WELF 4001 Contemporary Social Work Practice

This is an archived copy of the 2021-2022 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit https://hbook.westernsydney.edu.au.

Credit Points 10

Legacy Code 400518

Coordinator Suzanne Egan Opens in new window

Description This unit provides a forum in which students can examine contemporary issues that impact on social work practice. The use of technology in social work practice and its implications for clients and practitioners; the exploration of culturally and spiritually sensitive and creative approaches to social work practice; and human rights based practice. Students are encouraged to take a critical best practice approach, identifying the best aspects of social work practice and seeking to replicate it. There is a particular emphasis on applying this approach to child wellbeing and protection, mental health and work with Aboriginal Australians and Torres Strait Islander groups.

School Social Sciences

Discipline Social Work

Student Contribution Band HECS Band 4 10cp

Check your HECS Band contribution amount via the Fees page.

Level Undergraduate Level 4 subject

Pre-requisite(s) WELF3020 - Field Education 1 OR WELF2005 - Field Education 1

Restrictions

Students must be enrolled in 1666 Bachelor of Social Work or 1713 Bachelor of Criminal and Community Justice/Bachelor of Social Work.

Assumed Knowledge

Advanced understanding of practice theories and range of social work methods including casework, group work, community work, research and policy.

Assessment

The following table summarises the standard assessment tasks for this subject. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated, where there is a difference your Learning Guide takes precedence.

Item Length Percent Threshold Individual/Group Task
Proposal 500 words 20 N Individual
Reflection 1,000 words 40 N Individual
Report 1,500 words 40 N Individual

Prescribed Texts

  • Alston, M. & McCurdy, S. (Eds.). (2018). Social Work: Fields of Practice. (3rd ed.). South Melbourne: Oxford University Press.
  • Jones, K., Cooper, B., Ferguson, H. (eds) (2008) Best Practice in Social Work: Critical Perspectives, Palgrave Macmillan

Teaching Periods