Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

Click on an offering mode for more details.

Unit Overview

Description

This unit examines explanatory practice frameworks and psychosocial theories that guide social work understanding. This includes theoretical perspectives to inform ways of engaging with individuals, families & communities. The unit helps students appreciate how a range of explanatory theories intersect within social work practice. It also supports the development of articulating theory and practice links. Students are encouraged to explore and question their ways of knowing through exposure to broad theoretical social work approaches.

Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Semester 1UWA (Perth)Face to face
Semester 1OnlineOnline timetabled
Details for undergraduate courses
  • Level 2 core unit in the Social Work major sequence
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) examine competing micro, meso and macro level theoretical frameworks for defining the purpose and place of social work; (2) evaluate the impact of human development, behaviour and needs across the life cycle, including consideration of: systems, attachment relationships, major life stage transitions and culture; (3) critique dominant discourses and constructions of mental and physical health, with a critical awareness of the issues inherent in using deficit models; (4) analyse loss, grief and trauma as it impacts individuals, groups and communities; (5) examine the impact of socio-economic status, life opportunities, trauma and environment on the mental and physical health and wellbeing of individuals, groups and communities; (6) evaluate the place of evidenced informed practice, and how this informs contemporary social work practice; and (7) apply social work ethical principles to guide professional behaviour and practice.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) written assignment; (2) test; and (3) professional behaviour assessment. Further information is available in the unit outline.

To pass this unit, a student must: (a) achieve an overall mark of 50 per cent or higher for the unit; and (b) achieve the requisite requirements(s) or a mark of 50 per cent or greater, whichever is higher and specified in the unit outline, for the professional behaviour assessment component.

Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Dr Sanjeev Dahal
Unit rules
Prerequisites
Enrolment in
BH017 Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)
and Successful completion of
48 points
  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.