK6943 Practice Theory Development
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Susan Heward-Belle Session: Semester 2 Classes: 4x6-hr seminars (week 2, week 5, week 8, week 11) Assessment: presentation (50%); 1x2000wd assignment (40%) and 1x500wd participation statement (10%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day, Block mode
This unit aims to provide students with an understanding of a range of theoretical perspectives underpinning social work research and practice in a range of settings. This unit will offer students the opportunity to reflect upon the relative contributions of these perspectives towards achieving social justice, particularly with marginalised individuals and communities. Developing requisite knowledge, skills and values to engage in critically reflective social work research and practice is a core component of this unit. Students are encouraged to reflect upon and analyse research and practice through multiple lenses.
SCWK6944 Dying, Death and Mourning
This unit of study is not available in 2018
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Susan Heward-Belle Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr seminar/week - evening Assessment: 1x3500wd essay (50%) and 1x500wd reflection exercise (10%) and 2x1000wd assignments (40%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) evening
This unit of study is designed to introduce students to the various, often competing, discourses both constituting and challenging ideas around dying, death and mourning in contemporary societies. Taking a critical and sociological approach, it considers how dying, death and mourning reflect social and cultural understandings of issues such as gender, illness, community, stigma and identity. This unit is also available as a single unit of study to professionals who wish to undertake this as a stand-alone unit.
SCWK6949 Global Social Policy
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Associate Professor Ruth Phillips Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x 2hr seminar/week - evening Assessment: tutorial presentation and paper (40%); global social policy research exercise (60%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) evening
There is a well-established scholarship and governmental interest in both the impact of globalisation on social policy and the emergence of what is increasingly termed 'global social policy' which is a direct response to global social problems. It is a field that is growing in the areas of social policy and social work research and practice and can be clearly linked to increased employment opportunities for social workers and social policy graduates in the international/global arena. A key perspective of this unit of study is from non-government organisations' participation in the development of a global civil society and their contribution to global social policy. It also examines the United Nations Millennium Development Goals and how NGOs have contributed to both the ambitions of the goals as well as the outcomes for different countries. This unit provides opportunities for students to deepen their understanding and knowledge of core global concerns such as poverty, health, education, environment, NGO corporate engagement and gender equality and make links to the vital role of NGOs in these areas.
SCWK6952 Critical Perspectives on Mental Health
This unit of study is not available in 2018
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Emma Tseris Session: Semester 2 Classes: 4x 6 hr seminars (week 3, week 6, week 9, week 12) Assessment: 1000wd reflection paper (20%), class presentation (30%) and 3000wd essay (50%) Mode of delivery: Block mode
This unit of study introduces a range of perspectives and key contemporary debates in mental health policy and practice. Students develop knowledge relating to an ecological framework of mental health, statutory and professional power negotiated by social workers within the mental health field, social work advocacy in mental health policy and practice, and the importance of lived experience knowledge. Areas of mental health that are examined include psychosis, self-harm and suicidality, trauma and addiction, and child and adolescent wellbeing.
Capstone unit
Candidates must complete the capstone unit in their final semester;
SCWK5003 Integration of Learning
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Associate Professor Susan Goodwin Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 2x3-hr seminars, one day course showcase Prerequisites: 72 credit points including SCWK6902 Assessment: Individual presentation (40%) and 1x5000wd essay (60%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This capstone unit is undertaken during the final semester of the MSWQ and enables students to demonstrate their learning across all MSWQ units and contribute to knowledge building and practice in the profession.