University of Sydney Handbooks - 2014 Archive

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Bachelor of Social Work

Unit of study descriptions

Candidates must complete 192 credit points of units of study comprising:

YEAR 1

In the first year, candidates must complete 48 credit points of units of study, comprising:
- 12 credit points of Junior units in Sociology;
- 36 credit points of Junior (level 1000) units of study, chosen from Arts and Social Sciences Tables of units of study.

Sociology Units of Study

SCLG1001 Introduction to Sociology 1

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Salvatore Babones Session: Semester 1,Summer Early Classes: 2x1-hr lectures/week, 1x1-hr tutorial/week Assessment: 500wd precis (15%) and 1500wd essay (35%) and 2hr exam (35%) and participation (15%)
This unit introduces students to the study of sociology through an analysis of contemporary Australian society. Using a range of sociological concepts and theories, we will analyse society in the period known as 'modernity'. Students will be encouraged to analyse existing social phenomena through the prisms of gender, sexuality, ethnicity, class, multiculturalism and indigeneity.
SCLG1002 Introduction to Sociology 2

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Salvatore Babones Session: Semester 2 Classes: 2x1-hr lectures/week, 1x1-hr tutorial/week Assessment: 500wd data analysis report (15%) and 1500wd essay (35%) and 2hr exam (35%) and tutorial participation (15%)
Students will continue to be introduced to sociology through the analysis of contemporary society. Through a focus on the sociology of everyday life, we will explore the relationships between various social and cultural forms, institutional sites and the practices of everyday life. Topics such as fame and celebrity, fashion and consumption, globalisation community and belonging will be explored.

YEAR 2

In the second year, candidates must complete 48 credit points of units of study, comprising:
- 30 credit points of Social Work Core units of study, including 12 credit points of either Psychology for Social Work units, or intermediate level Psychology units listed in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Tables of units of study.
- 18 credit points of Senior (level 2000) units of study, chosen from Arts and Social Sciences Tables of units of study.
Please note, candidates must complete KOCR2600 in semester 1.

Social Work Core Units

KOCR2600 Indigenous Australia: An Introduction

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Peter Minter Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 2x1-hr lecture/week, 1x1-hr tutorial/week Prerequisites: 18 Junior credit points Prohibitions: KOCR2100 Assessment: research essay (40%); tutorial presentation (10%); tutorial paper (20%); short essay (30%)
This unit of study is the first stepping stone in the Indigenous Australian Studies (IAS) Major. Structured around three themes - representation and identity, invasion and colonisation, and resistance and agency - the unit critically examines the historical, social and political contexts of the survival and growth of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander societies and cultures. Students will gain a critical awareness of traditional and contemporary Indigenous Australia, and develop a decolonised critical framework which underpins the IAS major.
SCPL2601 Australian Social Policy

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Amanda Elliot Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x2-hr lecture/week, 1x1-hr tutorial/week Prerequisites: 12 Junior credit points from Sociology Prohibitions: SCPL3001 Assessment: 1500wd essay (35%) and 2000wd take-home exercise (45%) and 450wd equivalent participation in on-line discussions (10%) and 450wd equivalent tutorial participation (10%)
In this unit of study Australian social policy is explored: the legal and administrative framework; relationships between family and the state; employment, unemployment, unpaid work and welfare; the public/private mix; aged care policies, the culture of welfare state provision, indigenous policies, migration, multiculturalism and the formulation and delivery of social welfare services in Australia.
SCWK2004 Psychology for Social Work 201

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 2x1-hr lectures/wk and 1x1-hr tutorial/wk Prerequisites: 48 credit points Assessment: 1400wd tutorial reflection paper (30%) and 2-hr exam (55%) and tutorial participation (15%)
Note: This unit is only available to students enrolled in the Bachelor of Social Work and combined Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Social Work degrees.
This unit of study focuses on theories and research in psychology that have most relevance to the practice of social work. Areas covered will be (i) Counselling Psychology, critically examining the theoretical foundations of counselling processes; (ii) Human Development, indicating the main patterns of development.
SCWK2005 Psychology for Social Work 202

