196-002 Human Risk and Vulnerable Populations

Admission into the Bachelor of Social Work for BSW students or for Bachelor of Arts students, 37.5 points of second/third-year arts subjects.

This subject explores a range of vulnerable populations and psycho-social problems such as mental health, child abuse, drug and alcohol dependence, disability and chronic illness. After taking this subject students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of debates about their social construction and their epidemiology and etiology, as well as the subjective experiences of affected individuals and their significant others.

• be able to critically analyse texts;

• be able to understand social, cultural, organisational and ethical contexts of human experience and practices;

• be able to link theory and practice;

• be able to undertake independent research;

• be able to communicate effectively in writing.

A 2000-word essay 50% (due mid-semester) and a 2000-word essay 50% (due at the end of semester). A hurdle requirement of a minimum of 75% attendance of tutorials required.

A subject reader will be available for purchase from the University Bookroom.

• L Harms, Understanding Human Development: A multi-dimensional approach. Oxford University Press 2005.