Depression and Anxiety

This subject is not offered in 2016.

24 hours

Entry into the MASW program at the University of Melbourne.

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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 think 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 the psychosocial formulations of the high frequency conditions of depression and anxiety across the life span. Advances in the understanding of these two conditions and their relevance to life stresses and quality of life issues have resulted in the increased importance of including the psychosocial context in assessment, intervention and research. Changes in policy strategies and funding both nationally and in Victoria have emphasised the importance of prevention strategies and service development. Social workers and other community providers are in a unique position to respond to people suffering from depression and anxiety. This subject will aim to strengthen their capacity to respond effectively.

To be advised

1. A written 5000 word assignment (100%) - due at the end of semester

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A reading pack will be developed for the subject.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

• plan ahead and manage their academic workload in conjunction with other work pressures, encouraged by the reading list and reading pack together with due dates for class presentations and ASSESS. The tutorial discussions will foster discussion and debate around these issues
• expect to use the library, consult with the School of Social Work librarian and have access to electronic databases, policy statements and reports in order to complete the assessment task
• consult a comprehensive reading list, which will be provided for each topic, and seminar discussions will be held focusing on lecture content and on a critical analysis of the recommended literature. Students will be encouraged to reflect, innovate and debate the on the issues in the subject material
• expect exposure to advanced theoretical models relating to depression and anxiety and in particular the contribution of psychosocial factors to these models. The tutorial session will allow for innovative discussion around these theoretical models and the development of written material for the assessment task
• prepare to present written and verbal material during tutorial classes for class discussion. This will strengthen the development of their skills in conceptualizing theoretical problems, and forming judgements and arguments from conflicting evidence and by critical analysis
• focus on relevance of life stresses and quality of life issues in relation to Depression and Anxiety as well as the importance of including the psycho social context in assessment, intervention and research. This will encourage the development of new ideas and a critical awareness of the complexity of social and cultural issues as they impact on the subject
• expect assessment, written and verbal presentations in the tutorial class, which will offer students the opportunity to develop advanced skills in communicating knowledge in written and verbal forms. This will be assessed in a written form by the coordinator of the subject
• be encouraged to think reflectively, innovatively and critically in the development of their written assignment. They will receive a detailed assessment report on the work which will enable further learning. The nature of the group tutorial discussions and presentations will strengthen the students' capacity and skills in working as part of a team focused on issues of mutual interest and concern
• exercise the opportunity to develop public speaking skills through class presentation and group discussion
• complete the assessment and tutorial presentation, which will require careful attention to detail including a literature analysis and review and the compilation of a bibliography