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Social Work Theories, Values and Frameworks for 21st Century Practice unit (HGW512)

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Unit year 2025

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Location: Online

Restricted to MSW only.

Introduction

This unit explores how social work theories and contexts inter-relate as a basis for a framework for identifying the purpose and practice of social work. Historical and contemporary social work theories are examined, relying on diverse knowledges, including First Nations knowledges that are reshaping how social work is defined and practiced. This provides an important foundation for grounding your emerging frameworks for practice. Moral theories will help ground you in your understanding of principled and theoretically informed frameworks for action. You will consider the relationships between theories and practice as they apply to case scenarios each week. This unit prepares you for Social Work Practicum 1.

Summary

Unit name Social Work Theories, Values and Frameworks for 21st Century Practice
Unit code HGW512
Credit points 12.5
College/School Arts and Society
School of Social Sciences
Discipline Social Work
Coordinator Professor Milena Heinsch
Delivered By University of Tasmania
Level Postgraduate

Sustainable Development Goals

The Unit Coordinator has identified that this unit aligns with the following UN Sustainable Development Goals. We welcome your thoughts and feedback on the alignment of the unit with these goals.

Availability

Location Study period Attendance options Available to
Online 5 Week Session Jun This unit is available through off-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
  • Key:
  • This unit is available through on-campus delivery On-campus
  • This unit is available through off-campus delivery Off-Campus
  • Available to International Students International students
  • Available to Domestic Students Domestic students
Note

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Key Dates

Study Period Start date Census date WW date End date
5 Week Session Jun 15/6/2025 22/6/2025 3/7/2025 19/7/2025

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2025 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2025 will be available from the 1st October 2024. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

  • Compile and critique social work frameworks for practice that can inform transformative actions and strategies in practice, organisational and policy settings
  • Elaborate how social workers can respond to oppressive and exploitative historical, cultural, social, geographic, economic and political dynamics and contexts in grounded, decolonising and principled ways.
  • Build and trial a framework for social work practice as a life-long learning project through ongoing discussions with peers, supervisors and mentors, by keeping up-to-date with scholarly literature, and engaging in professional development activities.
  • Construct and appraise culturally sensitive and relevant frameworks for social work practice that demonstrates your commitment to decolonising social work.

Fee Information

Field of Education Commencing Student Contribution 1,3 Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3 Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3 Domestic Full Fee 4
090501 $2,124.00 $996.00 $1,164.00 $2,440.00
  • Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
  • HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility3
  • FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility4

1 Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
2 Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
3 Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
4 Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

Teaching

Teaching Pattern

This unit is delivered wholly online and runs as an intensive unit. Learning activities include lectures (2 hours per week), self-directed learning activities using videos and reflective activities (2 hours per week), readings (at least 1 hour per week); and online group discussion activities (Approx 1 hour per week). Six optional webinars are offered. All learning can be conducted asynchronously, but there will be optional opportunities for synchronous learning through the webinars and group discussions. 

AssessmentOnline quiz (10%)|Summary of Online Discussions (40%)|Weekly portfolio of evidence of developing a culturally responsive framework for practice (50%)
TimetableView 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.

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