University of Sydney Handbooks - 2019 Archive

Download full 2019 archive Page archived at: Tue, 05 Nov 2019 02:36:06 +0000

Social Work (Combined degree)

Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Social Work

Candidates must complete 240 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;
- 12 credit points of Junior units in a Table A major
- 12 credit points of Junior units from Table A
- 12 credit points of Junior units from Table A or B

Sociology Units of Study

SCLG1001 Introduction to Sociology 1

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1,Summer Main Classes: 1x2hr lecture/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Assessment: 1x500wd review exercise (10%), 1x1500wd essay (35%), 1x1500wd take home assessment (35%), 1x1000wd equiv discussion posts (20%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
How does society shape the world we live in? What influences interactions between people in everyday life? Why is society structured the way it is, and is change possible? By delving into diverse topics such as discrimination and inequality to family life and friendship, this unit introduces the conceptual tools sociologists use to explain the world.
SCLG1002 Introduction to Sociology 2

Credit points: 6 Session: Intensive July,Semester 2,Summer Main Classes: 1x2hr lecture/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Assessment: 1x1000wd annotated bibliography (20%), 1x1750wd take-home exercise (35%), 1x1750wd research essay (35%), participation (10%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
In a rapidly changing world, how do we make sense of current social and political problems effectively? By exploring sociological concepts in creative ways, this unit gives students the tools to analyse, research and respond to real world issues such as globalisation, crime, social justice, community breakdown, and racial, sexual and indigenous inequality.

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 Social Work core units
- 18 credit points of Intermediate (level 2000) units of study, from a Table A Major.
Please note that candidates who have, as of Sem 1 2017, not completed KOCR2600 or KOCR2603, must enrol in SCWK2009 as a core unit.

Social Work Core units

SCPL2601 Australian Social Policy

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x2hr lecture/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Prerequisites: 12 credit points at 1000 level in Sociology or 12 credit points at 1000 level in Social Policy or 12 credit points at 1000 level in Socio-legal Studies Prohibitions: SCPL3001 Assessment: 1x1500wd Essay (35%) , 1x2000wd Take-home exercise (45%), 1x450wd equivalent participation in on-line discussions (10%), Tutorial participation (10%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
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.
SCWK2007 Life-course Perspectives on Development

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Emma Tseris Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1 x 2-hr lecture/wk and 1x1-hr tutorial/wk x 12 wks Prerequisites: 48 credit points including SCLG1001 and SCLG1002 or 12cp of 1000 level units in Diversity Studies Prohibitions: SCWK2004 Assessment: 1500wd essay (30%) and 2-hr exam (50%) and 1000wd assignment (20%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit of study focuses on human development, communication and understanding diversity. Students are invited to engage critically with influential 20th and 21st century paradigms which have informed understandings of human development and wellbeing. Students are introduced to the scope of social work practice, including thinking about the importance of community and social connectedness.
SCWK2009 Indigenous Australians and Social Work

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Mareese Terare Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x1 hr lecture, 1x2hr seminar Prerequisites: 48 Junior CP, including (SCLG1001 and SCLG1002) or (12 cp of SCLG1U01) Prohibitions: KOCR2600 Assessment: 2000wd personal statement and reflection (35%) and group tutorial presentation (30%) and 2000wd essay (35%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Note: NB: 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 provides a foundation for working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients in social work settings through the development of knowledge, understanding and skills within a culturally responsive framework. Concepts introduced in this unit provide foundational knowledge for senior units of study in the Bachelor of Social Work degree.
SCLG2602 Social Inquiry: Qualitative Methods

This unit of study is not available in 2019

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1,Winter Main Classes: 1x2hr lecture/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Prerequisites: (12 Junior credit points from Sociology) or (12 Junior credit points from Gender and Cultural Studies) or (12 Junior credit points from Government and International Relations) or (12 Junior credit points from Socio-legal Studies) Prohibitions: SCLG2002, SCLG2521 Assessment: 1x1250wd Research ethics Essay (30%), 1x2000wd Qualitative interview exercise (40%), 1x1250wd Content analysis exercise (30%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit of study introduces students to a range of qualitative research methods in common usage throughout the social sciences. The unit has both analytical and practical components. With regard to the former, students are introduced to the methodological issues in contemporary sociology and their impact on the research process. An emphasis will be placed on developing a critical ability to read sociological research, with an eye to understanding its methodological adequacy, the political and ethical issues that arise whilst conducting research, and debates over interpretation and the production of knowledge. With regard to the latter component, students will undertake practical exercises in order to learn to appreciate and use a selection of research approaches, methods and techniques.
SCWK2008 Social Perspectives on Mental Health

