Outline

Overview

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.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Social Work
Credit points	8
Prerequisites ?	96 credit points including (KOCR2600 or KOCR2603 or SCWK2009) and SCPL2601 and (SCWK2006 or SCLG2602 or SCLG3701) and ((two of SCWK2004 or SCWK2005 or SCWK2007 or SCWK2008) or (12 credit points at 2000 level in Psychology or Psychological Sciences) or (12 credit points at 2000 level in Diversity Studies))
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Sacha Jamieson, sacha.jamieson@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	Reading club Facilitation of class discussion and 400 word written submission	10%	Multiple weeks	900 words equivalent	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Critical reflection paper and class participation Critical reflection paper assessing learning from weeks 1-4	25%	Week 04 Due date: 22 Mar 2026 at 23:59	1500 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Group project Resource file for social workers on a specific health inequalities topic	20%	Week 08 Due date: 26 Apr 2026 at 23:59	1000 words equivalent	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Interactive oral	Interactive oral Students will be individually assessed on the topic of health inequality, including application of social work values and theory.	15%	Week 11	8 minutes (800wd equivalent)	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Final essay Major essay applying social work theory and ethics to a health equity issue.	30%	Week 13 Due date: 25 May 2026 at 23:59	1800 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Critical reflection and class participation: Critical reflection paper assessing learning from weeks 1-4, including work with peers.
Reading club: During weeks 5-9, in small groups, students will facilitate a class discussion on one course reading and submit a 400 word reflection on their learning.
Group project: In small groups, students will co-produce a resource file on a specific health inequalities topic. The resource file must be relevant for social workers and contain an in-depth analysis of social, cultural, political and structural determinants of health.
Final essay: Major essay applying social work theory, approaches, and ethics to addressing health inequities.
Interactive oral: In-class oral exam. Students will be individually assessed on the topic of health inequality, including application of social work values and theory.

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	Outstanding standard of work, exceeding the learning outcomes
Distinction	75 - 84	Work is of high standard, learning outcomes strongly met
Credit	65 - 74	Work is of good standard, learning outcomes are clearly met
Pass	50 - 64	Work is of acceptable standard, meeting the learning outcomes at the most basic level
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.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

For every calendar day after the due date, a penalty of 5% of the maximum awardable marks will be applied to late work. See Canvas for more details.

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	Introduction to health inequalities and social, cultural, political and structural determinants of health	Lecture (1 hr)
	Introduction to health inequalities and social, cultural, political and structural determinants of health	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Introduction to health inequalities and determinants of health	Self-directed learning (1 hr)
Week 02	Health equity and systems theory from a critical social work perspective	Lecture (1 hr)
	Health equity and systems theory from a critical social work perspective	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Systems theory from a critical social work perspective	Self-directed learning (1 hr)
Week 03	Critical whiteness theory, decoloniality theory, and cultural humility in social work	Lecture (1 hr)
	Critical whiteness theory, decoloniality theory, and cultural humility in social work	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Critical whiteness theory and cultural humility	Self-directed learning (1 hr)
Week 04	Community development theory and community-led approaches to health and wellbeing	Lecture (1 hr)
	Community development theory and community-led approaches to health and wellbeing	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Community development theory and community-led approaches	Self-directed learning (1 hr)
Week 05	Critiquing deficit discourses and statistics in health	Lecture (1 hr)
	Critiquing deficit discourses and statistics in health	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Deficit discourses and statistics	Self-directed learning (1 hr)
Week 06	Strengths-based approaches, social work power, and the moral-political activity of professional work	Lecture (1 hr)
	Strengths-based approaches, social work power, and the moral-political activity of professional work	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Strengths-based approaches	Self-directed learning (1 hr)
Week 07	Feminist approaches to health equity	Lecture (1 hr)
	Feminist approaches to health equity	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Feminist approaches	Self-directed learning (1 hr)
Week 08	Anti-Oppressive Practice to address health inequity	Lecture (1 hr)
	Anti-Oppressive Practice to address health inequity	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Anti-Oppressive Practice	Self-directed learning (1 hr)
Week 09	Loss and grief theories for practice in diverse social work contexts	Lecture (1 hr)
	Loss and grief theories for practice in diverse social work contexts	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Loss and grief theory	Self-directed learning (1 hr)
Week 10	Applying social determinants of health theorisations to specific groups and issues	Lecture (1 hr)
	Applying social determinants of health theorisations to specific groups and issues	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Applying social determinants of health theorisations to specific groups and issues	Self-directed learning (1 hr)
Week 11	Applying social determinants of health theorisations to specific groups and issues	Lecture (1 hr)
	Applying social determinants of health theorisations to specific groups and issues	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Applying social determinants of health theorisations to specific groups and issues	Self-directed learning (1 hr)
Week 12	Applying social determinants of health theorisations to specific groups and issues	Lecture (1 hr)
	Applying social determinants of health theorisations to specific groups and issues	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Applying social determinants of health theorisations to specific groups and issues	Self-directed learning (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 8 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 160-200 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Please see reading list on 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. demonstrate a critical understanding of health inequalities in the context of social, cultural, political and structural determinants of health
LO2. critically analyse the application of social work theories to health equity in diverse fields of policy and practice (e.g Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, working with diverse ethnic minority communities, community development, mental health, drug and alcohol, disability services, child and family services, criminal legal, homelessness, refugees and people seeking asylum, working with older people, working in rural and remote communities).
LO3. demonstrate a critical understanding of the regulatory power of social work and a commitment to working with cultural humility.
LO4. apply collaborative teamwork skills and critically reflect on own practice in teamwork
LO5. articulate complex health equity issues using effective verbal and written communication
LO6. practice in alignment with social work values and ethics

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.

The mix of individual and groupwork assessment has shifted in response to student feedback.

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

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

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

SCWK3006: Issue Based Learning Unit 1

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

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

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

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links