WELF 4006 Ideologies of Practice in Social Work

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 400517

Coordinator Frances Gale Opens in new window

Description Social work practice is not a neutral activity arising from an objective viewpoint but is inextricably bound to varying ideologies and propositions that are concerned with human conduct. This subject examines the various ideologies that inform psycho-social and political analysis. Ideologies such as liberalism, critical feminism, critical masculinity, critical class theory, critical race theory, and adultism, and their explanations for psycho-social problems and proposals for change are examined in relation to methods of social work practice. Students will be encouraged to explore how all theory and practice methods incorporate ideological assumptions and how, therefore, the construction of creative solutions demands practice that is reflective and self-critical.

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) WELF 3020 OR
WELF 2005

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

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:
  1. Demonstrate critical knowledge of some of the assumptions, values and interests influencing explanations for psycho-social problems and proposals for change, and their application to social work practice.
  2. Apply critical and reflective skills to identify the ideological and political influences inherent in the processes of knowledge construction.
  3. Analyse the ambiguity inherent in social science knowledge and its application to social work practice.
  4. Critique the professional�fs use and ownership of knowledge and its implication for service users�f self-determination and empowerment.
  5. Critically reflect on the influence of ideologies on their own action in practice.

Subject Content

1. Critical reflection on the concept of ideology
2. Construction of knowledge in social work practice
3. Contributions of Psychology in social work practice
4. Contributions of Sociology in social work practice
5. Liberalism and social work practice
6. Critical race theory and social work practice
7. Social class and social work practice
8. Gender constructions and social work practice
9. Adultism and social work practice
10. Spiritualties in social work practice
11. Post Modern approaches in social work practice

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
Case Study 1,400 words 40 N Individual
Presentation 15 min presentation and 15 min question time 30 N Group
Log/Workbook 2 x 750 words 30 N Individual

Teaching Periods

Autumn

Liverpool

Day

Subject Contact Frances Gale Opens in new window

View timetable Opens in new window

Parramatta - Victoria Rd

Day

Subject Contact Frances Gale Opens in new window

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Structures that include subject