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 2x1-hr lectures/wk and 1x1-hr tutorial/wk Prerequisites: 48 credit points Assessment: 1400wd tutorial reflection paper (30%) and 2-hr exam (55%) and tutorial participation (15%)
Note: This unit is only available to students enrolled in the Bachelor of Social Work and combined Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Social Work degrees.
The unit of study focuses on psychological theories and research associated with mental health and several contemporary issues of particular relevance to the practice of social work. Strategies are introduced to assist in an understanding of the complex factors involved in experiences of child abuse, domestic violence, suicide awareness and prevention, drug and alcohol addiction, gambling, living with mental illness, and grief.
SCWK2006 Research Skills for Social Work

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x2-hr lecture/wk and 1x1-hr tutorial/wk Prerequisites: 48 credit points Prohibitions: SCLG2602 Assessment: research ethics essay (20%) and research summaries (35%) and research project paper (45%)
Social workers are increasingly required to understand and communicate the research base of their practice, and to become practitioner-researchers in their own right. This unit aims to help students develop an understanding of the ways social workers use research in different practice contexts: assessing community needs, formulating policies, developing new services, evaluating programs, enhancing social work practice, and developing theory. Students are introduced to quantitative and qualitative approaches and methods in social work research, in the context of specific practice fields including mental health, domestic violence, community development, and policy advocacy.

YEAR 3

In the third year, candidates must complete 48 credit points of Social Work core units of study, comprising:
SCWK3006 Issue Based Learning Unit 1

Credit points: 8 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Rosalie Pockett Session: Semester 1 Classes: 2x1-hr lectures/wk and 1x2-hr tutorial/wk Prerequisites: 96 Credit points to include SCPL2601; KOCR2600; SCLG2602 or SCWK2006; Either SCWK2004 and SCWK2005 or 12 intermediate Psychology credit points. Corequisites: SCWK3007, SCWK3008 Assessment: essay (40%) and group project (40%) and presentation (20%)
The title and content of the unit will be selected from the following: Illness, inequality and intervention; Social justice, social citizenship and social work; Caring and citizenship; the case of disability; Families, children and young people; Drugs and alcohol; the social work response.
SCWK3007 Issue Based Learning Unit 2

Credit points: 8 Teacher/Coordinator: Assoc Prof Susan Goodwin Session: Semester 1 Classes: 2x1-hr lectures/wk and 1x2-hr tutorial/wk Prerequisites: 96 Credit points to include SCPL2601; KOCR2600; SCLG2602 or SCWK2006; Either SCWK2004 and SCWK2005 or 12 intermediate Psychology credit points. Corequisites: SCWK3006, SCWK3008 Assessment: take home exam (30%) and plan for briefing paper (10%) and briefing paper (60%)
The title and content of the unit will be selected from the following: Illness, inequality and intervention; Social justice, social citizenship and social work; Caring and citizenship: the case of disability; Families, children and young people; Drugs and alcohol; the social work response.
SCWK3008 Professional Practice

Credit points: 8 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x1-hr lecture/wk and 1x3-hr workshop/wk Prerequisites: 96 Credit points to include SCPL2601; KOCR2600; SCLG2602 or SCWK2006; Either SCWK2004 and SCWK2005 or 12 intermediate Psychology credit points. Corequisites: SCWK3006, SCWK3007 Assessment: communication assignment (20%) and community assessment (20%) and assessment report (30%) and in-class exam (30%)
This unit of study addresses the theory-practice relationship and provides students with opportunities to engage with reflexive practice. It provides an introduction to the diversity of the professional practice of social work and aims to develop the capability of students to practise generic skills in social work practice and policy. There is an emphasis on understanding social work values and the fundamentals of ethical practice. Students are encouraged to recognise and build upon skills and knowledge they already have, and to develop their capabilities for acquiring further knowledge and skills.
SCWK3005 Field Education 1

Credit points: 24 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 7x2-hr fortnightly tutorials, 60 days practicum Prerequisites: SCWK3006, SCWK3007, SCWK3008 Prohibitions: SCWK3009, SCWK3010 Assessment: learning portfolio (60%) and small group activity (20%) and essay (20%) and 60 day placement (pass/fail)
This unit is a compulsory, full time field education practicum of 60 days. In negotiation with the field educator, students produce a learning plan that sets out what they expect to learn, how this learning will happen and how, with their field educator, they will monitor and evaluate their learning. In addition, students attend fortnightly placement classes and peer support and accountability groups. These provide a forum in which to explore issues concerning the integration of practice and theory, as well as opportunities for support and consultation with other students and social work staff. Written assignments and oral presentations allow students to demonstrate their placement learning.

