SWK3110

Social work I

Mr R Carew and Dr C Trotter

8 points
* 4 hours per week
* First semester
* Clayton

Objectives Upon successful completion of this subject students should have an understanding of the historical context of social work theory and practice and be able to use a social theory to analyse poverty in Australia. Students upon successful completion of the casework course should have an understanding of casework theory, models and research. They should be able to describe and analyse case studies using appropriate theory and research.

Synopsis This subject comprises two sections: `Persons in society' and `Social casework'. Persons in society' (i) considers the historical development of social work; theoretical bases; principles and methods of intervention; relating to individuals, families, groups and communities; and values and ethics; and (ii) emphasises the use of social theory in social work activity. This is achieved through using social theory to analyse poverty in Australia. `Social casework' examines the principles and methods of social work with individual people. It integrates interdisciplinary knowledge and theory (particularly psychological and sociological), about people and their situations with broad practice principles for helping them. Both interpersonal and environmental strategies are presented. The societal (often bureaucratic) context of practice is emphasised. The number of different theoretical approaches to casework are examined.

Assessment: `Persons in society' - One written assignment (2400 words): 40%
* `Social casework' - Examination (2 hours) (3600 words): 60%
* Students are required to pass both sections of this subject to pass the subject overall.

Recommended texts

Goddard C and Carew R Responding to children Longman, 1993

Prescribed texts

Compton B and Galaway B Social work processes Dorsey, 1986 (for `Persons in society')