James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2024

WS1007 - Lifespan Development and Psychology for Social Welfare Practice

Subject Description

This subject provides you with an understanding of human development across the lifespan from psychological, sociological and biological perspectives, building your understanding of individuals' changing needs in relation to their diverse environments and broader relationships with family, community and society. This subject is structured around ten topics. Topic 1 introduces lifespan human development in the context of social work, psychology and welfare, exploring the implications of scientific thinking and methodology. Topics 2 - 9 address theories of human development and learning, genetic and environmental influences on development, times of life and social psychology as exemplars of historically central areas of investigation in social work. Topic 10 addresses grief, loss, end of life and coping from the newer, more applied area of social work practice. Students are guided in their independent examination of a topic area of their interest and choice, which emphasises analysis, and synthesis of information, conceptual thinking, reflective learning and acquisition of sufficient knowledge and understanding of lifespan development theories and research, including different social, economic and cultural models and approaches to assessing human development and needs. The subject gives you invaluable insight into daily and professional social worker life, roles and practice in different settings. While primarily targeting social work and community welfare students, this subject would be of interest to students seeking an introduction to the field of social welfare.

Learning Outcomes

• identify and explain key psychological and sociological concepts and theories and their application in social work practice with a diversity of people
• examine and critically analyse the impact of social-economic status, relationships and environment on the psychosocial health and wellbeing of individuals, groups and communities
• evaluate the ways and interventions social workers can use to work with individuals, groups and communities and effectively respond to complex problems related to their human development, behaviour and needs across the lifespan
• demonstrate knowledge and understanding of psychosocial health, wellbeing and the main human development stages, and assess human needs at the different stages across the lifespan, using a modified problem-based approach and developmental theories

Subject Assessment

• Test/Quiz - Four online quizzes: 1x20%; 3x10% - (50%) - Individual
• Written > Project report - (50%) - Individual

Note that 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.

Special Assessment Requirements

Passing requirements: Complete at least 3 of the 4 online quizzes; achieve a cumulative score of at least 50% after the application of any penalties such as late penalties.

Inadmissible Subject Combinations:  PY1105 PY1101 PY1102

Availabilities