Honours Pathway

ADMISSION TO HONOURS
To qualify for admission to the honours degree a student must have a WAM of at least 70 across the following second and third year units (with the third year weighted double): SCPL2601, KOCR2600, SCWK2004, SCWK2005, SCWK2006, SCWK3005, SCWK3006, SCWK3008.
Candidates who are eligible for Honours must complete the 24 credit points of units of study listed below instead of SCWK3005 Field Education 1.
SCWK3009 Social Work Preliminary Honours

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Prof Gabrielle Meagher Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x3-hr seminar/wk Prerequisites: SCWK3006, SCWK3007 and SCWK3008 Corequisites: SCWK3010 Prohibitions: SCWK3005 Assessment: literature review (60%) and writing qualitative questions (10%) and secondary data exercise (10%) and research review (20%)
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
This unit assists students undertaking the Honours program in Social Work to further develop understanding of the role that research plays in social work practice and to develop knowledge, understanding and skills to both use and undertake research. The aim of the unit is to prepare students to undertake supervised research on an existing research project. The unit is offered during the 3rd year of the BSW degree program, concurrently with the first field education placement. Entry into the program is competitive, and the Honours stream is demanding. In effect, students are reading and learning in two, interwoven streams, as they participate in classes where a range of issues in research method are discussed, while also reading and discussing materials related to their supervised research project. A significant commitment of time to reading and writing is expected.
SCWK3010 Field Education 1 Honours

Credit points: 18 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 7x2-hr fortnightly tutorials Prerequisites: SCWK3006, SCWK3007 and SCWK3008 Corequisites: SCWK3009 Prohibitions: SCWK3005 Assessment: learning portfolio (60%) and small group activity (20%) and essay (20%) and 60 day placement
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
This unit is a compulsory, full time field education practicum of 60 days. In negotiation with the field educator, students produce a learning plan that sets out what they expect to learn, how this learning will happen and how they will monitor and evaluate their learning . In addition, students attend fortnightly placement classes and peer support and accountability groups. These provide a forum in which to explore issues concerning the integration of practice and theory, approaches to investigating one's practice, as well as opportunities for support and consultation with other students and Social Work staff. Written assignments and oral presentations allow students to demonstrate their placement learning.

YEAR 4

In the fourth year, candidates must complete 48 credit points of Social Work core units of study, comprising the following::
(Please note, candidates must enrol in SCWK4003 and SCWK4005 in Semester 1 and SCWK4004 and SCWK4006 in Semester 2.)
SCWK4003 Issue Based Learning Unit 3

Credit points: 9 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Lesley Laing Session: Semester 1a,Semester 2 Classes: 4-hrs of lectures/wk for 5 wks, 8-hrs of tutorials/wk for 5 wks Prerequisites: SCWK3005 or (SCWK3010 and SCWK3009); SCWK3006; SCWK3007; SCWK3008 Assessment: in-class essay (15%) and group development and presentation of a research proposal (30%) and class participation statement (10%) and essay (45%)
Note: Department permission required for enrolmentin the following sessions:Semester 2
Note: Classes commence Monday 17th February
This unit is the third of a sequence of four Issue Based Learning units. It is of five weeks duration and is intended to develop further students' capabilities in the transfer of knowledge and independent work. It builds on the knowledge and skills gained in Field Education I and includes preparation for Field Education 2A & 2B.
SCWK4005 Field Education 2A

