196-410 Social Work Practice with Communities and Groups

Credit Points

Prerequisites

196-310 Social Work Theory and Practice 2 and 196-319 Supervised Professional Practice 1.

Semester

Contact

Subject Description

This subject introduces students to the theory and practice of social work with communities, groups and teams. Students will explore concepts of community and ways of working with communities in social work practice. Attention will be paid to working collectively within community settings, and to increasing students' awareness of the potential of collective action.This study of community will be complemented by a study of the processes of working with and in groups and teams in a range of settings. Through the experience of participating in syndicates to which they will be allocated, students will have the opportunity to develop their knowledge and skills of group and team membership and leadership.

Assessment

Syndicated assessment equivalent to 5000 words per student.

Prescribed Texts

Readings as provided.

• Ife, J, Community Development. Longman, Melbourne 1995.
• Forsyth, D R, Group Dynamics. (3rd ed.) Brooks/Cole, Ca. 1995.
• Shulman, L, The Skills of Helping Individuals, Families and Groups. (3rd ed.) Peacock, Itasca Ill, 1992.