University of Sydney Handbooks - 2014 Archive

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Master of Social Work (Qualifying)

Unit of study descriptions

Candidates must complete 96 credit points of units of study, comprising:
- 78 credit points of core units, including a capstone unit; and
- 18 credit points of elective units, including a minimum of one research unit.

Core Units

Candidates must complete the following core units of study (please note, SCWK5008 and SCWK5009 are not on offer in 2014);
SCWK5005 Practice Learning 2A

Credit points: 12 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 6x3-hr seminars, eLearning online discussions, 80 days agency based field placement Prerequisites: SCWK5010 and SCWK5004 and 12 additional credit points Assessment: This unit is jointly assessed with SCWK5006. 1500wd learning contract (25%) and group presentation (20%) and 1500wd mid placement report (25%) and 1000wd final placement report (30%) and 80 days placement (pass/fail)
Note: Department permission required for enrolmentin the following sessions:Semester 2
This is the first part of a field education practicum of 80 days. Field Education is a core component in all social work degree programs. The 80 days of second placement comprising SCWK5005 Practice Learning 2A and SCWK5006 Practice Learning 2B and the seminars provide a forum in which to explore issues concerning the theory/practice relationship, the development of advanced social work practice knowledge, skills and values as well as opportunities for support and consultation with other students and Faculty staff.
SCWK5008 Child Wellbeing and Child Protection

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Lesley Laing Session: Semester 1b,Semester 2b Classes: 24 hrs in block mode Assessment: in class essay (10%); group presentation (35%); 3000wd child protection assessment report (40%) and participation statement (15%)
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
This unit addresses the range of factors from poverty to positive parenting that contributes to safe, healthy and happy childhoods. This means addressing sociological and psychological aspects of childhood and current international and Australian literature. This unit of study introduces students to the theories and definitions of child abuse and neglect as well as the psychological and social consequence of child abuse and neglect. Within this unit emphasis is given to the ethical and legal responsibilities of practitioners as mandatory reporters of child abuse and neglect.
SCWK5009 Poverty and Social Exclusion

This unit of study is not available in 2014

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Assoc Prof Susan Goodwin Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x3hr seminar/wk Assessment: in class exam (20%) and group presentation (20%) and 750wd briefing note (15%) and 3000wd policy essay (45%)
Social workers work with individuals, families and communities experiencing poverty and other forms of social exclusion. This unit introduces the historical and contemporary role of social work in assessing and addressing poverty, inequality and social disadvantage. The significance of theories of social justice, social welfare and social change is explored. Students will develop policy analysis and policy development skills, and engage critically with policy and practice responses to poverty and social exclusion at local, national and global levels. Particular attention is paid to those groups in Australian society most affected by poverty and social exclusion.
SCWK5010 Social Work Practice

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Joanne Clarke Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x3hr seminar/wk Assessment: 1x online postings (10%) and communication exercise (25%) and assessment report (35%) and in class essay (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. While applicable in all fields of practice, experiential class exercises will focus on core fields of practice in CALD and Indigenous communities.
SCWK5011 Violence Against Women

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Lesley Laing Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x3-hr seminar/wk for 12 wks Assessment: media analysis essay (20%) and group presentation (30%) and major essay (50%)
Taking the example of violence against women, this unit of study builds upon previous studies of social inequality to explore the role of gender inequality as both a cause and consequence of violence against women. The intersection of gender inequality with other forms of inequality, such as that based on race, class and ability is also explored. Because of its short and long term impacts on women's health, well being and life chances, social workers in all settings are involved in responding to violence against women. Students will engage critically with a range of theories, research approaches, and policy and practice responses to violence against women at local, national and global levels.
SCWK5012 Health and Inequality

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Rosalie Pockett Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x2-hr online lecture/wk, 1x2-hr seminar/wk Assessment: essay (40%) and poster presentation and abstract (40%) and tutorial discussion (20%)
The field of health and illness is an important and challenging area for social workers. The distribution of health, illness and disability is a key indicator of social inequality. For that reason alone, provision of adequate, appropriate and accessible health services is one way to redress and prevent the health consequences of inequalities. This unit of study asks students to examine how social inequalities permeate the experience of health and illness, both physical and mental. It examines how health policy and health services, as an important surfacing point for personal and social troubles, can both redress and exacerbate inequalities.
SCWK5004 Practice Learning 1

Credit points: 18 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 6x2-hr seminars fortnightly, 60 days agency field based placement Prerequisites: SCWK5010 Assessment: seminar presentation (10%) and 2000wd learning plan (30%) and 2000wd mid placement report (30%) and 1500wd end of placement report (30%) and 60 days agency based practice (pass/fail)
Field education is a core component in all social work degree programs. The 60 days of this first placement and the fortnightly seminars provide a forum in which to explore issues concerning the theory/practice relationship, the development of core social work practice knowledge, skills and values as well as opportunities for support and consultation with other students and Faculty staff. The written assignments comprise the placement portfolio.
SCWK5006 Practice Learning 2B

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 6x3-hr seminars, eLearning online discussions, 80 days agency placement Prerequisites: SCWK5005 Assessment: This unit is jointly assessed with SCWK5005. 1500wd learning contract (25%) and group presentation (20%) and 1500wd mid placement report (25%) and 1000wd final placement report (30%) and 80 days placement (pass/fail)
This unit is a continuation of SCWK5005 Practice Learning 2A
SCWK5007 Social Perspectives on Ageing

