HSM4310

Building Practice Wisdom in Social Welfare ( 12 points, SCA Band 1, 0.250 EFTSL)

Leader: Margaret Lynn

Offered:
Gippsland Second semester 2006 (OCL)

Synopsis: This unit surveys and analyses the epistemological foundation of social welfare. It deconstructs orthodox conceptualizations of "knowledge" that predominantly inform social welfare practice, and contrasts these with postmodern and post-structuralist interpretations. Particular emphasis is placed on a critical examination of the power of knowledge and its relationship to practice wisdom in social welfare.

Objectives: Upon successful completion of this unit, students will be able to: 1. Grasp the nature of, and interrelationships between "knowledge", "theory" "research" and "practice" in social welfare; 2. Understand the epistemological foundations of social welfare practice; 3. Recognise and articulate the process by which personal knowledge and theories are constructed; 4. Appreciate the particular and relative merits of "practice wisdom" and examine its contribution to the development of social welfare work; 5. Prepare and deliver an oral defence of the subject of their dissertation; 6. Enunciate and address personal learning objectives.

Assessment: Viva (3500 words): 20% + Learning contract (1000 words): 20% + Research paper (6000 words): 60%

Prerequisites: HSM4301 and HSM4302

Prohibitions: SCW4310