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SWK423 Ethics and Social Work Practice (8)

Abstract

This subject explores the relationship between ethical theory, ethical principles, and professional practice. The overarching theme is the service ethic in social work theory and its implications for practice. The value and adequacy of professional codes as guides to practice will be considered, as well as the conflict between personal and professional values and the legal and organisational context of practice. The notion of moral risk and ethical responsibility will be considered. The subject will conclude with a discussion of ethical decision making and some common practice issues.

+ Subject Availability Modes and Location

Session 2
OnlineWagga Wagga Campus
Session 3
OnlineWagga Wagga Campus
Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: SWK423
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

Enrolment restrictions

Not for students who have completed SWK424

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
Have some knowledge of the ethical theories that form the basis of professional social work practice;
Have considered the relationship between ethical principles, professional codes, and personal values;
Have examined the organisational and legal contexts of social work and their implications for practice;
Understand the processes of ethical reasoning and ethical judgment;
Have some idea of particular ethical issues in practice.

Syllabus

The subject will cover the following topics:
The Nature of Ethics and Ethical Theory Utilitarian, Deontological, & Intuisionist Theory Virtue Based Ethics Ethical Relativism, subjectivism, egoism The Ethic of Service Beneficence & Non-Maleficence Autonomy Justice Virtue, Integrity, Veracity, Fidelity Moral risk and moral responsibility Professional Codes Ethics and Organisations Personal and professional values and organisational goals Practice Issues consent and coercion privacy and confidentiality truth telling allocating resources and withdrawing services

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The information contained in the 2017 CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: 25 August 2017. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.