Issues in Women's Mental Health

Subject SCWK90026 (2011)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2011.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject is not offered in 2011.

Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 24 hours (Intensive – 4 x 6 hour days)
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:

None

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.

Contact

Social Work
Melbourne School of Health Sciences
The University of Melbourne
Level 5, 234 Queensberry St
Carlton Victoria 3010 AUSTRALIA
T: +61 3 8344 9400
F: +61 3 9347 4375
E: socialwork-enquiries@unimelb.edu.au
W: www.socialwork.unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

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.

Objectives:

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.
Assessment:
  1. A written essay 5,000 words due end of semester
Prescribed Texts: A reading pack 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/
Related Course(s): Master of Social Work

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