Admission and Unit Information – Bachelor of Social Work

This introductory unit provides foundational skills and knowledge required for professional practice in a range of social science related careers in which working with and as part of communities is essential. With an emphasis on practical understanding through both team-work and fieldwork it introduces students to a range of skills in interpersonal and written communication, and to community and organisational processes and structures. It enables students to identify issues of change; conflicting and collaborative interests; participation and collaboration. It provides practical experience in working with others to achieve shared objectives with mechanisms for goal setting, issues identification, information and resource sharing that operate in everyday life and all professional contexts.

Understanding Society is a core unit offered by the School of Social Sciences and Psychology which will introduce students in the first year of their studies to key concepts and theories used in examination of and for understanding social action, social policy, social institutions, social structure and social change. Students enrolled in the unit will be introduced to factual information concerning contemporary societies and the methods of interpreting such information. At the conclusion of their studies in this unit students will have been presented with opportunities to develop skills in critical reading and sociological analysis.

Mental health service delivery in the community is now the main form of care for people across the lifespan living with mental and emotional disorders. The development of a wider range of pharmacological, psychological and psychosocial treatments have enabled many people to live productively in the community. This unit explores the changes in policy and practice in the development of integrated mental health care and the impact of these changes on the lives of people living with mental illness and their communities. Early intervention, resilience and community capacity building are concepts explored in this unit in terms of mental health and wellbeing.

This unit introduces students to the role of human services within the Australian political context. Students will develop a critical analysis of the contribution of the market, state and community encouraging reflection on underpinning values. It will also identify the change strategies which can be developed and used in each of these domains to bring about socially just outcomes.

This unit focuses on the local experiences of cultural and socio-economic difference. This includes applied social science approaches to inequality, diversity, community, sense of place, and environmental sustainability in the urban setting. There is an emphasis upon spatial literacy for social scientists (fieldwork, mapping, data analysis and place description).

This unit introduces the main theoretical perspectives for understanding the 'individual in society', including biological, cognitive, behavioural and personality explanations of individual behaviour. Students are guided and encouraged to explore relevance to everyday life and contemporary issues. Once established, these theories are extended to understanding individuals in society using a bio-psycho-social framework. Theoretical stances related to 'levels of explanation', 'individualism vs collectivism' and 'personality vs situation' are explored as are topics such as social cognition; social influence, and social relations, for example, social identity, prejudice, aggression, pro-social behaviours, attitude formation and change and relationships.

This is an introductory unit which examines underlying theories of social welfare work, community work, youth work and international social development. Students will explore the ideological underpinnings of theories and discourses in the human services, particularly with regard to the impact of poverty, inequity and the experience of vulnerable populations. The contribution of other disciplines to knowledge and practice in these fields of practice will also be examined. This unit will focus on developing beginning skills in working with individuals (casework), working with groups, community work and working in human service organisations as a member of a team.

The purpose of this unit is to develop awareness and understanding of cultural differences, whiteness and power relations in Australian society. Students are introduced to and required to develop a working understanding of theories of whiteness, culture, identity, difference and relations of power. Through assignments and activities students have the opportunity to work through the application of these theories in relation to different groups and social identities issues in the Australian context.

This unit introduces students to the nature of western ethics and moral discourses, to ethical methodology and to the possibilities and limits of ethical discourse and practice. It covers the history of the formalisation of ethics as well as its current philosophical and sociological dimensions. It also deals with various case studies of ethical issues and moral debates students may encounter in their everyday day and professional lives. Students will be invited to reflect on moral discourse(s) and on the use of ethics for social justice and fairness.

This unit takes a 'lifespan perspective' to studying human development, covering related concepts, theories, methods and debates, and develops an understanding of bio-psycho-social dimensions across the lifespan, underpinned by a sensitivity to cultural and social differences in development. There is an emphasis on relating lifespan issues to access to current human services.

This unit introduces students to the theories and practice related to social work with individuals and families in diverse practice contexts. It builds on knowledge gained through the prerequisite units. Students examine systems theory in relation to family work, and the contributions of feminist therapies and psychological themes. Relevant clinical and social issues such as cross-cultural casework, the impact of the stolen generation on indigenous people's access to social services, and working effectively with grief and loss are examined. This unit assists in preparing students for their first or second fieldwork placement.

This unit introduces theories and skills in community work and community development. There will be an exploration of the range of ways the term 'community' is used and an analysis of the assumptions, values, goals and visions behind community work will be discussed. The unit will explore the breadth and scope of community work at a local, state and global level. The unit will provide an opportunity to develop an understanding of the environmental, political, economic and cultural issues relevant to community work practice.

This unit will focus on understanding the research process from its epistemological and theoretical underpinnings through to designing a research proposal. Students will develop a reflexive and informed approach to the research process and the applications of research in the social sciences. Research ethics and the applications of research will be examined and students will have the opportunity to develop a research plan as the basis for unit 101552 - Applied Social Research.