Credit points: 15 Session: Semester 1b,Semester 2 Classes: 1x2-hr tutorial/fortnight Corequisites: SCWK4003 Assessment: This unit is jointly assessed with SCWK4006 or SCWK4007. The assessment of these units will be: learning portfolio (100%) and 80 day placement (pass/fail)
Note: Department permission required for enrolmentin the following sessions:Semester 2
This is the first part of a full time field education practicum of 80 days. In negotiation with the field educator, students produce a learning plan that sets out what they expect to learn, how this learning will happen, and how, with their field educator, they will monitor and evaluate their learning. In addition, students attend fortnightly placement classes and peer support and accountability groups. These provide a forum in which to explore issues concerning the integration of practice and theory, as well as opportunities for support and consultation with other students and social work staff. Written assignments and oral presentations allow students to demonstrate their placement learning. Those students on placement outside the Sydney metropolitan area participate in weekly online classes and make a presentation at the end of placement.
SCWK4002 Integrative Studies 402

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Lesley Laing Session: Semester 2b Classes: 4x2-hr lectures/wk for 4 wks, 2x2-hr tutorials/wk for 4 wks Prerequisites: SCWK4003; SCWK4005 Corequisites: SCWK4004, SCWK4006 or SCWK4007 Assessment: opinion peice (40%) and critical reflection essay (60%)
This is the final unit of study in the Bachelor of Social Work program and is of four weeks' duration. Through processes of critical reflection, students have an opportunity to look back on and consolidate knowledge and skills developed over the four years of the Bachelor of Social Work degree.
SCWK4004 Issue Based Learning Unit 4

Credit points: 9 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Ruth Phillips Session: Semester 1,Semester 2a Classes: 4-hrs of lectures/wk for 5 wks, 8-hrs of tutorials/wk for 5 wks Prerequisites: SCWK4003; SCWK4005 Corequisites: SCWK4006 Assessment: essay (25%) and group project and presentation (25%) and essay (50%)
Note: Department permission required for enrolmentin the following sessions:Semester 1
This unit is the fourth of a sequence of four Issue Based Learning units. It is of five weeks duration and is intended to develop further students' capabilities in the transfer of knowledge and independent work. It builds on the knowledge and includes skills gained in Field Education 2A and 2B.
SCWK4006 Field Education 2B

Credit points: 9 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2a Classes: 1x2-hr tutorial/fortnight Prerequisites: SCWK4005 Prohibitions: SCWK4007, SCWK4008 Assessment: This unit is jointly assessed with SCWK4005. The assessment of these units will be: learning portfolio (100%) and 80 day placement (pass/fail)
Note: Department permission required for enrolmentin the following sessions:Semester 1
Field Education 2B is the continuation of Field Education 2A.

Honours Pathway

Continuing Honours candidates must complete the 9 credit points of units of study listed below instead of SCWK4006 Field Education 2B.
SCWK4007 Field Education 2B Honours

Credit points: 3 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x2-hr tutorial/fortnight Prerequisites: SCWK3009. SCWK3010, SCWK4003 and SCWK4005 Corequisites: SCWK4002 and SCWK4004 Prohibitions: SCWK4006 Assessment: This unit is jointly assessed with SCWK4005. The assessment of these units will be: learning portfolio (100%) and 80 day placement (pass/fail)
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Field Education 2B Honours is the continuation of Field Education 2A for honours students.
SCWK4008 Social Work Research Dissertation

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Ruth Phillips Session: Semester 2 Classes: 4x3-hr seminars, 24-hrs participation in a social work research project Prerequisites: SCWK3009, SCWK3010, SCWK4003 and SCWK4005 Corequisites: SCWK4002, SCWK4004 and SCWK4007 Prohibitions: SCWK4006 Assessment: 5000wd research report (70%) and seminar presentation (30%)
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
In this unit students participate in a social work research project under the supervision of an academic staff member. Students will become familiar with the process of developing a research proposal and obtaining ethical approval for a study. Students will apply data collection processes as appropriate to the project and undertake analysis of this data. They develop the skills required to present the findings of their research project both orally and through a research dissertation. Ethical issues and critical debates in social work research will also be examined.