Communication Skills for Human Services

Subject 196-007 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 2 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

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

Assoc Prof Louise Harms

Contact

School of Nursing and Social Work
The University of Melbourne
Level 5, 234 Queensberry St
Carlton Victoria 3053 AUSTRALIA
T: +61 3 8344 9400
F: +61 3 9347 4375
W: www.nursing.unimelb.edu.au
W: www.socialwork.unimelb.edu.au

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.
Objectives:

At the completion of this subject students should have developed:

  • Basic communication and interviewing skills

  • Critical self-reflection skills

  • Self-awareness and skills through role plays
Assessment:
  1. Written exercise of 500 words due week 5 (10%)
  2. Written exercise of 500 words due end of semester (10%)
  3. 10 to 15 minute video tape of student's interviewing practice due end of semester (50%)
  4. 500-word written report to accompany videotape due end of semester (30%)
  5. 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 semester

The Skilled Helper (G Egan), (7th ed) Brooks/Cole 2002

Breadth Options:

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

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/

Download PDF version.