Monash University Handbook 2011 Postgraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Synopsis

This unit offers an overview of the history and contemporary context of social work practice within a framework of understanding the connection between social issues, policy development and strategies for sustainable change at both local and global levels. The unit is underpinned by notions of social justice and human rights and offers a preview of topics that will be studied in greater depth in subsequent units within the course.

Objectives

At completion of the unit, students should be able to:

1. Describe the nature of social work in a range of contexts and settings as well as describe contemporary debates about the nature of social work.
2. Critically analyse the ethical value base of social work with particular reference to human rights and the promotion of social justice.
3. Critically analyse key global social policy issues including, but not limited to, mass movement of people, climate change, reconstruction, and poverty.
4. Critically review and analyse contemporary trends in the delivery of social work services.
5. Articulate the nature of social change and the strategies to achieve this.

Assessment

Major essay (2,500 words)(60%)
Written assessment of (2,000 words)(40%)

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Robyn Mason

Contact hours

The unit runs for 12 weeks. Students are expected to undertake 156 hours per semester study. Students are expected to use their study time to attend on-campus lectures and workshops, undertake the weekly tasks as set out in the Unit Outline and in the off-campus Unit Guide.