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Ruth Phillips Session: Semester 2a Classes: 2x2-hr lectures/wk for 5 wks, 2x2-hr seminars/wk for 5 wks Assessment: group presentation (40%) and 3500wd essay (60%)
This unit of study aims to collapse the boundaries between 'them' (old people) and 'us' (everyone else) by examining how age is historically and socially constructed and experienced. The unit will examine social policies and social work practices and skills in relation to old people, their families and communities, with particular emphasis on diversity and inequality.
SCWK6902 Social Research

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Margot Rawsthorne Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr seminar/week Assessment: 1x2500wd group presentation (40%); and 1x3500wd research proposal (60%)
This unit of study introduces students to a range of research methods and focus on quantitative and qualitative methods. Many other research issues in developing a research proposal will be addressed through the semester. It is intended that, at the conclusion of this unit, students will have developed a research project able to implement through either further study or in workplaces.

Elective Units

Candidates must complete 18 credit points from the elective units of study listed below, including a minimum of one research unit;
SCWK6910 Working with Communities

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Margot Rawsthorne Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x2hr seminar/week Assessment: 2x750wd blog postings (35%); 1x4000wd practice essay (45%); and class participation (20%)
Working with communities is a key policy and practice priority for government and non-government agencies in Australia. This unit will critically examine the current policy frameworks informing work with communities as well as current practice models of community development and community engagement. The unit seeks to explore the why and how of work with communities. It will draw on an emerging Australian body of research about working with communities as well as drawing on experiences in the United Kingdom and the United States. This unit is suitable for practitioners seeking to work more effectively with communities.
SCWK6920 Mental Health: Practice and Theory

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Professor Barbara Fawcett Session: Semester 1 Classes: on-line Assessment: Participation (15%); 1x case study re. two practice standards (35%); 1x academic essay (50%)
This unit of study focuses on: the Fourth National Mental Health Plan, the Revised National Standards for Mental Health (2010 ) and the National Practice Standards for the Mental Health Workforce (2002). It looks at theoretical underpinnings; the policy framework and the implications for practice. It adopts a constructively analytical approach and enables students to make links with their workplaces. This unit is also available as a single unit of study to professionals who wish to undertake this as a stand-alone unit.
SCWK6948 Social Policy Frameworks

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Associate Professor Sue Goodwin Session: Semester 1 Classes: 2hr seminar/week - evening Assessment: 1x2000wd essay proposal and presentation (40%); 1x4000wd major essay (60%)
This unit aims to provide students with a sound understanding of the key institutional components of the Australian welfare system and the key issues and debates associated with the theory and practice of contemporary social policy. The target audience for this unit includes participants from a diverse range of organisations involved in human service provision. All human service work takes place in the context of social policy: social policy provides the mandate and the resources for human service work, and the activities of workers are extensively defined and shaped by social policy. In turn, human service workers are increasingly involved in the shaping of policy, or policy action. The rationale for this unit is to provide an opportunity for students to develop an advanced understanding of social policy frameworks in order to inform policy action.
SCWK6943 Practice: Theory Development

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Associate Professor Fran Waugh Session: Semester 1,Semester 1b,Semester 2,Semester 2b Classes: 24 hr of classes in block mode Assessment: presentation (30%); essay (55%) and participation statement (15%)
Note: Department permission required for enrolmentin the following sessions:Semester 1,Semester 1b,Semester 2b
Students will have the opportunity to examine current practices and practice theories in light of competing ideas espoused and employed in social work and community services. This unit will take an interdisciplinary approach to professional practice issues. It aims for the development of knowledge for reflective practice in contemporary sites of social work and community services endeavours.
SCWK6949 Global Social Policy

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Ruth Phillips Session: Semester 2 Classes: 2hr seminar/week - evening Assessment: tutorial presentation and paper (40%); global social policy research exercise (60%)
There is a well-established scholarship and governmental interest in both the impact of globalisation on social policy and the emergence of what is increasingly termed 'global social policy' which is a direct response to global social problems. It is a field that is growing in the areas of social policy and social work research and practice and can be clearly linked to increased employment opportunities for social workers and social policy graduates in the international/global arena. A key perspective of this unit of study is from non-government organisations' participation in the development of a global civil society and their contribution to global social policy. It also examines the United Nations Millennium Development Goals and how NGOs have contributed to both the ambitions of the goals as well as the outcomes for different countries. This unit provides opportunities for students to deepen their understanding and knowledge of core global concerns such as poverty, health, education, environment, NGO corporate engagement and gender equality and make links to the vital role of NGOs in these areas.

Capstone unit

Candidates must complete the capstone unit in their final semester;
SCWK5003 Integration of Learning

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 2x3-hr seminars, individual supervision with coordinator, one day course showcase Prerequisites: 72 credit points including SCWK6902 Assessment: individual presentation (40%) and 5000wd essay (60%)
Note: Department permission required for enrolmentin the following sessions:Semester 1
This capstone unit is undertaken during the final semester of the MSWQ and enables students to demonstrate their learning across all MSWQ units and contribute to knowledge building and practice in the profession.