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Not currently available in 2021

Unit description

Develops foundational skills and knowledge by exploring the philosophical, historical and ethical foundations of social work. Examines ethical professional relationships that reflect the values of the social work profession.  Develops knowledge and skills in theoretical traditions and practice methods. 

Unit content

  1. Overview of social work practice with individuals, families and groups.
  2. Social work knowledge: theories and models within the context of Australian social work practice.
  3. Relationship based practice in the context of diversity.
  4. Australian social work values and the AASW code of ethics.
  5. Working with issues of power, oppression and exploitation.
  6. Social justice, human rights and social work.
  7. Understanding historical and contemporary cross-cultural issues in Australia and internationally, using theories of ethnicity, whiteness, diversity, intersectionality and racism.
  8. Developing cultural humility and culturally safe social work practice.

Learning outcomes

Unit Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a unit. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes. The unit learning outcomes and graduate attributes are also the basis of evaluating prior learning.

GA1: Intellectual rigour, GA2: Creativity, GA3: Ethical practice, GA4: Knowledge of a discipline, GA5: Lifelong learning, GA6: Communication and social skills, GA7: Cultural competence
On completion of this unit, students should be able to:GA1GA2GA3GA4GA5GA6GA7
1discuss the core knowledge , values and ethics of the social work professionEthical practiceKnowledge of a discipline
2identify theories and structures of power underpinning all social relationships, between individuals, groups and communities, with explicit consideration to the principles of human rights and social justice underpinning social work practiceEthical practiceKnowledge of a discipline
3identify and respond to oppressive and abusive behaviour as aspects of interpersonal relationships, including consideration of risk and protective factors across all forms of abusive behaviour, including family violence, intimate partner violence, child abuse and neglect, elder abuse, sexual abuse and gender based abuseEthical practice
4explain historical and contemporary cross-cultural issues in Australia and internationally, using theories of ethnicity, race and whiteness, diversity, intersectionality, sexuality and racismCultural competence
5demonstrate the skills of culturally safe and sensitive practice including consideration of cultural norms, culturally specific understandings of and responses to mental and physical health problems Ethical practiceCultural competence

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:

  1. discuss the core knowledge , values and ethics of the social work profession
    • GA3: Ethical practice
    • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
  2. identify theories and structures of power underpinning all social relationships, between individuals, groups and communities, with explicit consideration to the principles of human rights and social justice underpinning social work practice
    • GA3: Ethical practice
    • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
  3. identify and respond to oppressive and abusive behaviour as aspects of interpersonal relationships, including consideration of risk and protective factors across all forms of abusive behaviour, including family violence, intimate partner violence, child abuse and neglect, elder abuse, sexual abuse and gender based abuse
    • GA3: Ethical practice
  4. explain historical and contemporary cross-cultural issues in Australia and internationally, using theories of ethnicity, race and whiteness, diversity, intersectionality, sexuality and racism
    • GA7: Cultural competence
  5. demonstrate the skills of culturally safe and sensitive practice including consideration of cultural norms, culturally specific understandings of and responses to mental and physical health problems
    • GA3: Ethical practice
    • GA7: Cultural competence

Teaching and assessment

Notice

Intensive offerings may or may not be scheduled in every session. Please refer to the timetable for further details.

Southern Cross University employs different teaching methods within units to provide students with the flexibility to choose the mode of learning that best suits them. SCU academics strive to use the latest approaches and, as a result, the learning modes and materials may change. The most current information regarding a unit will be provided to enrolled students at the beginning of the study session.

Fee information

Domestic

Commonwealth Supported courses
For information regarding Student Contribution Amounts please visit the Student Contribution Amounts.

Fee paying courses
For postgraduate or undergraduate full fee paying courses please check Domestic Postgraduate Fees OR Domestic Undergraduate Fees

International

Please check the international course and fee list to determine the relevant fees.

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