WS1006 - Self in Professional Helping

Credit points:	03
Year:	2009
Student Contribution Band:	Band 1
Administered by:	School of Arts & Social Sciences

This subject introduces students to the foundations of professional helping, with an emphasis on exploring the role of 'the self' in such work. Using a range of sources, students will explore the meaning of self and the social processes involved in its construction. The nature of professional helping is then examined, including an introduction to the philosophical origins, ethical and value orientations and knowledge base that underpin professional social welfare practice. Consideration is given to the different perspectives and theoretical frameworks which shape the understanding and practice of professional helping. The role of the self in helping practice is then explored, with an emphasis on the importance in this process of critical awareness and reflection.

Learning Outcomes

• On completion of the work for this subject, students should be able to: Demonstrate an understanding of the social construction of self;
• Articulate the major differences between professional and informal approaches to helping;
• List and describe the elements that characterise professional social welfare practice;
• Demonstrate familiarity with the historical, philosophical and ethical foundations of social welfare, and describe the nature and importance of its knowledge base;
• Critically analyse approaches to helping using a taxonomical approach and explain the role and importance of self in the professional helping process.

Graduate Qualities

• The ability to think critically, to analyse and evaluate claims, evidence and arguments, and to reason and deploy evidence clearly and logically;
• The ability to find and access information using appropriate media and technologies;
• The ability to evaluate that information;
• The ability to select and organise information and to communicate it accurately, cogently, coherently, creatively and ethically;
• The ability to reflect on and evaluate learning, and to learn independently in a self directed manner;
• The ability to speak and write clearly, coherently and creatively;
• The ability to use online technologies effectively and ethically.

Inadmissible Subject Combinations:

WS1004 WS3516

Availabilities
Townsville, Internal, Study Period 1
Census Date 27-Mar-2009
Coordinator:	Mr Peter Jones
Contact hours:	13 hours lectures 24 hours tutorials
Assessment:	(30% - 50%); (50% - 70%).
Townsville, Limited, Study Period 1
Census Date 27-Mar-2009
Face to face teaching 22-Apr-2009 to 26-Apr-2009 (compusory on campus workshop)
Coordinator:	Mr Peter Jones
Contact hours:	40 hours workshops/Seminars - 5 days on campus workshop in Townsville.
Assessment:	(30% - 50%); (50% - 70%).
Cairns, Internal, Study Period 1
Census Date 27-Mar-2009
Coordinator:	Ms Jo Mensinga
Contact hours:	13 hours lectures 24 hours tutorials
Assessment:	(30% - 50%); (50% - 70%).
Mackay, Internal, Study Period 1
Census Date 27-Mar-2009
Coordinator:	Mr Peter Jones
Contact hours:	24 hours tutorials
Assessment:	(30% - 50%); (50% - 70%).

Note: Minor variations might occur due to the continuous Subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.