Social Work Theory and Practice (SCWK90066)

Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

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February
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The aim of this subject will be to enhance the theoretical and skill base of direct practice in social work. Emphasis will be given to innovative and advanced approaches in line with recent developments in professional practice with individuals. The subject will be taught using interactive groups as well as formal lectures. This will enable students to participate in an opportunity to integrate and advance theoretical and practice knowledge in relation to an evidence base for psychosocial practices in the field. Lecture topics will include an appraisal of professional expertise in social work, psychosocial assessment and the therapeutic alliance. New developments in key direct practice approaches such as psychodynamic, behavioural, group work and postmodernist paradigms will be explored both from a critical theoretical and skills based perspective.

Intended learning outcomes

Knowledge 

On completion of the subject, students should be able to:  

  • Identify a range of theories that inform social work practice;
  • Identify and describe the interpretative lenses which define social work practice; and
  • Identify and describe the multi-dimensional approach to understanding social work theory and practice.

Skills 

On completion of the subject, students should be able to:  

  • Use the multidimensional approach to prepare social work assessments and interventions;
  • Translate practice theories into social work practice models, strategies and interventions; and
  • Critically evaluate practice theories from an Indigenous perspective.

Application of Knowledge and Skills  

On completion of the subject, students should be able to:  

  • Critically evaluate usefulness of practice theories relevant to client circumstances and context, using the multidimensional approach, social work interpretive lenses and Indigenous perspectives; and
  • Design effective intervention strategies by critically applying practice theories to relevant client circumstances and contexts.

Generic skills

On completion of this subject students should be able to:

  • critically analyse texts and practices;
  • understand recent developments in social work contexts of practice;
  • link theory to practice;
  • competently communicate in ways relevant to both academic and practice contexts;
  • undertake independent research

Last updated: 4 March 2025