Working with Groups and Communities

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

170 hours

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

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 programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

This subject is designed to introduce students to social work practice with groups and communites. The subject begins with an overview of group and community work practices, showing how historical context has affected use of the different methods of social work. The subject then examines theoretical frameworks for working with groups and communities, explores group and community work practices within current policy and government program contexts and features presentations from practitioners from a range of practice settings.

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

• A clear understanding of the scope of social work practice with groups and communities and their value base;
• Knowledge of the historical foundations of group and community work as social work practice;
• An understanding of the current policy and program contexts in which group and community work is undertaken;
• An understanding of the different practice settings in which group and community work is carried out;
• An ability to understand, analyse and evaluate relationship building in group and community work;
• Increased knowledge and skills in aspects of practice with groups and communities; for example, working with marginalized populations.

2000 word written essay (due mid semester) 40%

3000 word case study (due end of semester) 60%

Readings will be available on LMS

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

On completion of this subject, students will 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.