Availabilities:

Not offered in 2022

Unit description

Develops students' knowledge and skills in policy work, recognising that social workers are policy actors and able to participate in a range of policy making activities, which impact on the lives of clients and communities. Explores contemporary social policy in respect of a number of key social work fields of practice. Develops knowledge and skills in community work practice and activism.

Unit content

1. Overview of the historical and political development of the Australian welfare state.

2. Theoretical models of policy development.

3. Contemporary social policy across key areas of practice: disability.

4. Contemporary social policy across key areas of practice: housing.

5. Contemporary social policy across key areas of practice: mental health.

6. Contemporary social policy across key areas of practice: child protection and out of home care.

7. Contemporary social policy across key areas of practice: domestic and family violence.

8. Contemporary social policy across key areas of practice: immigration.

9. Exploring community activism and 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.

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:
1examine the historical and political development of the Australian welfare state which includes a neo-liberal critique and consideration of the impact of globalisation
2critically analyse theoretical literature and models of policy making and the contribution of social workers in developing and influencing policy
3critically assess practice in making and influencing social policy in relation to vulnerable and marginalised individuals, groups and communities
4articulate social work strategies to promote community activism that promotes social justice and influences policy
5demonstrate an awareness of current social policy issues in key areas including: disability, homelessness and housing, mental health, child protection and out of home care, domestic and family violence, and immigration

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

  1. examine the historical and political development of the Australian welfare state which includes a neo-liberal critique and consideration of the impact of globalisation
  2. critically analyse theoretical literature and models of policy making and the contribution of social workers in developing and influencing policy
  3. critically assess practice in making and influencing social policy in relation to vulnerable and marginalised individuals, groups and communities
  4. articulate social work strategies to promote community activism that promotes social justice and influences policy
  5. demonstrate an awareness of current social policy issues in key areas including: disability, homelessness and housing, mental health, child protection and out of home care, domestic and family violence, and immigration

Teaching and assessment

Notice

Intensive offerings may or may not be scheduled in every teaching period. 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 teaching period.

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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