SCWK4012: Semester 2a, 2026

Units SCWK4012 Semester 2a 2026 [Normal day]

Unit outline_

SCWK4012: Emancipatory Practice in Ageing

Semester 2a, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

This unit of study will focus on key areas of inclusive policy and practice shaping the experiences of older people. Themes of human development, communication and understanding diversity are further developed with a focus on diverse needs and experiences of older people. The critical role of self and collective advocacy in achieving significant shift towards more inclusive societies will be a key theme of learning. Common social work themes of emancipatory practice, self-determination and human rights will be included.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Social Work
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	SCWK4011 and (SCWK4005 or SCWK4015)
Corequisites ?	SCWK4006 and SCWK4013 and (SCWK4002 or SCWK4008)
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Ruth Phillips, ruth.phillips@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 21 August 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written work	Analysis of Film Scenario - Short Essay Analyse a theme or scene from one of three specified video presentations that engages with theories and perspectives on ageing presented in the first 3 weeks of lectures.	20%	Week 06 Due date: 09 Sep 2026 at 23:59	1,500 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-person practical, skills, or performance task or test	Group Presentation Research exercise to extend learning where students must demonstrate collaborative research work and be able to respond to questions regarding how they did the research and related it to theories and practice.	30%	Week 07 Due date: 16 Sep 2026 at 10:00 Closing date: 16 Sep 2026	10min (1000wd equivalent)	AI limited - refer to Canvas
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Social Work and Ageing Drawing on contemporary research on ageing and theories covered in this unit of study, this 2,000 word essay will be a discussion of or response to one of a list of questions or statements available on the Canvas Module.	50%	Week 09 Due date: 06 Oct 2026 at 23:59	2,000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

All assessments are hurdles - all three must be passed to pass the unit of study.

Assessment criteria

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.

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:

5% per day for written submissions.

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 03	Week 1of 5 Introduction to studying Ageing; Work, Income and Retirement for Older People, Emancipatory Framework & Ageism	Lecture (4 hr)
Week 03	Week 1of 5 Introduction to studying Ageing; Work, Income and Retirement for Older People, Emancipatory Framework & Ageism	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 04	Week 2/5 Theories of Ageing, Hospital SW, Care and Aged Care	Lecture (4 hr)
Week 04	Week 2/5 Theories of Ageing, Hospital SW, Care and Aged Care	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 05	Week 3/5 Transexual Peoples experiences of Ageing in Australia; Living with Dementia, Elder Abuse & Guardianship	Lecture (4 hr)
Week 05	Week 3/5 Transexual Peoples experiences of Ageing in Australia; Living with Dementia, Elder Abuse & Guardianship	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 06	Week 4/5: Older Women's Activism; Understanding First Nations' People's Ageing Experiences; Experiences of Emancipatory Practice; Aged Care and Technology	Lecture (4 hr)
Week 06	Week 4/5: Older Women's Activism; Understanding First Nations' People's Ageing Experiences; Experiences of Emancipatory Practice; Aged Care and Technology	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 07	Week 5: Living with a Lifelong Disability;Dying , Death and Grief; Risk and Assessment, ACATs; End of Ageing?	Lecture (4 hr)
Week 07	Week 5: Living with a Lifelong Disability;Dying , Death and Grief; Risk and Assessment, ACATs; End of Ageing?	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 08	Placeholder for potential make up hours	Self-directed learning (6 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

90% attendance to all lectures and. Tutorials as per external accreditation requirements.

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

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. Analyse and reflect critically on aging and disability and their expression in social theories, social policies and social work
LO2. Develop and defend views about desirable directions for social policy and social work with respect to ageing and old age
LO3. Examine the role and utility of the social model of disability in support advocacy outcomes
LO4. Synthesise and present orally and in writing the results of collaborative research within a short timeframe
LO5. Identify and review learning achieved throughout the unit of study

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.

This will be the first time this unit has been run and will, in 2026, be integrated into the existing SCWK4004 Unit of study.

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