SWK3210

Contexts of social work practice I

Ms L Hewitt, Professor T Brown and Ms H Fraser

6 points
* 6 hours per week
* Second semester
* Clayton
* Prerequisite: A pass in SWK3130, SWK3150 and SWK3190

Objectives This subject is comprised of three parts: `Human development II' `Social work research II' and `Social policy and administration II'. On successful completion of this subject students should have an understanding of how knowledge informs practice and be able to reflect on practice from the perspectives of human development, social policy and research. In `Human development II' students should develop an understanding of sources of variation in human development and an understanding of the impact of non-normative events such as family violence. The objective of `Social work research II' is to teach students analysis of three of the different kinds of data relevant to social work research. The objective of `Social policy and administration II' is to enable students to analyse social policies and the future of the welfare state from the perspective of different social theories.

Synopsis `Human development II' looks at variations in human behaviour and the impact of specific life crises. `Social work research II' comprises a focus on data analysis, including statistical analysis of quantitative data, analysis of demographic data, and analysis of qualitative data. It continues an examination of social work research. `Social policy and administration II' deals with the crisis in the welfare state; theoretical bases and models of welfare; framework for analysing social policy.

Assessment `Human development II' - One written assignment (1500 words): 33.3%
* `Social work research II' - One take-home examination (1500 words): 33.3%
* `Social policy and administration II' - One written assignment (1500 words): 33.3%
* All three parts must be passed to obtain an overall pass in the subject.

Prescribed texts

Weinbach R and Grinnell R Statistics for social workers 2nd edn, Longman, 1991 (for `Social work research II')
Liddell M Investigating social policy Monash University Department of Social Work and Human Services, 1996