196-210 Social Work Practice with Communities

Formerly available as 196-410. Students who have completed 196-410 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.

Admission into the Bachelor of Social Work course.

This subject will encourage a critical approach to social work practice with communities as a means of building social infrastructure and services to meet the needs of individuals and families. The subject has a specific focus on the use of community practice to address poverty. Students will increase their understanding of community practice and develop community work skills through planning and participating in community action, as well as exploring innovative methods and sites of community work.

• be able to critically analyse texts and practices;

• be able to understand social, cultural, organisational and ethical contexts of practice;

• be able to link theory to practice;

• be able to communicate in speech and writing in ways relevant to both academic and practice contexts;

• be able to undertake independent research.

Two written essays of 2,000 words each, each 50% (due midway and at the end of semester). A hurdle requirement of a minimum 80% attendance of seminars required.

A subject reader will be available from the Bookroom at the beginning of semester

• W Weeks L Hoatson & J Dixon, Community Practice in Australia. Pearson Educational Australia 2003.