Outline

Overview

This unit aims to provide students with an understanding of a range of theoretical perspectives underpinning social work research and practice in a range of settings. This unit will offer students the opportunity to reflect upon the relative contributions of these perspectives towards achieving social justice, particularly with marginalised individuals and communities. Developing requisite knowledge, skills and values to engage in critically reflective social work research and practice is a core component of this unit. Students are encouraged to reflect upon and analyse research and practice through multiple lenses.

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	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Lesli Kirwan, lesli.kirwan@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 5 September 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Presentation	Presentation In-class presentation	50%	Week 03 Due date: 22 Aug 2025 at 16:00	2500 words equivalent	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Class Participation Written Work	10%	Week 08 Due date: 28 Sep 2025 at 23:59	500 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Exploring theory in practice Written task	40%	Week 10 Due date: 19 Oct 2025 at 23:59	2000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ?

Assessment summary

Assessment 1. Class Presentation

Students will be expected to conduct a presentation, on at least 2 theories for professional practice that impacts on their work.(see the topics above). The presentation should run for a maximum of 10 minutes, inclusive of class discussion and address:

A link with Aboriginal knowledges and sensibilities
A brief history of the development of the particular theory for practice.
Key principles of this approach to practice.
Provide a concise account of how these theories are relevant to professional practice. (eg. provide example(s) from current or recent practice and/or draw on the practice experiences of other students in the group)
Outline the strengths, weaknesses and issues of this particular theories for practice.
Provide a one page summary of key aspects of the presentation for all students in the group and to be distributed at the presentation.

Assessment criteria:

Content (20%)

Theory or theories to be relevant to professional practice
To have depth, that is, offer not only descriptions but explanations and a good understanding
To have a clear focus
To reflect complexity and limitations
Written summary is concise and clearly written.

Clarity of presentation (20%)

be engaging and creative
show links between theory development and practice
be critical in perspective
keep within the time limit.

Assessment 2. Class Participation

Students are to write a report on their reflections of their class participation.

Students may include their active involvement in the class discussions, the influence of the readings on their class participation and the appropriateness of the assessment tasks on their class participation. Also, any challenges that impeded class participation could be noted.

Assessment criteria: (20%)

The report is to address and reflect how the student:

Demonstrates critical and active engagement with the work of the group and the material in the unit of study
Interacts effectively and respectfully within the group
Persuasively articulates argument displaying a clear focus
Describes and analyses barriers or limitations to active and positive participation.

Assessment 3: Major Essay – The Links between Theory and Practice

Choose a subject that really matters to you. Students are to choose a subject (person/group/community/nation), that is important to you and address the relevant Aboriginal knowledges or sensibilities, and relevant Western theories that helps to understand and analyse this subject

With analysis and critical reflection, describe the core revelations that emerge and what you would recommend for that individual, group, community or nation.

Marking criteria: (40%)

A clear introduction and description of the person/group/community/nation and the rationale for your choice.
A thorough discussion of the range of 2-3 theories, social policies and research that is relevant to your person/group/community/nation.
Analysis of the material and key themes and a thorough critique of the theory/theories and how this assists you with your work or understanding of the subject.
Attention to structure, expression, grammatical correctness and appropriate referencing.

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 sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

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:

Late penalties will be applied as per the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at the University of Sydney.

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	Day 1 Introduction Unit Outline Overview	Block teaching (2 hr)
	Day 1 Aboriginal/First Nations Worldviews. First Nations Worldviews: Ways of Knowing, Doing and Being.	Block teaching (2 hr)
	Day 1 Big Picture theories: Psychoanalytical Theories, Post Modern, Post Colonial theories.	Block teaching (2 hr)
	Day 2 Loss Grief, Spiritual and Cultural Bereavement	Block teaching (2 hr)
	Day 2 Narrative Theories and Assessment 2 preparation	Block teaching (2 hr)
	Day 2 Session 3 Community Development Theories	Block teaching (2 hr)
	Day 3 Critical Race Theory and Feminist theory	Block teaching (4 hr)
	Day 3 Library Session	Block teaching (2 hr)
	Day 4 Overview of Theories and Assessment research and Preparation	Block teaching (3 hr)
	Final Day Summary and Assessment Presentation	Block teaching (3 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

All readings for this unit can be accessed through the Library eReserve, available 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 the application of critical knowledge about social work theories and practices and to articulate the influence of the cultural, philosophical, ideological, practical, ethical, social and environmental context on theory and practice development
LO2. analyse and critique theories and perspectives underpinning social work practice in relation to their relative contributions towards achieving commonly articulated social work objectives
LO3. develop connections between social work theories, practices and research
LO4. use critical thinking and communication skills (recollection, comprehension, application, analysis, evaluation, justification and synthesis) in different social work related contexts
LO5. communicate in a professional and reflective manner and demonstrate the ability to use social work knowledge and skills
LO6. demonstrate a critical disposition.

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 unit is regularly reviewed and updated based upon student feedback collected through evaluation means including the University of Sydney USS surveys.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

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

SCWK6943: Practice Theory Development

Intensive August - September, 2025 [Block mode] - 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