Home  /   Course Handbook  /  Social Work Theory & Practice C (SWRK3002)

SWRK3002

Social Work Theory & Practice C

20 Units 3000 Level Course

Available in 2013

Callaghan Campus Semester 2

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

In this course students examine social work practice with groups and in organisational environments. Students develop knowledge, skills and approaches in groupwork. These are applied to group program development and working in groups or teams in organisational settings. Students also gain knowledge of organisational processes and the management of organisational change. The focus of this course is on the broader organisational environment in which client interventions are informed and occur and explores the application of social work knowledge, skills and approaches beyond client interventions.

Objectives At the completion of the course students should be able to:
1. Describe and compare groupwork theories, principles and models, and apply them to groupwork with clients and with colleagues.
2. Critically analyse and explain group events, content, functioning, dynamics and processes.
3. Describe, apply and analyse different approaches within groupwork including assessment, planning, contracting, conflict management, problem solving, and closure.
4. Develop, evaluate and revise a groupwork program package using group and practice literature.
5. Demonstrate group facilitation skills and ability to reflect critically on own role in groups.
6. Describe, analyse and explain elements of the organisational environment and organisational processes using organisational and social work theories.
7. Describe changes to improve practice in an organisation that are linked to an organisational analysis and a change management process.
8. Relate social work theories, methods, skills and client focus areas to practice in the organisational context.
9. Reflect on and critically analyse skills and approaches of self and others and give and receive feedback.
10. Demonstrate writing skills appropriate to audience, purpose and organisational context.
Content 1. The history and development of social groupwork.
2. Different types, nature and contexts of groups.
3. Dynamics and processes in group and organisational contexts.
4. Conflict resolution, problem solving and change management process models.
5. Skills for working with groups (assessment, program development, contracting, facilitation, evaluation).
6. The impact of organisational context on the practice of social work.
7. Elements of the organisational environment and their influence on organisational practice and processes.
8. Types of organisational change, responses to change, and change management strategies and processes.
9. Linking field education and related employment experiences to work in groups and organisations.
10. The relevance of social work knowledge, skills and approaches to practice in the organisational context.
Replacing Course(s) SWRK3100B - Social Work Theory and Practice B.
Transition Not applicable.
Industrial Experience 0
Assumed Knowledge Completed first and second year social work.
Completed SWRK3001 and SWRK3003.
Modes of Delivery Internal Mode
Teaching Methods Experience Based Learning
Workshop
Assessment Items
Essays / Written Assignments An assessment based on an analysis of organisational context and organisational change - 50%. (Word limit - up to 3,500 words)

An assessment based on analysis of a group project experience using groupwork theories and models 30% (Word limit up to 2,500 words)
Other: (please specify) Reflection assessment learning journal entries focused on group project experience ungraded (satisfactory or unsatisfactory). Students must complete this assessment task to pass the course.

Practice assessment creation of session outlines for a group program (as part of the group task) - 20% (word limit determined by project needs)
Projects Project/Group Task - There is one ungraded group assessment task in this course (satisfactory/unsatisfactory). Some class time is allocated for this task. Students must complete this assessment task to pass the course.
Contact Hours Workshop: for 6 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.
Compulsory Course Component OHS-Criminal Record Check
Compulsory Course Component OHS-Prohibited Employment Declaration
Compulsory Program Component SWRK2001, SWRK2002, SWRK2003, SWRK2005, SWRK3001, SWRK3003
Timetables 2013 Course Timetables for SWRK3002