Course Title: Critical Social Work
Part A: Course Overview
Course Title: Critical Social Work
Credit Points: 12.00
Terms
Course Code |
Campus |
Career |
School |
Learning Mode |
Teaching Period(s) |
HWSS2049 |
City Campus |
Postgraduate |
330H Social Science & Planning |
Face-to-Face |
Sem 1 2006 |
HWSS2049 |
City Campus |
Postgraduate |
365H Global, Urban and Social Studies |
Face-to-Face |
Sem 1 2007, Sem 1 2008, Sem 1 2009, Sem 1 2010, Sem 1 2011, Sem 1 2012, Sem 1 2013, Sem 1 2014, Sem 1 2015, Sem 1 2016, Sem 1 2017, Sem 1 2019, Sem 1 2020, Sem 1 2021, Sem 1 2022, Sem 2 2022, Sem 1 2023, Sem 2 2023, Sem 1 2024 |
HWSS2049 |
City Campus |
Postgraduate |
365H Global, Urban and Social Studies |
Internet |
Sem 2 2019, Sem 2 2020, Sem 2 2021 |
Course Coordinator: Dr Kate Phelan
Course Coordinator Phone: +61 (3) 9925 3003
Course Coordinator Email: Email kate.phelan2@rmit.edu.au
Course Coordinator Location: Building 8. Floor 10. Room 014
Course Coordinator Availability: By appointment
Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities
None
Course Description
This course introduces you to critical theories as a framework for critical social work practice. ‘Critical social work’ encompasses a range of approaches that challenge the assumptions upon which societies and welfare practices have been constructed.
You will survey the historical development of theory in social work practice as it relates to key debates and fields of practice. You will develop a critical practice framework informed by analysis of the range of theoretical perspectives informing contemporary policy and practice contexts, principles of ethical social work practice, and application of lessons learned from the history of the development of social work as a profession. Emphasis will be placed on contemporary debates around poverty, inequality, the political nature of social suffering and the role of social work in responding to disadvantage and marginalisation.
Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development
Program Learning Outcomes
In this course you will develop the following program learning outcomes:
- Theorise and develop interventions that address the social structural and political levels through which poverty and inequality are generated and critically assess policies and programs developed to address disadvantage
- Apply sophisticated oral and written communication skills to present complex information to individuals, organisations and professional and non-professional communities in accessible and culturally appropriate ways
- Critically analyse theories informing social work practice and the contemporary policy context to develop an evidence base for ethical professional practice
- Practice as an autonomous ethical and critical social work practitioner with a commitment to lifelong learning
- Apply specialist social work knowledge and skills to understanding and responding to contemporary social disadvantage, oppression and marginalisation, recognising the fundamentally political nature of social suffering
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course you will be able to:
- Define and evaluate the scope and nature of social work practice and the challenges associated with contemporary social work
- Identify and critique the philosophical underpinnings of contemporary critical practice in human services
- Compare and contrast the value of different theoretical frameworks informing practice
- Interpret and appraise competing theoretical perspectives and practice approaches
- Propose and theorise key elements of a critical social work professional identity
Overview of Learning Activities
Seminars will involve a mix of lecture input and small group activities, including discussions and case studies
Overview of Learning Resources
RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through our online systems.
A list of recommended learning resources will be provided by your lecturer, including books, journal articles and web resources. You will also be expected to seek further resources relevant to the focus of your own learning.
There are services available to support your learning through the University Library. The Library provides guides on academic referencing and subject specialist help as well as a range of study support services. For further information, please visit the Library page on the RMIT University website and the myRMIT student portal.
Overview of Assessment
You will be assessed on how well you meet the course’s learning outcomes and on your development against the program learning outcomes.
Assessment will cover both theoretical and practical aspects of your learning. You will be able to develop your work in relation to your own specific areas of interest in your professional practice
Assessment tasks Assessment 1: Book review. 1500 words. (40%) [CLO 1, 3, 4 & 5] Assessment 2: Reflection on ideas in practice. 800 words (20%) [CLO 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5] Assessment 3: Final Assessment Exam (40%) 1500 words [CLO1,2,3,4 & 5]Feedback will be given on all assessment tasks.
If you have a long term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more.
Your course assessment conforms to RMIT assessment principles, regulations, policies, procedures and instructions.