Credit Points 10

Legacy Code 102172

Coordinator Robyn North Opens in new window

Description Fields of Practice 1 introduces Social Work students to a range of skills and contexts of social work practice. The subject draws from the expertise of the Social Work team at Western Sydney University, engages with consumer educators and practitioners, and provides students with opportunities to practice their skills. The critical approach to the subject takes account of the diversity in social work in terms of the range of people, groups and communities with whom students will work.

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 2 subject

Restrictions

Students must have successfully completed 40 credit points and must be enrolled in 1665 Bachelor of Community Welfare, 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. Critically analyse the structure of society with respect to power and disadvantage including the influence of gender, age, ability, sexuality, ethnicity and economic disadvantage.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing, being and doing in social work practice.
3. Develop foundational skills for social work and welfare practice.
4. Describe the social, political, legal, cultural and organisational contexts and systems and how they impact on people.
5. Identify a practice framework that draws on contemporary theory, knowledge, methods and professional values.
6. Critically evaluate the challenges and opportunities for social work practice within a global and environmental context.

Subject Content

1. Child care and child safety
2. Mental health
3. Disability
4. Working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities’ perspectives on welfare services
5. Working with individuals, groups and communities from rural and remote locations.
6. Working with older people
7. Community justice
8. Social work in health settings
9. International social work
10. GLBTQI social work practice
11. Homelessness