Trauma and Justice unit (HGW431)

Introduction

This unit examines the intersection between trauma and justice and is informed by a commitment to social justice, decolonising, and an ethic of care. At a macro level, you will learn how social workers can promote policy, legislation and practice that aim to acknowledge, address and prevent trauma by challenging social structures and advocating for vulnerable groups. At a micro level, you will learn skills for recognising and responding to trauma according to the needs of specific groups of people, integrating First Nations knowledges and intersectionality into a socially just approach. Group work is used in this unit to explore issues that commonly result in, or stem from experiences of trauma, including violence, discrimination, disaster, colonisation, and war. You will develop skills for working with groups both as facilitators and participants.

Summary

Unit name	Trauma and Justice
Unit code	HGW431
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Health Social Work Program
Discipline	Social Work
Coordinator	Doctor Justin Canty
Delivered By
Level	Honours

Availability

Specific information on 2027 unit availability will be available in August

Learning Outcomes

• Apply ethical methods of communicating with clients, colleagues and managers by being respectful, sharing information, demonstrating flexibility and working collaboratively.
• Formulate interventions using culturally relevant and adaptable communication strategies that maximise client engagement, input and involvement.
• Present complex information in a compelling way through highly effective written and public communication skills that are also culturally relevant.
• Debate the transformative potential of care ethics to promote equality and justice in social work services and social policy.

Fee Information

2027 fee information will be available in August.

Requisites

Prerequisites

HGW302, HGW303, HGW308, HGW312 and HGW327

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	This unit is taught over a 10-week period comprising: Weekly online learning activities, including lecture and other self-directed exercises. Weekly face-to-face workshops (120 mins x 10 weeks) 80% minimum compulsory attendance requirement to meet accreditation requirements
Assessment	Written reflection on values and beliefs on trauma (20%)|Written group work proposal (30%)|Co-facilitation of 45-minute group and written assignment (50%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required	Required readings will be listed in the unit outline prior to the start of classes.

The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.