Course Outline

SWK100 Introduction to Social Work Practice Theories

Course Coordinator:Dimitra Lattas (dlattas@usc.edu.au) School:School of Law and Society

2024Semester 2

UniSC Sunshine Coast

UniSC Moreton Bay

UniSC Caboolture

UniSC Fraser Coast

UniSC Gympie

Blended learning Most of your course is on campus but you may be able to do some components of this course online.

Online

Online You can do this course without coming onto campus.

Please go to usc.edu.au for up to date information on the
teaching sessions and campuses where this course is usually offered.

What is this course about?

Description

This course provides you with an introduction to a range of theories which inform social work practice. You will develop an understanding of social work theory to develop skills in applying theory to understand and intervene with individuals, communities and society. You will further extend your practice philosophy and skills within these theoretical frameworks. You will be challenged to integrate your own personal perspective and societal influences when applying theoretical concepts to specific practice contexts and understand the implications of these for practices.

How will this course be delivered?

Activity Hours Beginning Week Frequency
Blended learning
Learning materials – online learning materials 1hr Week 1 13 times
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – Weekly tutorials 2hrs Week 1 10 times
Online
Learning materials – 13 weeks online learning materials 1hr Week 1 13 times
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – Weekly online (Zoom) tutorials 2hrs Week 1 10 times

Course Topics

Social theories, models and perspectives

Micro and macro theories of practices

Application of theory to practice

[Mature content across all topics]

What level is this course?

100 Level (Introductory)

Engaging with discipline knowledge and skills at foundational level, broad application of knowledge and skills in familiar contexts and with support. Limited or no prerequisites. Normally, associated with the first full-time study year of an undergraduate program.

What is the unit value of this course?

12 units

How does this course contribute to my learning?

Course Learning Outcomes On successful completion of this course, you should be able to... Graduate Qualities Mapping Completing these tasks successfully will contribute to you becoming... Professional Standard Mapping * Australian Association of Social Workers
1 Engage with the process of self-reflection and describe how your own environment, beliefs, values and worldviews your role as a social worker. Knowledgeable
Creative and critical thinker
Ethical
Engaged
1.1, 1.2, 3.1, 5.4
2 Apply theoretical concepts to specific practice contexts and understand the implications of these for practice Empowered
Engaged
1.2, 3.1, 4.1, 4.2, 4.4, 5.1, 5.3, 5.4, 7.1
3 Apply your knowledge of theory to a particular case study. Knowledgeable
Creative and critical thinker
Ethical
2, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 5.1, 5.3
4 Demonstrate emerging professional communication skills Knowledgeable
Creative and critical thinker
Empowered
Ethical
Engaged
6, 6.1, 7.1

* Competencies by Professional Body

CODE COMPETENCY
Australian Association of Social Workers
1.1 Practise in accordance with the AASW Code of Ethics
1.2 Manage ethical dilemmas and issues arising in practice
2 Professionalism
3.1 Work inclusively and respectfully with cultural difference and diversity
4.1 Understand higher level systemic influences on people with respect to area of practice
4.2 Understand and articulate social work and other relevant theories and concepts
4.3 Understand the role of research and evaluation in obtaining and generating new knowledge for practice
4.4 Understand and articulate how and when theories, knowledge bases and knowledge sources inform practice
5.1 Assess and analyse needs to inform practice
5.3 Use a range of social work methods and techniques appropriate to the area of practice
5.4 Apply critical and reflective thinking to practice
6 Communication and interpersonal skills
6.1 Communicate with a diverse range of people
7.1 Record and manage information appropriately

Am I eligible to enrol in this course?

Refer to the UniSC Glossary of terms for definitions of “pre-requisites, co-requisites and anti-requisites”.

Pre-requisites

Not applicable

Co-requisites

Not applicable

Anti-requisites

Not applicable

Specific assumed prior knowledge and skills (where applicable)

Not applicable

How am I going to be assessed?

Grading Scale

Standard Grading (GRD)

High Distinction (HD), Distinction (DN), Credit (CR), Pass (PS), Fail (FL).

Details of early feedback on progress

Quiz/zes will be used to provide early feedback on the understanding of course content.

Assessment tasks

Delivery mode Task No. Assessment Product Individual or Group Weighting % What is the duration / length? When should I submit? Where should I submit it?
All 1 Artefact - Creative Individual 30%
A4 length
Week 4 Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All 2 Artefact - Creative, and Written Piece Individual 30%
1000
Week 7 Online Submission
All 3 Case Study Individual 40%
1500 words
Week 13 Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All - Assessment Task 1:Poster - Social Work Theory
Goal:
The goal of this assessment task is to demonstrate an understanding of social work theories in an accessible format
Product: Artefact - Creative
Format:
A4 poster design
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Identify and comprehend course materials.
1 2
2
Recognise, evaluate and apply social work theories within various contexts
1 2
All - Assessment Task 2:Eco-Map and Critical Reflection
Goal:
The goal of this assessment task is to apply systems theory and an ecological perspective to develop an ecomap reflecting on complex factors across the various levels/systems.
Product: Artefact - Creative, and Written Piece
Format:
This task will be in Word doc or PowerPoint file format - Develop an eco-map and write a critical reflection piece to accompany this
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
A critical reflection on societal influences that impact your work as an emerging professional
1 3 4
2
Development of an ecomap
1 3 4
3
Understanding the complexities across multiple levels on individual behaviour and development
1 3 4
All - Assessment Task 3:Case study
Goal:
The goal of this task is for you to apply your cumulative understanding of various theories and the multidimensional nature of human behaviour to analyse the behaviour of a case study.
Product: Case Study
Format:
You will compare and contrast two different theories in relation to the understanding of a selected case study and identify the strengths and weaknesses of each theory.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Critical evaluation and application of theories in their connection to practice.
1 2 4
2
Demonstrations of clear emerging professional communication skills
4
3
Identify strengths and limitations of various theories and their application to practice.
1 2 3

Directed study hours

A 12-unit course will have total of 150 learning hours which will include directed study hours (including online if required), self-directed learning and completion of assessable tasks. Student workload is calculated at 12.5 learning hours per one unit.

