Outline

Overview

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.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Social Work
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Amanda Howard, amanda.howard@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Contribution	Walking and Listening Short first person reflection on a class conversation	10%	Week 03 Due date: 11 Mar 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 31 Mar 2026	2 x 250 words (500 words)	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Blog post Blog post	20%	Week 04 Due date: 20 Mar 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 21 Apr 2026	1000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Social Justice Action Proposal Using the scenario on Canvas develop a written proposal for a social justice project. You will present in class on the project and your learning in Week 12	20%	Week 06 Due date: 03 Apr 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 05 Jun 2026	1000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Podcast Group podcast	30%	Week 08 Due date: 22 Apr 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 31 May 2026	10mins (1000 words equivalent)	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Social Justice Action Proposal Presentation Presentation	20%	Week 12 Due date: 20 May 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 31 May 2026	Presentation (5min) + questions (5min)	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ? = early feedback task ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

Walking and Learning # early Feedback Task: Based on 2 conversations in class in Weeks 1 and 2 write 2x250 word reflections from those conversarions. Details on Canvas.
Blog post: From class discussions and your reading, choose 2 social justice issues which you think need to be urgently addressed. Using 2-3 references to support your case, write 2x 500 word blog posts (1 per issue) outlining the issue, why it is important and 1 practical step which coud be taken to start working on this issue.
Podcast: With 2 other students, develop a 10 minute podcast exploring the question - ‘what is social justice practice?’ Along with the podcast, each group will be asked to discuss with your tutorial class, how you worked as a team, communication and decision making strategies and how you shared the workload. This is a group assessment so each group member will receive the same mark as other group members.
Working with real life: Social Justice ideas and practice to action. Using the scenario and guiding questions on Canvas develop a project proposal to deliver social justice in a local area. You will record a 10 minute conversation with a class mate presenting your ideas which will be uploaded to Canvas along with a 1000 word proposal using the guiding questions.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a High distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a Distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100
Distinction	75 - 84
Credit	65 - 74
Pass	50 - 64
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	1. Intro/Overview/ What to expect and how to get the most from the unit	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 01	1. Intro/Overview/ How things work	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 02	2. Locating social justice in the bigger picture: way more than people	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	2. Locating social justice in the bigger picture: way more than people	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 03	3. Redistribution and Recognition	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	3. Redistribution and Recognition	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 04	Power and Social Justice	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	Power and Social Justice	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 05	Truth, Language and Discourse: framing social justice practice	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	Truth, Language and Discourse: framing social justice practice	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 06	The Contours of Structural Injustice	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	The Contours of Structural Injustice	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 07	Complexity Thinking and Social Justice	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	Complexity Thinking and Social Justice	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 08	Developing your podcast: class time. No lecture or tutorial this week. Time for your team to record your podcast	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	Developing your podcast: class time. No lecture or tutorial this week. Time for your team to record your podcast	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 09	Unpacking dominant Discourses: risk, vulnerability, protection	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	Unpacking dominant Discourses: risk, vulnerability, protection	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 10	Unpacking dominant discourses: consequences of neoliberalism and turning to collective action	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 10	Unpacking dominant discourses: consequences of neoliberalism and turning to collective action	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 11	Creating collective action: humility and dialogue	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 11	Creating collective action: humility and dialogue	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 12	Connecting ideas and practice: social change at all levels	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	Connecting ideas and practice: social change at all levels	Tutorial (1 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: The Sydney School of Education and Social Work requires attendance of at least 90 percent of all seminars, workshops or lectures. Where a student is unable to attend at the required rate evidence of illness or misadventure may be required and the student may be required to undertake extra work. Students should discuss the circumstances of their absence(s) with the co-ordinator of the unit of study. Further details are provided in the School canvas site: https://canvas.sydney.edu.au/courses/13426

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Reading list provided via Canvas

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. understand core social justice theories, values and perspectives as they apply in organisations, movements and professions
LO2. demonstrate knowledge of social justice strategies, including community-building, advocacy, political and policy analysis and ethical and legal issues relevant to social justice work in organisational settings
LO3. undertake a systematic critical reflection in order to make connections with personal or interpersonal connections to power, privilege and oppression
LO4. use multimedia strategies to communicate research findings on one particular case conceptualisation of individual or organisational social justice practice
LO5. critically analyse past and current theory, research and practice on effective social justice advocacy and practices.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Addition of early feedback task and adjustment of assessment weightings as a result

Additional information

Site visit guidelines

If you are undertaking professional experience/field education placement as part of your enrolment in this unit of study, please assess your specific needs and requirements for the safe and successful completion of an external placement within a host organisation. You will be given the opportunity to disclose any health issues that have a work health and safety significance before arranging a placement so that your safety, and the safety of others, can be properly assessed. The Professional Experience Coordinator/Field Education Manager will work to ensure that the workplace assignment to you is appropriate for your needs and requirements. If you are experiencing disability, and require reasonable adjustments to be arranged, please contact Disability Services as early as possible prior to commencing the internship. Please note, in all cases, and for the purpose of organising reasonable adjustments, only the impact and not the nature, of your disability will be disclosed to the host organisation.

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Site visit guidelines

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

SCWK1001: Social Justice Practice

Semester 1, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Site visit guidelines

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links