Critical Issues in Social Work

Subject 196-518 (2008)

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

Credit Points: 12.500
Level: Graduate/Postgraduate
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: 24 contact hours (4 x 6 hour seminars) - Intensive in February
Total Time Commitment: 24 contact hours 16 hours of class preparation and reading 24 hours of assessment related tasks = 64 hours total time commitment = 8 hours total time per week
Prerequisites: n/a
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 Winsome Roberts
Subject Overview:

In this subject contemporary issues and debates arising from within the social work profession are explored. This will include consideration of topics such as the adequacy of theory; the influence of evidence-based practice approaches; and issues arising from external sources and events including internationalisation, technological change, and policy and organisational influences. This subject asks students to revisit, in a critical and constructive spirit, the bases of social work knowledge and practice, with particular attention to the concept of human rights.

Subject objectives
  • Understand contemporary challenges in social work practice
  • Understand how a human rights framework underpins social work practice
  • Critically analyse the debates in relation to a human rights discourse
Assessment: Class presentation (20%, 1000 words) Written essay (80%, 4000 words), due at the end of semester.
Prescribed Texts: A reading guide will be available.
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

Students who complete this subject should be able to:

  • critically analyse texts and practices;
  • understand recent developments in social work contexts of practice;
  • link theory to practice;
  • competently communicate in ways relevant to both academic and practice contexts;
  • undertake independent research.
Links to further information: http://www.socialwork.unimelb.edu.au/
Notes:

This subject is available to BSW (Hons) students and MASW coursework students.

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.

Related Course(s): Master of Social Work (Advanced Seminars and Shorter Thesis)

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