This unit aims to provide knowledge of human rights issues and laws which are particularly relevant to social workers, youth workers and community welfare workers. It provides an opportunity for students to reflect upon their powers, responsibilities and obligations in their professional roles and acquire skills to promote justice for disadvantaged individuals and groups through advocacy and law reform.

This unit will provide students with the opportunity to develop knowledge of group work theory and skills in group work practice in the human services. In addition students will be learning about working in teams in human service agencies, and effectively collaborate with their colleagues in group settings. Students will integrate theory with practice in a group setting in the classroom. Students will also be examining issues related to cross cultural group work practice, gender and power and group culture.

This unit will provide an understanding of social change processes and the strengths and challenges involved in social change for the 21st century. Students will be able to identify links between change at local/global and individual/structural levels. They will focus on an area of particular interest to themselves and on the skills involved in bringing about change. At the end of this unit students will have acquired the knowledge required to be active change agents.

This unit will focus students on the challenges and issues in undertaking research through the completion of a small research project. Students will have the opportunity to apply their learning from 400337 Social Research Methods to the completion of an applied research project. Through the process of planning, implementing and finalising a research project students will have a direct experience of the theoretical, ethical, political and practical aspects of applied social research.

This unit enables students to participate in a structured and supervised field experience. The broad aim of this unit is to provide students with the opportunity to extend their knowledge and experience in linking theory with the realities of practice, extend their skills for social work practice with the support of pracitioners working in the welfare sector. Students will be able to choose placements in direct service work, the community and organisational context of social work practice as well as community development and research. A variety of social work and related agencies in and around Sydney will be utilised. The Field Education Coordinator will be responsible for the selection and arrangement of placements according to AASW guidelines.

This unit examines the nature, incidence and extent of family violence. The focus is on the effects on women and children, who are the victims of this violence. Current sociological explanations are examined, including a critical examination of the myths and stereotypes that help to reinforce the hidden nature of this problem. Some solutions and possible ways of alleviating the suffering caused by this violence are canvassed.

This unit will provide students with the opportunity to engage with contemporary debates in the social sciences. Students will examine key concepts and structures in the social sciences such as place, work, community, family, power, diversity and globalisation within the context of current political and social events. This will encourage the student to critically analyse and understand current debates and contentious issues relevant to the social sciences. Students will use both theoretical and applied knowledge to develop an informed position on matters of continuing importance to the community and the polity.

Using a political economy framework this unit provides an understanding of the complex local, national and international contexts influencing the development and implementation of social policy in Australia. This unit examines what social policy is and explores models of policy development. Using a policy activism approach it takes students through the policy process as it occurs in a large organisation. The lessons learned are then generalised to the policy processes informing social policy.

This unit focuses on community management in Australia and the social and economic factors that influence and frame community management practices. At the macro level, It examines the effects of neo-liberal (economic rationalist) reforms in the public and community sectors; and the rise of developments such as managerialism and 'third way' approaches, on community management practices. The unit also explores developments in management practices in response to social developments such as multiculturalism, recognition of diversity, equal employment opportunity and recognition of contextual and local issues. It further looks at community management work practices, including volunteerism, steering committees, management committees, and collectives.

This unit enables students to examine the way in which child abuse has become a public issue. It considers the assumptions, values and interests which underlie definitions of abuse as well as intervention and prevention strategies promoted to protect children from abuse. In order to do this students will examine constructions of childhood, the positioning of children and attitudes towards children and families. Further the skills required to ensure that children are active participants in decisions made for their protection.

This unit enables students to participate in a structured and supervised field experience. The broad aim of this unit is to provide students with the opportunity to extend their knowledge and experience in linking theory with the realities of practice, extend their skills for social work practice with the support of pracitioners working in the welfare sector. Students will be able to choose placements in direct service work, the community and organisational context of social work practice as well as community development and research. A variety of social work and related agencies in and around Sydney will be utilised. The Field Education Coordinator will be responsible for the selection and arrangement of placements according to AASW guidelines.

This unit extends students practical and theoretical application of critical social work practice as used in direct service fields of practice. The unit examines a variety of critical principles and process including, reflexiveness, reflexivity and positioning personal troubles in a wider context. A focus on direct practice including casework, family and group work extends student skills in these areas.

This unit focuses on health services as a major area in which to consider social policy and organisational issues relating to service delivery. A key area for the employment of social workers, examination of the health services provides a useful example for understanding the questions and issues to consider in understanding the development and implementation of policy into other areas.

This unit supports the Social Work Thesis. It is an intensive study in two parts. Part 1 is an introduction to Honours study and to the research thesis. Topics covered include the research proposal, the literature review, research methodologies, ethics in social research and ethics applications. Part 2 focuses on the writing stage of the thesis. Topics covered include data analysis and thesis writing.

Using a political economy framework this unit provides an understanding of the complex local, national and international contexts influencing the development and implementation of social policy in Australia. This unit examines what social policy is and explores models of policy development. Using a policy activism approach it takes students through the policy process as it occurs in a large organisation. The lessons learned are then generalised to the policy processes informing social policy.

