University of Sydney Handbooks - 2021 Archive

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Bachelor of Social Work

Unit outlines will be available through Find a unit outline two weeks before the first day of teaching for 1000-level and 5000-level units, or one week before the first day of teaching for all other units.
 

Social Work

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:
(i) 12 credit points of 1000-level units in Social Work;
(ii) 12 credit points of 1000-level units in Sociology; and
(iii) 24 credit points of 1000-level units of study, chosen from Table A or Table S, or for non-beginner language students equivalent first year units according to the requirements, as set out in Table A or Table S.
Social Work
SCWK1001 Social Justice Practice

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x2hr lecture/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week. Assessment: 1x2500wd Essay (40%), 1x2000wd Multimedia Profile Presentation (35%), 1x1500wd Critical reflection (25%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Social justice is a core value of many professions, organisations and social change movements. This unit engages students in learning about social justice practices, including historic patterns as well as new strategies and new challenges. Students will have opportunities to learn about important social justice practitioners in their area of interest and will be encouraged to explore their own personal or interpersonal connections to power, privilege and oppression. The unit will appeal to students interested in advancing social justice in future projects or professional activities.
SCWK1002 Introduction to Human Services

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr lecture/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Assessment: 1x2500wd Organisational Analysis (40%), 1x2000wd Critical Reflection (35%), 1x1500wd Organisational Map (25%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit provides an introduction to human services in Australia. It will provide insights into the historical and contemporary characteristics of the human service sector, including the challenges posed by marketization, professionalization and neoliberalism for addressing human needs in different fields of practice. The unit introduces foundational knowledge and skills needed to work in human service organisations.
Sociology
SCLG1001 Introduction to Sociology 1

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Session: Semester 1 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 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Session: Semester 2 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:
(i) 30 credit points of Sociology and Social Work Core units of study; and
(ii) 18 credit points of 2000-level or 3000-level units of study, chosen from Table A or Table S.
Core
SCPL2601 Australian Social Policy

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units 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: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units 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 SCLG1U01) or (12cp of 1000 level units in Diversity Studies) Prohibitions: SCWK2004 Assessment: 1x1500wd essay (30%), 1x1000wd essay (20%), 2x1hr quiz (50%) 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.
SCWK2006 Research Skills for Social Change

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x2-hr lecture/wk and 1x1-hr tutorial/wk Prerequisites: 48 credit points including (SCLG1001 and SCLG1002) or (12cp of SCLG1U01) or 12cp of 1000 level units in Diversity Studies. Assessment: Short essay (30%) and research plan (25%) and research project paper (45%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
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.
SCWK2009 Indigenous Australians and Social Work

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x1 hr lecture, 1x2hr seminar Prerequisites: 48 credit points including (SCLG1001 and SCLG1002) or (12cp of SCLG1U01) or (12cp of 1000 level units in Diversity Studies). 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.
SCWK2008 Social Perspectives on Mental Health

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x2-hr lecture/wk and 1x1-hr tutorial/wk x 12 weeks Prerequisites: 48 credit points including (SCLG1001 and SCLG1002) or (12cp of SCLG1U01) or (12cp of 1000 level units in Diversity Studies) Prohibitions: SCWK2005 Assessment: 1x1000wd essay (20%), 1x1500wd essay (30%), 2 x quizzes (50%) 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 Social Work core units of study, comprising:
SCWK3006 Issue Based Learning Unit 1

Credit points: 8 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units 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: 1x quiz (30%), 1x1000wd essay (20%), 1x group project (50%) 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: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units 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: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units 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: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x6 hr pre-placement seminar, 6x2-hr fortnightly tutorials, 60 days practicum Prerequisites: SCWK3006 and SCWK3007 and 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: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
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

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, SCWK2006, SCWK2007 (or equivalent), SCWK2008 (or equivalent), SCWK2009 (or equivalent), 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: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Session: Semester 2 Classes: Block (TBA) Prerequisites: SCWK3006 and 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: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x6-hr pre-placement seminar, 6x2-hr fortnightly tutorials, 60 day practicum Prerequisites: SCWK3006 and 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 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 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: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Session: MBA Session 1 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 and SCWK3007 and 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: Block mode
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: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units 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: Block mode
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: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Session: Intensive October Classes: 3x2-hr lectures/wk for 3 wks, 3x2-hr tutorials/wk for 3 wks Prerequisites: SCWK4003 and SCWK4005 Corequisites: SCWK4004 and (SCWK4006 OR SCWK4007) Assessment: Short essay (30%) and major essay (70%) Mode of delivery: Block mode
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: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Session: Semester 2a Classes: 5 hrs of lectures/wk for 5 wks, 7 hrs of tutorials/wk for 5 wks Prerequisites: SCWK4003 and SCWK4005 Corequisites: SCWK4002 and (SCWK4006 or SCWK4007) Assessment: Essay (20%), group project and presentation (30%), and essay (50%) Mode of delivery: Block mode
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: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units 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: Block mode
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: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units 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: Block mode
Field Education 2B Honours is the continuation of Field Education 2A for honours students.
SCWK4008 Social Work Research Dissertation

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units 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.