WS5516 - Foundations for Social Work Practice

Credit points:	03
Year:	2011
Student Contribution Band:	Band 1
Administered by:	School of Arts & Social Sciences

Available to holders of a Bachelor degree who have been admitted to the MSW (Qualifying)

This subject introduces students to the key theoretical foundations, skills, processes and ethical concerns of social work. It particularly focuses on social justice as a primary impetus of Australian social work practice. Students will consider the relevant professional values and ethics including the use of the AASW professional Code of Ethics as a tool for unravelling ethical dilemmas in social work. Students are required to demonstrate a knowledge of relevant psychological concepts and empathic, respectful, interpersonal skills.

Learning Outcomes

• critical understanding of the history and context of social work practice in Australia;
• understanding and skills in core social work processes such as basic interviewing, communication and assessment skills;
• critical understanding of the values and ethics relevant to social work practice;
• understanding of and ability to apply core theoretical frameworks to practice.

Graduate Qualities

• The ability to adapt knowledge to new situations;
• The ability to define and to solve problems in at least one discipline area;
• The ability to think critically, to analyse and evaluate claims, evidence and arguments, and to reason and deploy evidence clearly and logically;
• The acquisition of coherent and disciplined sets of skills, knowledge, values and professional ethics from at least one discipline area;
• The ability to manage future career and personal development;
• The ability to speak and write clearly, coherently and creatively;
• The ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences;
• The ability to lead, manage and contribute effectively to teams.

Inadmissible Subject Combinations:

WS3516

Availabilities
Townsville, Limited, Study Period 1
Census Date 24-Mar-2011
Face to face teaching 04-Apr-2011 to 08-Apr-2011 (Compulsory on campus workshop)
Coordinator:	Dr Debra Miles
Assessment:	(60%); assignments (40%).

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.