Learning outcomes

To successfully complete this unit you will be able to demonstrate you have achieved the learning outcomes (LO) detailed in the below table.

Each outcome is informed by a number of graduate capabilities (GC) to ensure your work in this, and every unit, is part of a larger goal of graduating from ACU with the attributes of insight, empathy, imagination and impact.

Explore the graduate capabilities.

Content

Topics will include:

• An exploration of the purpose and historical development of social work theory and the values and ethical foundations for the profession;

• Philosophical perspectives on ethics and human rights;

• Key theories for social work practice including: 

• Structural, post-structural and critical perspectives

Activities will focus on the application of contemporary theories to Australian and international contexts and fields for practice, such as;

• Drug and alcohol

• Disability

• Domestic and family violence

• Asylum seekers and refugees

• Ageing – health and community care

• LGBTQIA+

• Green social work  

Learning and teaching strategy and rationale

ON CAMPUS:

Teaching and learning strategies for this unit will include lectures, small group discussions, and skill development workshops. A scenario-based approach is taken to facilitate understanding of the human services and legal context of social work practice and how theories are applied to analyse practice scenarios and guide social work responses. Students will be expected to take responsibility for their learning and to participate actively in class discussions and scenario-based activities in order to achieve the learning outcomes. These learning strategies will prepare students for the first field placement by building knowledge of the social work practice context; practicing self-directed learning approaches expected of social work students on placements and developing understanding of how theories guide practice.

This unit involves 150 hours of learning delivered within a blended learning mode, combining with 36 hours of lecture material and face-to-face tutorials. Lectures will provide detailed content about social work values, ethical philosophies and principles informing practice, and social work theories. Tutorials will incorporate case scenarios relating to key fields of social work practice to build students’ knowledge and skills in integrating theory and practice. The approach adopted in this unit encourages students to integrate ethical philosophies and social work practice theories in practice, preparing students for successful and informed professional practice.     

ACU ONLINE:

Teaching and learning strategies for this unit will include online lecture material, online discussion forums, and interactive skill development exercises. A scenario-based approach is taken to facilitate understanding of the human services and legal context of social work practice and how theories are applied to analyse practice scenarios and guide social work responses.

Students will be expected to take responsibility for their learning and to participate actively in online forums and engagement opportunities including scenario-based activities in order to achieve the learning outcomes. These learning strategies will prepare students for the first field placement by: building knowledge of the social work practice context; practising self-directed learning approaches expected of social work students on placements; and developing understanding of how theories guide practice.

This unit involves 150 hours of learning delivered in online mode using an active learning approach. Students are expected to complete readings, reflect and engage with peers over the study period. Students will have access to self-paced learning modules, readings, webinars, discussion forums and assessment tasks. Online forums and chat rooms will facilitate learning by sharing critical reflections with a focus on case-based learning. This learning approach is flexible and inclusive, allowing students the opportunity to analyse, critically evaluate and reflect on social work theory and ethics and apply this to the social work practice context. The approach adopted in this unit encourages students to integrate ethical philosophies and social work practice theories in practice, preparing students for successful and informed professional practice.

ASWEAS Profession-Specific Graduate Attributes

This Unit has been mapped to the ACU Graduate Attributes and the ASWEAS Profession-Specific Graduate Attributes. The following table sets out the broad relationship between the Learning Outcomes, Graduate Attributes and the ASWEAS Profession-Specific Graduate Attributes provided in the Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards: https://www.aasw.asn.au/document/item/13565  

AASW Practice Standards