This unit focuses on community management in Australia and the social and economic factors that influence and frame community management practices. At the macro level, It examines the effects of neo-liberal (economic rationalist) reforms in the public and community sectors; and the rise of developments such as managerialism and 'third way' approaches, on community management practices. The unit also explores developments in management practices in response to social developments such as multiculturalism, recognition of diversity, equal employment opportunity and recognition of contextual and local issues. It further looks at community management work practices, including volunteerism, steering committees, management committees, and collectives.

This unit enables students to examine the way in which child abuse has become a public issue. It considers the assumptions, values and interests which underlie definitions of abuse as well as intervention and prevention strategies promoted to protect children from abuse. In order to do this students will examine constructions of childhood, the positioning of children and attitudes towards children and families. Further the skills required to ensure that children are active participants in decisions made for their protection.

This unit extends students practical and theoretical application of critical social work practice as used in direct service fields of practice. The unit examines a variety of critical principles and process including, reflexiveness, reflexivity and positioning personal troubles in a wider context. A focus on direct practice including casework, family and group work extends student skills in these areas.

This unit extends students' practical and theoretical application of critical social work practice as used in indirect fields of practice. The unit examines a variety of critical principles and process including, reflexiveness, reflexivity and positioning personal troubles in a wider context. A focus on indirect practice including policy, research and community development activity extends student skills in these areas.

Social work practice is not a neutral activity arising from an objective viewpoint, but is inextricably bound to varying ideologies and propositions that are concerned with human conduct. This subject examines the various ideologies that inform psycho-social and political analysis. Ideologies such as liberalism, feminism, socialism, anti-racism, and their explanations for psycho-social problems and prescriptions for change are examined in relation to methods of social work practice. Students will be encouraged to explore how all theory and practice methods incorporate ideological assumptions and how, therefore, the construction of creative solutions demands practice that is reflective and self-critical.

This unit focuses on health services as a major area in which to consider social policy and organisational issues relating to service delivery. A key area for the employment of social workers, examination of the health services provides a useful example for understanding the questions and issues to consider in understanding the development and implementation of policy into other areas.

This subject incorporates the final social work placement and will consolidate the experiences gained from Field Education 1 and 2, and further assist students to clearly articulate their frame of reference within a critically reflective practice before entering employment. Students will be able to choose placements in direct service work, the community and organisational context of social work practice as well as community development and research. A variety of social work and related agencies in and around Sydney will be utilised. The Field Education Coordinator will be responsible for the selection and arrangement of placements according to AASW guidelines.

This unit provides a forum in which students can examine contemporary issues that impact on social work practice. The use of technology in social work practice and its implications for clients and practitioners; the exploration of culturally and spiritually sensitive, and, creative approaches to social work practice; human rights based practice; international social work, globalisation and the impact of the need for a sustainable environment on social work practice will be investigated. Some of the major policy initiatives and ideologies which are affecting the Australian Welfare state underscore an investigation of contemporary social work practice as experienced or identified by students.

This unit is designed to support the process of completion of a Social Work honours degree and the production of an honours thesis. It is only available to students who have been accepted into the honours programme for the Bachelor of Social Work. This unit is the culmination of studies for students who have completed their undergraduate degree and provides substantial training in research. Under staff supervision, students choose the particular topic for their research, design their own programme of research, perform the research and analyse the results. The culmination of this process is the production of a thesis in which students describe the rationale for their topic, their research programme, ethical issues, results, and their conclusions.

Social work practice is not a neutral activity arising from an objective viewpoint, but is inextricably bound to varying ideologies and propositions that are concerned with human conduct. This subject examines the various ideologies that inform psycho-social and political analysis. Ideologies such as liberalism, feminism, socialism, anti-racism, and their explanations for psycho-social problems and prescriptions for change are examined in relation to methods of social work practice. Students will be encouraged to explore how all theory and practice methods incorporate ideological assumptions and how, therefore, the construction of creative solutions demands practice that is reflective and self-critical.

This unit examines the current debates in a range of social science disciplinary and interdisciplinary areas in relation to researching the social world. An historical dimension is also used to contextualise current perspectives by referring to earlier writings in social science research. The unit is designed to support the work undertaken in the Honours Pathway unit and the Honours thesis and to deepen an Honours student's theoretical knowledge.

This unit is designed to support the process of completion of a Social Work honours degree and the production of an honours thesis. It is only available to students who have been accepted into the honours programme for the Bachelor of Social Work. This unit is the culmination of studies for students who have completed their undergraduate degree and provides substantial training in research. Under staff supervision, students choose the particular topic for their research, design their own programme of research, perform the research and analyse the results. The culmination of this process is the production of a thesis in which students describe the rationale for their topic, their research programme, ethical issues, results, and their conclusions.

This subject incorporates the final social work placement and will consolidate the experiences gained from Field Education 1 and 2, and further assist students to clearly articulate their frame of reference within a critically reflective practice before entering employment. Students will be able to choose placements in direct service work, the community and organisational context of social work practice as well as community development and research. A variety of social work and related agencies in and around Sydney will be utilised. The Field Education Coordinator will be responsible for the selection and arrangement of placements according to AASW guidelines.