Communication Skills for Human Services

Subject 196-007 (2008)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2008.Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.500
Level: Undergraduate
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2008:

Semester 1, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable

On campus

Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: A 3-hour class for 12 weeks
Total Time Commitment: Students are expected to devote approximately 7 hours per week to this subject. (36 hours contact time, 24 hours preparation time, 24 hours assessment time)
Prerequisites: Admission into the Bachelor of Social Work course.
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements: It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's courses. Students who feel their disability will impact on meeting this requirement are encouraged to discuss this matter with the Course Coordinator and the Disability Liaison Unit.

Coordinator

Dr Louise Harms
Subject Overview:

This subject is an experiential subject designed to prepare students for entry into supervised agency-based practice. The subject focuses on the development of communication, basic interviewing and critical self-reflection skills, for application in a variety of social work contexts. In addition to large group discussions and exercises, students engage in role plays and videotaped interviews to develop specific micro-skills - in particular, the skills of engaging, attending, listening, questioning, and responding.

Assessment: Written exercise of 500 words due week 5 (10%)Written exercise of 500 words due end of semester (10%)10 to 15 minute video tape of student's interviewing practice due end of semester (50%) 500-word written report to accompany videotape due end of semester (30%)Attendance at all classes (hurdle)All assessments must be passed to pass the subject.
Prescribed Texts: A subject reader will be available from the Bookroom at the beginning of semesterThe Skilled Helper (G Egan), (7th ed) Brooks/Cole 2002
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • be able to understand social, organisational, cultural and ethical contexts of practice;
  • be able to use verbal and nonverbal communications skills appropriate to those contexts;
  • be able to work effectively with colleagues;
  • be able to link theory to practice.
Links to further information: http://www.socialwork.unimelb.edu.au/
Notes:

The disciplines of Nursing and Social Work are now co-managed within the Faculty of Medicine Dentistry and Health Sciences. At the time of publication Social Work subjects are under the administrative management of the School of Nursing.

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