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Emma Tseris Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x2-hr lecture/wk and 1x1-hr tutorial/wk x 12 weeks Prerequisites: 48 credit points at 1000 level including 12 credit points in Sociology or 12 credit points at 1000 level in Diversity Studies Prohibitions: SCWK2005 Assessment: 1500wd reflection paper (30%) and 2-hr exam (50%) and 1000 wd assignment (20%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit of study focuses on a range of social perspectives on mental health. It introduces students to mental health issues commonly experienced in contemporary society, including depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, drug and alcohol addiction, self-harm and suicidality. It also explores several contextual issues surrounding the topic of mental illness, including the social determinants of mental illness, labelling and stigma, working with young people experiencing distress, working with families, the effects of child abuse and domestic violence, and grief.

Year 3

In the third year, candidates must complete 48 credit points of units of study, comprising:
- 18 credit points of Intermediate (level 2000) or Senior (level 3000) units of study, pertaining to a Table A Major.
- 12 credit points of Intermediate (level 2000) or Senior (level 3000) units of study from Table A.
- 18 credit points of Intermediate (level 2000) or Senior (level 3000) units of study from Table A or B
Please note: all majors will require the completion of at least one senior (level 3000) unit of study. Students must consult the unit of study table for the chosen major for further details.

Year 4

In the fourth 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 Margot Rawsthorne Session: Semester 1 Classes: 2x1-hr lectures/wk and 1x2-hr tutorial/wk Prerequisites: 96 credit points including (KOCR2600 or KOCR2603 or SCWK2009) and SCPL2601 and (SCWK2006 or SCLG2602) and ((two of SCWK2004 or SCWK2005 or SCWK2007 or SCWK2008) or (12 intermediate credit points from Psychology)) or 12 credit points at 2000 level in Diversity Studies Assessment: essay (40%); on-line quiz (20%) and group project (40%). Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
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 including (KOCR2600 or KOCR2603 or SCWK2009), and SCPL2601 and (SCWK2006 or SCLG2602) and ((two of SCWK2004 or SCWK2005 or SCWK2007 or SCWK2008) or (12 intermediate credit points from Psychology)) or 12 credit points at 2000 level in Diversity Studies Assessment: In-class exam (30%) and plan for policy briefing paper (10%) and policy briefing paper (60%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
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 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Margaret Spencer Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x1-hr lecture/wk and 1x3-hr workshop/wk Prerequisites: 96 credit points including (KOCR2600 or KOCR2603 or SCWK2009), and SCPL2601 and (SCWK2006 or SCLG2602) and ((two of SCWK2004 or SCWK2005 or SCWK2007 or SCWK2008) or (12 intermediate credit points from Psychology)) Assessment: communication skills assignment (20%); group project (20%) and professional writing task (30%) and ethics exam (30%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
In this unit of study students are asked to imagine themselves as emerging social worker practitioners. The unit of study provides an introduction to the diversity of social work practice and aims to develop the capability of students to practise generic skills needed in the field. It addresses the theory-practice relationship and provides students with opportunities to engage with reflexive practice. 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 Teacher/Coordinator: Francis Duffy Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x6 hr pre-placement seminar, 6x2-hr fortnightly tutorials, 60 days practicum Prerequisites: SCWK3006, SCWK3007, SCWK3008 Prohibitions: SCWK3010 Assessment: seminar presentation (pass/fail) and 1500 wd learning plan (pass/fail) and 1500 wd mid placement report (pass/fail) and 1000 wd end of placement report (pass/fail) and 60 days agency based practice (pass/fail) Practical field work: 60 day practicum Mode of delivery: Professional practice
This unit includes a compulsory, full time field education practicum of 60 days as well as class based learning. In negotiation with their field educators, 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 in Social Work
To qualify for admission to the honours degree in Social Work, a student must have a WAM of at least 70 across the following second and fourth year units (with the fourth year weighted double): SCPL2601, SCLG2602, SCWK2007 (or equivalent), SCWK2008 (or equivalent), SCWK2009 (or equivalent KOCR unit), SCWK3006, SCWK3007, 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: A/Prof Margot Rawsthorne Session: Semester 2 Classes: Block (TBA) Prerequisites: SCWK3006, SCWK3007 and SCWK3008 Corequisites: SCWK3010 Assessment: literature review (40%) ; qualitative research report (30%); presentation (30%). Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
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 Teacher/Coordinator: Francis Duffy Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x6-hr pre-placement seminar, 6x2-hr fortnightly tutorials, 60 day practicum Prerequisites: SCWK3006, SCWK3007 and SCWK3008 Corequisites: SCWK3009 Prohibitions: SCWK3005 Assessment: seminar presentation (pass/fail) and 1500 wd learning plan (pass/fail) and 1500 wd mid placement report (pass/fail) and 1000 wd end of placement report (pass/fail) and 60 days agency based practice (pass/fail) Practical field work: 60 day practicum Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
This unit includes a compulsory, full time field education practicum of 60 days as well as class based learning. In negotiation with their field educators, 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 5

