HCS511 Social Work Theory and Practice 4- Macro Practice and Professional Identity (8)

This subject is the final theory and practice subject in the Master of Social Work (Professional Qualifying) course. It requires students to critically apply practice methods to a range of social work contexts, with a particular focus on community work. By the end of this subject, students will demonstrate advanced reflective practice and integration of theory and practice at the level of a new graduate. Students will have an understanding and advanced development of their professional identity as social workers. Students will apply high level skills in research that inform their practice and to the development of new knowledge at the practice level. This subject draws together knowledge from the whole course and serves as a 'capstone' subject for integrating knowledge from many sources into a cohesive framework for practice and further research.

Availability

* Offering has a residential school. Please view following information for further details.

Session 2 (60)
Online *
Wagga Wagga Campus

Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: HCS511. Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject Information

Grading System

HD/FL

Duration

One session

School

School of Humanities and Social Sciences

Enrolment Restrictions

Students need to have successfully completed HCS507, HCS508 and HCS509 before enrolling into HCS511.

This subject is not available to students who have completed HCS400 or HCS504.

Prerequisites

HCS507 and HCS508 and HCS509

Subject Relationships

HCS507 Prerequisite Subject
HCS508 Prerequisite Subject
HCS504 Incompatible Subject
HCS509 Prerequisite Subject
HCS400 Paired Subject

Incompatible Subjects

HCS400, HCS504

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • be able to independently research, critically assess and apply community work principles to social work practice;
  • be able to demonstrate the application of Indigenous Australian knowledges for working effectively with communities to create systemic change;
  • be able to discuss the process of independent research and undertake macro level practice to effectively facilitate community and systemic change;
  • be able to apply theory to practice through participation in face-to-face learning activities as per accreditation requirements;
  • be able to demonstrate a social work professional identity by arguing for particular values (as outlined by AASW), use of self, theoretical and skill-based approach; and
  • be able to integrate learning from across the course, through the use of independent research skills, critically reflective practice and the professional theory and evidence base to justify a coherent practice framework.

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:
  • Community work interventions with specific client groups and issues
  • Advanced community development and capacity building in specific contexts including international, rural and remote and entrenched/enmeshed communities
  • Influencing structural change within and between organisations, communities and government
  • Strategies for critical professional development: reflection in supervision, learning and practice
  • Development of a professional identity through integration of professional practice, values and knowledge to ensure the student becomes a reflective practitioner and can identify and articulate their professional practice framework

Indicative Assessment

The following table summarises the assessment tasks for the online offering of HCS511 in Session 2 2019. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated and can also differ to suit the mode of study (online or on campus).

Item Number
Title
Value %
1
Multiple choice quiz
10
2
Online open book exam
40
3
Practice framework discussion
50
4
Compulsory on-campus attendance

Residential School

This subject contains a 5 day Compulsory Residential School.

The residential school will involve the students in interactive experiential learning all basic skills and advanced 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 and are assisted in their preparation for practicum. Activities will include the integration of research into practice and the development of skills and values in developing theory.

The information contained in the CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: October 2020. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

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