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

Community level practice is a key social work and human services method. Various theories and approaches to 'community' and community work have been developed and used in practice. In recent years this has extended to include the need for locality oriented frames of 'space' and place', particularly as these apply to disadvantaged localities and tensions in various people's use of public spaces. This unit develops baseline practice skills and techniques for community level practice underpinned by social work and human service ethics and values. Located in second year, this unit introduces students to the particular field of community work practice, building on foundational knowledge about social work and human services systems.

Aims

This unit aims to equip students with key processes, skills and understandings for community work and place practice.

Objectives

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

1. appreciate the role and function of community level practice within the range of intervention methods used in human service and social work (GVS1 - 1.1, 1.2, 1.4, 1.9);


2. demonstrate an understanding of current and emerging models of community and place practice and the potential relevance of these for enhancing social justice and human wellbeing (GVS1 - 1.8; GVS2 - 2.6);


3. exhibit basic skills in the analysis of community and place, and using this develop intentional practice strategies underpinned by social work and human service values (GVS1 - 1.1, 1.2, 1.5; GVS2 - 2.6; GVS3 - 3.1); and


4. demonstrate the ability to apply analysis and practice knowledge to specific populations and spatial contexts (GVS1 - 1.5; GVS 3.2, 3.3; GVS4 - 4.5, 4.6).

Learning outcomes link to:
AASW Practice Standards: 1.5, 3.1, 3.2, 3.6, 4.1, 4.3, 4.4,
AASW Education and Accreditation Standards: 2.2, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 3.3, 3.4, 4.2.1
AIWCW Core Competencies: 1.2, 1.6, 2.4, 6.2, 7.1, 7.2, 7.4

Content

This unit includes content on:

• Understanding the nature and role of community, place and space;


• Contexts and challenges in undertaking community level practice;


• Basic skills for the analysis of communities and places


• Principles and strategies for community level practice.

Undertaking a community study will be a central feature of the unit, allowing students the opportunity to apply conceptual material and theoretical insights to the 'real' world of a local community in Brisbane.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

This unit will involve weekly 3 hour workshops. During this period on one week a field trip will be undertaken at a locality proximate to Kelvin Grove to assist in the development of community and place analysis skills. The workshops will engage students in key knowledge, activities and processes to develop skills in community level practice, using a mixture of lecture components, discussion topics, case examples and processing of student observations around specific tasks which contribute to the assessment. Student investigation of a particular community will be supported by on-line interaction through the unit Blackboard site.

Assessment

Assessment for the unit consists of two items: a presentation which is an analysis of a chosen place and a research report of a community practice study.Formative feedback is built into this unit in the following ways:

1. Whole of group feedback on the draft reports posted on the Blackboard site to indicate general areas for students to keep in mind for their final report.


2. Individual detailed and timely feedback to each student useful for improving their final report.


3. The first part of the case studies used for the viva voce will be released in Week 11 with time available in the final two weeks for students to present draft responses to selected questions that comprise the assessment. This will orient students to the assessment process and provide formative learning opportunities regarding the case studies.


4. Whole of group feedback to final reports via a podcast posted on the Blackboard site.

Written summative feedback will be provided on both reports and oral feedback on the case studies podcast.

Assessment name: Presentation
Description: Analysis of a chosen place using appropriate visual presentation technology. This analysis will involve investigation of a selected place using key concepts and schemas introduced in lectures and tutorials.
Relates to objectives: 2, 3, 4
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Group
Due date: Mid-semester

Assessment name: Community Practice Study
Description: A 2500 word paper giving a critically informed account of the community study exercise which links theory and practice. A draft report (worth 20%) is to be submitted for feedback in weeks 8-9. The final report (worth 40%) is due at the end of semester. Students may work in pairs but the report is submitted individually.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2
Weight: 60%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Wks 8-9 & Wk 13

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

Kenny, S. (2011). Developing Communities for the Future. South Melbourne: Cengage.

There will be a range of other recommended key references and the Blackboard site will contain a range of relevant resources. Students are to compliment these with their own research. Any field trips will not have associated costs.

Risk assessment statement

There are no unusual risk management issues associated with this unit. Students are advised that if any agency field trips are included these will be to inner city Brisbane locations and that they are to make their own travel arrangements to and from these. 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: 15-Nov-2012