SWK2012

Social issues and social services ( 6 points, SCA Band 1, 0.125 EFTSL)

Leader: Ms Delia O'Donohue

Offered:
Caulfield First semester 2006 (OCL)
Singapore First semester 2006 (Flexible)
Singapore First semester 2006 (OCL)

Synopsis: This unit introduces students to current social issues in Australia and elsewhere and the response of the social and community services field to these issues. A range of intervention methods will be explored and some key contemporary debates in the social services field analysed. Some of the issues that will be examined include homelessness, substance abuse, marginalised young people, mental illness, migration, suicide and aged care. Students will be encouraged to consider case examples, examine the approaches and methods used by social work practitioners and the social services sector to respond to these issues and to begin to assess the effectiveness of their response.

Objectives: 1. Students should be able to critically analyse the major social issues presented in the course. 2. Students should demonstrate a beginning understanding of a range of intervention methods that may be used to address these issues. 3. Students should have an awareness of the structural factors that contribute tot he social problems presented in this unit. 4. Students should be able to reflect on and discuss their own responses to the social issues presented and the values and ethics underlying these responses. 5. Students should demonstrate a beginning understanding of the political, social, economic and organizational context of the social services sector.

Assessment: One class presentation or essay (2500 words): 50% + Exam: 50%

Contact Hours: On-campus students in Australia will be required to attend lectures either at Clayton or Caulfield for one hour per week and one tutorial for two hours per week for 12 weeks. Singapore students will be required to attend tutorials at TMC three hours per week and will receive course books. This subject is one of two bridging subjects for Polytechnic students who have completed a three year diploma and are wanting to undertake the Bachelor of Social Work degree.

Off-campus attendance requirements: Distance education students will receive the course book that includes exercises, assessment tasks and reading materials for 12 weeks of study and will be encouraged to participate in on-line discussions.