SWSP5301 Social Work Knowledge, Theory and Values
- Credit
- 6 points
- Offering
(see Timetable) Availability Location Mode Non-standard teaching period UWA (Perth) Face to face - Content
- Social Work Knowledge, theory and Values primary focus is to start introducing social work students to the various dimensions, processes and debates involved in social work practice. Issues such as how to integrate and synthesise; content knowledge, legislative requirements, professional ethics, personal values and the working relationship will be examined.
Key objectives of the unit include:
- That students have a beginning understanding of the role of professional associations and the Code of Ethics that will guide their practice.
- Be familiar with, and able to engage in, informed debate about the value base and common assumptions that underpin the profession.
- Have a beginning understanding of some of the complex debate about methods, means and models that surround the profession.
- Be able to identify the complex, and sometimes apparently contradictory, value base of social work and other human services and to start to articulate this within the context of their own value base and ideology.
- Be able to identify and articulate how the role of a social worker may fit within the broader framework of human service delivery. - Outcomes
- Students are able to (1) identify and articulate the attitudes and values important to social work; (2) demonstrate the capacity to critically reflect on social work theory and practice issues; (3) apply critical thinking skills to different issues, problems and dilemmas that confront social workers in the context of their daily practice; and (4) clearly and confidently communicate ideas in both written and verbally in group and class settings.
- Assessment
- Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) short essay paper; (2) test; and (3) professional behaviour assessment. Further information is available in the unit outline.
Supplementary assessment is not available in this unit. - Unit Coordinator(s)
- Dr Stephan Lund
- Contact hours
- 3 hours per week
- Unit Outline
- Non-standard teaching period [TS-J-2A-2020]
- 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.
- Unit readings, including any essential textbooks, are listed in the unit outline for each unit one week prior the commencement of study. The unit outline will be available via the LMS and the UWA Handbook. Reading lists and essential textbooks are subject to change each semester. Essential textbooks can be purchased from the commercial vendors to secure the best deal. The Student Guild can provide assistance on where to purchase books if required. Books can be purchased second hand at the Guild Secondhand bookshop (second floor, Guild Village), which is located on campus. Copies of textbooks and other readings will be made available for students to access from the Library, online wherever possible as well as in print.