SWRK2001

Social Work Theory and Practice A

Faculty of Education and Arts School of Humanities and Social Science

20 Units 2000 Level Course

Available in 2013

Callaghan Campus	Semester 1

Previously offered in 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004

SWRK2001 emphasises the linkage between theory and two domains of social work practice: 1. Working with people with an addiction and 2. Care and protection of children. Two of the social work methods (community work and casework) are introduced. An enhanced understanding of group dynamics and skills in working effectively in groups are pivotal in the course. The course also focuses on the development of critical thinking skills as the social work practice areas are examined.

Objectives

1. Enhance understanding of social work values, including social justice, rights, respect and equality, and demonstrate a capacity to apply these to practice examples.
2. Explore, articulate and begin to self manage own values and beliefs in response to practice situations.
3. Gain a beginning understanding of community work and casework methods of social work practice, including approaches to assessment and intervention.
4. Enhance ability to work as part of a team and to produce work both independently and as part of a group.
5. Demonstrate writing skills appropriate for a range of purposes and audiences in social work practice.
6. Increased ability to analyse and apply knowledge of group dynamics, including giving and receiving feedback.
7. Demonstrated capacity to identify and discuss the ethical complexities in course content areas.
8. Develop skills and knowledge for critical application of theory to practice.
9. Demonstrate competence in information seeking skills and reviewing relevant literature.
10. Develop a familiarity with relevant policies, an understanding of how policy is developed and the role of policy in achieving social justice goals in the practice areas covered.

Content

The course objectives are achieved by examining two domains of social work practice:
1. Working with people with an addiction
2. Care and protection of children.
These practice areas are linked to relevant social work theories. Intervention methods of casework and community work are used as lenses through which the practice areas are explored. Research and critical thinking are key skills utilised and developed through the course. Group dynamics and styles are also examined.

Replacing Course(s)

SWRK2100A - Social Work Theory and Practice I (Part A)

Transition

N/A

Industrial Experience

Assumed Knowledge

SOCA1010, SOCA1020, PSYC1010, PSYC1020 and SWRK1001 and SWRK1002 or SWRK1010A and SWRK1010B. Concurrent completion of SWRK2003.

Modes of Delivery

Internal Mode

Teaching Methods

Experience Based Learning
Workshop

Assessment Items

Essays / Written Assignments

Assignment 1: 1,000 words worth 20%
Assignment 2: 1,500 words worth 30%
Assignment 3: 2,500 words worth 50%

Projects

Projects/Group Tasks. There are two ungraded assessment tasks in this course (satisfactory/unsatisfactory). Students must successfully complete these assessment tasks to pass the course. Students will be given advice and assistance to meet the criteria for these tasks as published in the course outline. These are in class activities with no written components. There will be an opportunity to rework ungraded tasks until a satisfactory grade is attained.

Contact Hours

Workshop: for 3 hour(s) per Week for Full Term
Workshop: for 3 hour(s) per Week for Full Term
Workshop: for 2 hour(s) per Week for Full Term

Compulsory Components

Requisite by Enrolment	This course is only available to students enrolled in the Bachelor of Social Work and associated combined degree programs.

Timetables