Lifespan Risk and Resilience

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

On campus

24 contact hours

16 hours of class preparation and reading

24 hours of assessment related tasks

= 64 hours total time commitment

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.

This subject examines the ways in which social work understands the inner and outer world dimensions of human vulnerability, adaptation and resilience across the lifespan. The usefulness of theories of grief, stress and trauma for understanding individuals’ capacity for coping with adversity is examined critically, as are understandings of diversity.

This subject explores individual and environmental sources of risk and resilience. Stress, trauma and grief theories are examined as they apply across the lifespan. At the end of this subject, you will be expected to be able to:

• apply your understanding of a multidimensional approach to specific human experiences of adversity and diversity
• analyse social contexts in relation to their oppressive and protective dimensions
• identify significant biopsychosocial-spiritual transitions across the lifespan and the influence of gender, class, ethnicity, sexuality, and other dimensions of diversity on these transitions.
• critically assess the coping and adaptation processes of individual’s facing adversity and identify the implications for social work practice
• critically reflect on these theoretical perspectives and their implicit value assumptions as well as your own subjective positioning.

1. Written case study 2,000 words 40% (due mid semester)
2. Written essay 3,000 words 60% (due end of semester)

Harms, L. (2005). Understanding human development: A multidimensional approach. South Melbourne: Oxford University Press.

A reading pack will be available.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

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.