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

This subject is the first of four foundational social work theory and practice subjects. The subject covers the origins and development of the profession, its 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, especially in relation to engagement and assessment at individual, family, group and community levels. This subject also introduces a range of foundational concepts and explores how these relate to developing a distinct social work identity within the context of national and international professional bodies.

Availability

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

Session 1 (30)
On Campus
Dubbo Campus
Port Macquarie Campus
Wagga Wagga Campus
Online *
Wagga Wagga Campus

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

Grading System

HD/FL

Duration

One session

School

School of Social Work and Arts

Assumed Knowledge

HCS102 and HCS111 and HCS103 

Subject Relationships

HCS507 Paired Subject
HCS206 Incompatible subject

Incompatible Subjects

HCS206

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • be able to demonstrate core communication skills within a social work context;
  • be able to outline key aspects of the origins and development of social work as a profession;
  • be able to understand and apply social work core values and ethics as defined by professional social work bodies;
  • be able to demonstrate an understanding of Indigenous social work, discourse and practice theory relevant to social work;
  • be able to explain foundational concepts relating to social work practice and professional identity;
  • be able to demonstrate critical thinking skills and reflective practice skills; and
  • be able to participate in face-to-face learning activities as per accreditation requirements.

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:
  • Origins and development of social work and foundations of a social work identity
  • Core values, Social Work Code of Ethics and Practice Standards as defined by professional social work bodies
  • Broad framework of discourse and social work practice theory across the individual, family, group and community levels
  • Basic micro skills and foundational communication skills for practice; influence of digital technology
  • Fundamentals of cultural sensitivity, social inclusion, responding to difference and diversity
  • Fundamentals of global social work, global citizenship and sustainability and their relevance to social work practice
  • Foundations for critical thinking and self-reflection

Indicative Assessment

The following table summarises the assessment tasks for the online offering of HCS200 in Session 1 2021. 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
Online multiple choice quiz
10
2
Communication skills workbook
40
3
Open book take home paper
50
4
Attendance record
0

Residential School

This subject contains a 5 day Compulsory Residential School.

The residential school will involve the students in interactive experiential learning activities, providing a safe environment in which to practice and develop their skills. 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, which is undertaken in HCS303 Social Work Field Education 1.

The information contained in the CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: June 2022. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

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