Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

For effective practice, social workers and health and welfare professionals need a deep understanding of the nature and importance of relationships for human well-being and identity. People's immediate social worlds are complex and dynamic, and to appropriately assist or support people through professional interventions necessitates an appreciation of this, as well as the impact of diversity and difference. Through understanding these complexities social work and human service practitioners can shape their practice to better meet the needs of individuals, families, groups and communities. This unit provides introductory knowledge for professional practice and is located in first year as a foundation for subsequent theory and practice.

Aims

The aim of this unit is to provide you with foundational knowledge of the nature and importance of relationships for human identity and well-being, and its interface with social work and human service practice.

Objectives

At the conclusion of this unit you should be able to:

1. demonstrate an understanding of the varied and dynamic character of people's social roles and relationships (GVS1 - 1.3, 1.4);


2. understand the role of family and other social relationships and connections in fostering and maintaining human wellbeing and identity (GVS1 - 1.1, 1.3, 1.10);


3. understand key concepts and theories regarding family dynamics and functioning (GVS1 - 1.9, 1.10);


4. appreciate the variety of factors that can lead to relational tensions and issues (GVS1 - 1.3, 1.8); and


5. appreciate the various roles that those in professional practice can play in supporting relationships that foster wellbeing and human rights (GVS1 - 1.4; GVS2 - 2.6; GVS3 - 3.1).

Learning outcomes link to:
AASW Education and Accreditation Standards: 2.5, 2.6, 3.1, 4.1.1, 4.1.3, 4.1.4, 4.1.5
AASW Practice Standards for Social Workers: 1.1, 1.4, 1.5, 2.1
ACWA Core Competencies: 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 4.1, 7.1

Content

This unit includes content on:

• Relationships


• Family types and transitions


• Identity


• Families, attachment and familial relationships


• Social roles, care, connections and networks


• Tensions and conflicts in social relationships and resultant impacts


• The role of social work and human services in supporting relationships and responding to relational tensions

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

This unit will be taught via a weekly 2 hour lecture and 1 hour tutorial. A range of lecture materials including video material, and other resources located on Blackboard will be provided. The tutorials will assist students to ground their understanding of key concepts and theories through case scenarios, discussions, role plays, and audio-visual materials.

Assessment

There are two pieces of assessment in this unit: a written critique and an individual essay.Formative and summative feedback will be given orally and in writing immediately following the group presentation. Written summative feedback will be provided on the essay via Blackboard and individually to students.

Assessment name: Critique (written)
Description: Evaluation of media item.

You will select and evaluate a current media item (print or audio-visual). This will focus on your ability to analyse family roles and relationships and the influence of family relationships in human wellbeing and health.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 6

Assessment name: Essay (Written)
Description: An individual essay which involves selecting 3 key concepts and discussing by clear reference to relevant theories and literature.
A selection of topics will be available with focus on analysing factors contributing to tension during family transitions and considering potential social work and human services responses.
Relates to objectives: 3, 4, 5.
Weight: 60%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 12

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

Resource materials will be placed on Blackboard and a comprehensive reading list will be provided.

Text:
Ribbens McCarthy,J., & Edwards,R. (2011). Key Concepts in Family Studies. Melbourne: Sage Publications.

The following resources will feature in your studies:

Duck, S. (2007). Human Relationships [eBook]. London: SAGE.

Germov, J., & Poole, M (Ed.). (2011). Public Sociology: An Introduction to Australian Society. Sydney: Allen & Unwin.

Harms, L. (2010). Understanding human development: a multidimensional approach (2nd ed.). Melbourne: Oxford University Press.

Risk assessment statement

There are no unusual risk management issues associated with this unit. However, given the focus on subject matter with which all students have had experience, students should be aware of any personal discomfort they experience and discuss this with unit staff or appropriate QUT sources of support. Students are encouraged to refer any concerns to the Unit Coordinator.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 10-May-2012