Issues in Women's Mental Health

This subject is not offered in 2011.

24 contact hours

16 hours of class preparation and reading

24 hours of assessment related tasks

= 64 hours total time commitment

None

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.

The focus of this subject is on exploring and understanding the clinical and social aspects of women’s mental health. Discussion will draw on theoretical perspectives and research findings from sociology, psychology and neuroscience, as well as consumer/service user perspectives. The policy context in Australia and Victoria will be addressed. In 2005 particular emphasis will be placed on women and depression, especially with regard to women’s experiences across the lifespan. A range of treatment approaches and intervention strategies and their usefulness in practice settings will be explored.

On completion of this subject, students will be able to:

• demonstrate their understanding of aspects of policy, treatment practices, theoretical perspectives, concepts and issues relevant to women’s experience of mental illness
• demonstrate their understanding of the importance of gender as a factor in experience of mental illness
• contextualise this understanding in relation to the wider social context of women’s lives
• demonstrate their familiarity with practice/intervention strategies relevant to working with women with mental illness, in particular depression.

1. A written essay 5,000 words due end of semester

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.