What resources do I need to undertake this course?

Please note: Course information, including specific information of recommended readings, learning activities, resources, weekly readings, etc. are available on the course Canvas site– Please log in as soon as possible.

Prescribed text(s) or course reader

There are no required/recommended resources for this course.

Specific requirements

Information regarding prescribed texts or other associated resources will be made available on the Canvas site prior to commencement of study.

How are risks managed in this course?

Health and safety risks for this course have been assessed as low. It is your responsibility to review course material, search online, discuss with lecturers and peers and understand the health and safety risks associated with your specific course of study and to familiarise yourself with the University’s general health and safety principles by reviewing the online induction training for students, and following the instructions of the University staff.

What administrative information is relevant to this course?

Assessment: Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is the ethical standard of university participation.  It ensures that students graduate as a result of proving they are competent in their discipline.  This is integral in maintaining the value of academic qualifications. Each industry has expectations and standards of the skills and knowledge within that discipline and these are reflected in assessment.

Academic integrity means that you do not engage in any activity that is considered to be academic fraud; including plagiarism, collusion or outsourcing any part of any assessment item to any other person.  You are expected to be honest and ethical by completing all work yourself and indicating in your work which ideas and information were developed by you and which were taken from others. You cannot provide your assessment work to others. You are also expected to provide evidence of wide and critical reading, usually by using appropriate academic references.

In order to minimise incidents of academic fraud, this course may require that some of its assessment tasks, when submitted to Canvas, are electronically checked through Turnitin.  This software allows for text comparisons to be made between your submitted assessment item and all other work to which Turnitin has access.

Assessment: Additional Requirements

Eligibility for Supplementary Assessment

Your eligibility for supplementary assessment in a course is dependent of the following conditions applying:

The final mark is in the percentage range 47% to 49.4%
The course is graded using the Standard Grading scale
You have not failed an assessment task in the course due to academic misconduct

Assessment: Submission penalties

Late submission of assessment tasks may be penalised at the following maximum rate: 
- 5% (of the assessment task's identified value) per day for the first two days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. 
- 10% (of the assessment task's identified value) for the third day - 20% (of the assessment task's identified value) for the fourth day and subsequent days up to and including seven days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. 
- A result of zero is awarded for an assessment task submitted after seven days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. Weekdays and weekends are included in the calculation of days late. To request an extension you must contact your course coordinator to negotiate an outcome.

SafeUniSC

UniSC is committed to a culture of respect and providing a safe and supportive environment for all members of our community. For immediate assistance on campus contact SafeUniSC by phone: 07 5430 1168 or using the SafeZone app. For general enquires contact the SafeUniSC team by phone 07 5456 3864 or email safe@usc.edu.au.

The SafeUniSC Specialist Service is a Student Wellbeing service that provides free and confidential support to students who may have experienced or observed behaviour that could cause fear, offence or trauma. To contact the service call 07 5430 1226 or email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au.

Study help

For help with course-specific advice, for example what information to include in your assessment, you should first contact your tutor, then your course coordinator, if needed.

If you require additional assistance, the Learning Advisers are trained professionals who are ready to help you develop a wide range of academic skills. Visit the Learning Advisers web page for more information, or contact Student Central for further assistance: +61 7 5430 2890 or studentcentral@usc.edu.au.

Wellbeing Services

Student Wellbeing provide free and confidential counselling on a wide range of personal, academic, social and psychological matters, to foster positive mental health and wellbeing for your academic success.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 1226.

AccessAbility Services

Ability Advisers ensure equal access to all aspects of university life. If your studies are affected by a disability, learning disorder mental health issue, injury or illness, or you are a primary carer for someone with a disability or who is considered frail and aged, AccessAbility Services can provide access to appropriate reasonable adjustments and practical advice about the support and facilities available to you throughout the University.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email AccessAbility@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 2890.

Links to relevant University policy and procedures

For more information on Academic Learning & Teaching categories including:

  • Assessment: Courses and Coursework Programs
  • Review of Assessment and Final Grades
  • Supplementary Assessment
  • Central Examinations
  • Deferred Examinations
  • Student Conduct
  • Students with a Disability

For more information, visit https://www.usc.edu.au/explore/policies-and-procedures#academic-learning-and-teaching

Student Charter

UniSC is committed to excellence in teaching, research and engagement in an environment that is inclusive, inspiring, safe and respectful. The Student Charter sets out what students can expect from the University, and what in turn is expected of students, to achieve these outcomes.

General Enquiries

  • In person:
    • UniSC Sunshine Coast - Student Central, Ground Floor, Building C, 90 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs
    • UniSC Moreton Bay - Service Centre, Ground Floor, Foundation Building, Gympie Road, Petrie
    • UniSC SouthBank - Student Central, Building A4 (SW1), 52 Merivale Street, South Brisbane
    • UniSC Gympie - Student Central, 71 Cartwright Road, Gympie
    • UniSC Fraser Coast - Student Central, Student Central, Building A, 161 Old Maryborough Rd, Hervey Bay
    • UniSC Caboolture - Student Central, Level 1 Building J, Cnr Manley and Tallon Street, Caboolture
  • Tel:+61 7 5430 2890
  • Email:studentcentral@usc.edu.au