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HCS200 Social Work Theory and Practice 1 - Foundations of Practice (8)

Abstract

This subject is the first of four foundational social work theory and practice subjects.   This subject will cover the history, ethics and core values, models of helping and foundational theory and communication skills of social work practice. Emphasis is on the early stages of intervention including engagement and assessment at the individual level, family, group and community level.  This subject also introduces the concepts of social inclusion, diversity, globalisation and sustainability within a social work framework.

+ Subject Availability Modes and Location

Session 1
InternalDubbo Campus
InternalPort Macquarie
InternalWagga Wagga Campus
Distance*Wagga Wagga Campus
*This subject offering contains a residential school. Please view following information for further details.
Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: HCS200
Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject information

Duration Grading System School:
One sessionHD/FLSchool of Humanities and Social Sciences

Assumed Knowledge

HCS102 and HCS111 and HCS103 

Enrolment restrictions

Incompatible subject(s)
HCS206

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • Demonstrate basic microskills required for early stages of intervention with clients in a counselling setting
  • Outline key aspects of the historical development of social work as a profession
  • Understand and apply social work core ethics and values
  • Have a general understanding of discourse and practice theory relevant to social work and be able to articulate this knowledge
  • Explain the relevance of social inclusion, diversity, globalisation and sustainability to social work practice
  • demonstrate early development of self reflection and critical thinking skills

Syllabus

The subject will cover the following topics:
  • History of social work and foundations of a social work identity
  • Core values, Social Work Code of Ethics and Practice Standards
  • Broad framework of discourse and social work practice theory across the individual, family, group and community level
  • Outline and develop basic micro skills and foundational communication skills for practice
  • Fundamentals of cultural sensitivity, social inclusion, responding to difference and diversity
  • Fundamentals of globalisation and sustainability and their relevance to social work practice
  • Foundations for critical thinking and self reflection

Residential School

This subject contains a compulsory 5 day residential school. The residential school will involve the students in interactive experiential learning all basic skills in a safe environment. It will provide specific lectures and opportunities for discussion and clarification of key concepts and processes. There will be individual and group activities to ensure that students have a clear understanding of the assessment process in preparation for their first practicum.

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The information contained in the 2015 CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: 01 October 2015. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.