Undergraduate - UnitSWK1011 - Introduction to human services practice

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

Synopsis

This subject is an introduction to the profession of Social Work. It will cover the history and contemporary context of practice. Students will be introduced to the values and ethics of the profession, and will consider contemporary issues in the field - such as climate change, Indigenous issues, human rights, diversity, the role/reality of the welfare state, globalization. Sessions will focus on methods of Social Work practice - for instance case work, research, policy development- and/or a field of practice- such as child protection, aged care, drug and alcohol, mental health.

Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this unit the student will be able to:

1. Identify the various methods and fields of social work practice
2. Articulate the importance of research, policy and evaluation on practice
3. Describe the historical and contemporary issues that influence social work practice
4. Recognize the impact of self on practice
5. Demonstrate how social work knowledge, values and ethics impact on the development of a social work identity.

Assessment

ASSESSMENT TASK 1
Essay 1,500 words 30%
ASSESSMENT TASK 2
ON CAMPUS:Small group in-class presentation 1,000 words 30%.
OFF CAMPUS LEARNING:Small group (5 students) posting of 1,000 words 30%
ASSESSMENT TASK 3
Individual assignment 2,000 words 40%.

Chief examiner(s)

Ms Grace Brown

Contact hours

ON CAMPUS: lecture - 1 hour; tutorial/ workshop - 2 hours; reading - 3 hours; preparation of assignments - 3 hours; library and internet searches - 3 hours
OFF CAMPUS LEARNING: On-line and independent workbook based exercises - 3 hours; reading - 3 hours; preparation of assignments - 3 hours; library and internet searches - 3 hours. There is no residential component.