In the fifth 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 SCWK4002, SCWK4004 and SCWK4006 in Semester 2. Candidates must successfully complete all assessments in SCWK4003 before proceeding with SCWK4005. Students must also successfully complete all assessments for SCWK4004 before continuing with SCWK4002.)
SCWK4003 Issue Based Learning Unit 3

Credit points: 9 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Susan Heward-Belle Session: Intensive February Classes: 4-hrs of lectures/wk for 5 wks, 8-hrs of tutorials/wk for 5 wks Prerequisites: SCWK3005 or (SCWK3009 and SCWK3010) and 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%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Note: Classes commence Monday 11th February. Students need to have passed all requirements for SCWK4003 Issue-Based Learning Unit 3 before proceeding with SCWK4005 Field Education 2A
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 and 2B.
SCWK4005 Field Education 2A

Credit points: 15 Teacher/Coordinator: Prof Fran Waugh Session: Semester 1b Classes: 2-hr lecture and 3-hr pre-placement class, 4x2-hr tutorials and 2x 3-hr tutorials/fortnight Prerequisites: SCWK3005 or (SCWK3009 and SCWK3010) Assessment: 4x500wd class preparation questions and 1500wd workshop paper and 4,500wd field education portfolio (pass/fail) and 80 day placement (pass/fail). Practical field work: 80 day practicum Mode of delivery: Professional practice
This unit is jointly assessed with SCWK4006 or SCWK4007. 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 online classes and make a presentation at the end of placement.
SCWK4002 Integrative Studies 402

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Prof Susan Goodwin Session: Intensive October Classes: 3x2-hr lectures/wk for 3 wks, 3x2-hr tutorials/wk for 3 wks Prerequisites: SCWK4003; SCWK4005 Corequisites: SCWK4004 and (SCWK4006 OR SCWK4007) Assessment: Short essay (30%) and major essay (70%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This is the final unit of study in the Bachelor of Social Work program and is of three 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 Margaret Spencer Session: Semester 2a Classes: 5 hrs of lectures/wk for 5 wks, 7 hrs of tutorials/wk for 5 wks Prerequisites: SCWK4003; SCWK4005 Corequisites: SCWK4002 and (SCWK4006 or SCWK4007) Assessment: Essay (20%), group project and presentation (30%), and essay (50%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
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 Teacher/Coordinator: Prof Fran Waugh Session: Semester 2a Classes: As for SCWK4005 Prerequisites: SCWK4003 and SCWK4005 Corequisites: SCWK4004 and SCWK4002 Assessment: This unit is jointly assessed with SCWK4005. Mode of delivery: Professional practice
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 Teacher/Coordinator: Prof Fran Waugh Session: Semester 2a Classes: 2-hr lecture and 3-hr pre-placement class, 4x2-hr tutorials and 2x 3-hr tutorials/fortnight Prerequisites: SCWK3009 and SCWK3010 and SCWK4003 and SCWK4005 Corequisites: SCWK4004 and SCWK4002 Prohibitions: SCWK4006 Assessment: This unit is jointly assessed with SCWK4005 Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Field Education 2B Honours is the continuation of Field Education 2A for honours students.
SCWK4008 Social Work Research Dissertation

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Prof Donna Baines Session: Semester 2 Classes: 4x3-hr seminars, 30-hrs participation in a social work research project Prerequisites: SCWK3009 and SCWK3010 and SCWK4003 and SCWK4005 Corequisites: SCWK4004 and SCWK4002 Prohibitions: SCWK4006 Assessment: 5000wd research report (70%) and seminar presentation (30%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
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.