University of Sydney Handbooks - 2021 Archive

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Social Work (Qualifying)

Unit outlines will be available through Find a unit outline two weeks before the first day of teaching for 1000-level and 5000-level units, or one week before the first day of teaching for all other units.
 

Social Work

Master of Social Work (Qualifying)

Students complete 96 credit points of units of study, including:
(a) 78 credit points of core units, including:
(i) a 6 credit point capstone unit in their final semester; and
(b) 18 credit points of elective units, including a minimum of one research unit.

Core Units

SCWK5008 Re-Imagining Child and Family Social Work

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Session: Intensive May,Semester 1a Classes: 1x2hr lecture/week, 1x2hr tutorial/week for 6 weeks Assessment: 1x750wd discussion board contribution (15%), 1x1500wd annotated bibliography (25%), 1x3000wd group project (45%), 1x750wd self reflection (15%) Mode of delivery: Block mode
Note: Department permission required for enrolmentin the following sessions:Semester 1a
Note: Departmental permission only
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.
SCWK5010 Social Work Practice

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Session: Semester 1a Classes: 1x3hr seminar/wk Assessment: 1xcommunication assignment (35%); assessment report (35%) and exam (30%) Mode of delivery: Block mode
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

This unit of study is not available in 2021

Credit points: 6 Session: Intensive May 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: Block mode
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.
SCWK5004 Practice Learning 1

Credit points: 18 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units 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 Session: Semester 1b 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
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: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units 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: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Session: Semester 2b 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: Block mode
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.
SCWK6023 Practice with Indigenous Australians

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2a Classes: 4x6hr sessions Assessment: 1x1500wd critical reflective practice (30%), 1xgroup work presentation report, 1000wd cultural safety strategy (30%), 1x3500wd integrated literature review (40%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
The unit provides an insight into and understanding of the application of social work practice within an Indigenous context. It will explore the multidimensional social and societal issues impacting on the lives of First Nations Australians and it will assist students in developing the mechanisms and skills necessary to work effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Individuals, Families and Communities. It will bring to the forefront Indigenous specific Knowledge systems and social work practice.
Textbooks
Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units
SCWK6952 Critical Perspectives on Mental Health

This unit of study is not available in 2021

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1a Classes: 6x4hr seminars Assessment: 1x1500wd Assignment 1 (25%), 1x3000wd Assignment 2 (50%), 1x1500wd Presentation with written submission (25%) 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.

Elective Units

SCWK5009 Poverty and Social Exclusion

Credit points: 6 Session: Intensive May Classes: 1x3hr seminar/week Assessment: case study (30%), essay (40%), group presentation (30%) Mode of delivery: Block mode
This unit of study highlights key contextual theoretical and practice issues for social work. It 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.
Textbooks
Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units
SCWK5012 Health and Inequality

This unit of study is not available in 2021

Credit points: 6 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.
SCWK6048 Environmental Change for Social Justice

This unit of study is not available in 2021

Credit points: 6 Session: Intensive May Classes: 1x5hr seminar/wk for 5 weeks Assessment: 3x500wd blog posts (30%), 1x3000wd reflective essay (40%), 1x individual presentation (30%) Mode of delivery: Block mode
Global warming is recognised as an outstanding threat for human societies (World Bank, 2012). The links between the environment, human rights and social justice are widely recognised. The International Federation of Social Work's 'Policy Statement on Globalisation and the Environment' and the AASW's Code of Ethics identify social work as a key player in efforts to address climate change. This unit recognises the importance of preparing students to: have an understanding of the impact of climate change; to develop skills to prevent further environmental degradation; and to respond to individuals and communities most impacted by climate change.
SCWK6902 Social Research

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Session: Semester 1 Classes: Offered either in block (1x4 hr seminar/week x 6 weeks) or normal semester 1x2hr seminar/week Assessment: 1x2500wd essay (40%), 1x1000wd qualitative task (20%), 1x1500wd quantitative task (20%), 1x1000wd equivalent participation tasks (20%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) evening
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 Session: Semester 1a Classes: 1x2hr seminar/week Assessment: 2x500wd online quizzes (35%) 1x4000wd practice essay (45%) and participation (20%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
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.
Textbooks
Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units
SCWK6918 Critical Leadership and Society

This unit of study is not available in 2021

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 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: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Session: Semester 2,Semester 2a 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) evening
Note: Department permission required for enrolmentin the following sessions:Semester 2a
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

Credit points: 6 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) day
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.
SCWK6948 Social Policy Frameworks

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Session: Semester 1 Classes: 2hr seminar/week - evening Assessment: 1x2000wd essay proposal and presentation (40%); 1x4000wd major essay (60%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) evening
This unit aims to provide students with a sound understanding of the key institutional components of the Australian welfare system and the key issues and debates associated with the theory and practice of contemporary social policy. The target audience for this unit includes participants from a diverse range of organisations involved in human service provision. All human service work takes place in the context of social policy: social policy provides the mandate and the resources for human service work, and the activities of workers are extensively defined and shaped by social policy. In turn, human service workers are increasingly involved in the shaping of policy, or policy action. The rationale for this unit is to provide an opportunity for students to develop an advanced understanding of social policy frameworks in order to inform policy action.
SCWK6949 Global Social Policy

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units 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.

Capstone unit

SCWK5003 Integration of Learning

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 2x3-hr seminars, one day course showcase Prerequisites: 72 credit points 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.