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Social Policy for Social Work Practice (SCWK90065)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable (login required)(opens in new window)
Contact information
February
Dr Jennifer Davidson
Overview
Availability | February |
---|---|
Fees | Look up fees |
This subject will give students a foundational understanding of the policy context in which they live and practice, and develop their capacity to critically read, analyse and evaluate the impact of policy in everyday lives. It will give an overview of the historical development of social policy and engage students in critical debates about the systems and policy solutions produced. It will introduce key concepts and intellectual debates in contemporary social policy and provide a framework for policy analysis that can be used in critical policy assessment. The role of social workers in social policy development and advocacy will be explored. Students will develop an increased awareness of the influence of the broader policy environment and develop the capacity to advocate for change in their work with individuals, groups and communities.
Intended learning outcomes
Knowledge
On completion of the subject, students should be able to:
- Describe the role of social policy in social work practice;
- Identify key frameworks for analysing social policy and creating social policy advocacy;
- Describe the ways in which social policy is made in the Australian and international contexts; and
- Identify key areas of current social policy and the impact they are having on the wellbeing of individuals and families.
Skills
On completion of the subject, students should be able to:
- Utilise social policy and advocacy analysis frameworks to evaluate the development of social policy;
- Display argument formation and critical reasoning in relation to social policy analysis and use of policy analysis frameworks; and
- Create pieces of social policy advocacy to effect social policy change.
Application of Knowledge and Skills
On completion of the subject, students should be able to:
- Critically evaluate areas of social policy and utilise policy and advocacy analysis skills to communicate how policy change can impact the wellbeing of individuals and families.
Generic skills
Students who complete this subject should be able to:
- critically analyse texts and practices;
- link theory to practice;
- competently communicate in ways relevant to both academic and practice contexts;
- undertake independent research.
Last updated: 31 January 2024
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 31 January 2024
Assessment
Description | Timing | Percentage |
---|---|---|
Class test
| Week 4 | 20% |
Peer reviewed assessment proposal
| Week 6 | 20% |
Policy analysis essay
| During the assessment period | 60% |
Hurdle requirement: Attendance at a minimum of 50% of tutorials | Throughout the teaching period | N/A |
Last updated: 31 January 2024
Dates & times
- February
Principal coordinator Jennifer Davidson Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 12 contact hours per semester (8 x 1.5 hour tutorial). An additional 8 x 1.5 hour of online preparation learning material must be completed weekly prior to attending each tutorial class, in place of attending a lecture. Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 12 February 2024 to 14 April 2024 Last self-enrol date 23 February 2024 Census date 1 March 2024 Last date to withdraw without fail 5 April 2024 Assessment period ends 10 May 2024 February contact information
Dr Jennifer Davidson
What do these dates mean
Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:
- Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
- And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
- Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.
Last updated: 31 January 2024
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
McClelland, A. & Smyth, P. , Fourth edition (2020) Social Policy in Australia: understanding for action. Oxford University Press: South Melbourne
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Course Master of Social Work - Links to additional information
- Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
This subject is available to students studying at the University from eligible overseas institutions on exchange and study abroad. Students are required to satisfy any listed requirements, such as pre- and co-requisites, for enrolment in the subject.
Last updated: 31 January 2024