Social Work Theory and Practice B


Learning in this course addresses three domains of social work practice:

1. Mental Health

2. Disability

3. Violence

Students work through major social work methods of intervention: casework, group work, community work and social action; and develop competence in articulating the theoretical bases for assessments and decision-making for practice. Self-awareness, analysis of political contexts and commitment to social justice goals are fundamental themes.



  • Semester 2 - 2015

Learning Outcomes

1. Develop an understanding of how historical and contemporary conceptions of mental health, disability, sexual assault and domestic violence have shaped individual and social responses.

2. Gain an understanding of the various social work roles and practice settings in the domains of social work practice covered in the course.

3. Demonstrate a commitment to social work values of respect, social justice and human rights.

4. Examine and articulate personal values, assumptions and beliefs in response to practice scenarios and develop strategies to deal with confronting material encountered in the professional context.

5. Demonstrate knowledge of the ethical and theoretical debates impacting on assessment and intervention in the practice areas covered, including a critical understanding of dominant medical model of practice.

6. Develop a basic understanding of national and state legislation and policy relevant to the areas of social work practice addressed in the course.

7. Develop understanding of the impact of stigma, social exclusion, marginalisation and discrimination and potential social work responses.

8. Demonstrate an understanding of the prevalence, nature and impact of violence and trauma on individuals, groups and communities.

9. Develop knowledge and skills in social work assessment models, including risk assessment.

10. Gain more detailed knowledge of a range of social work theories and demonstrate the critical application of theories to analysis and decision making in response to practice scenarios.

11. Demonstrate an understanding of current issues associated with the provision of services to rural and remote communities.

12. Analyse roles and relationships in groups and develop skills in managing group conflict.

13. Make, justify, and articulate informed decisions about potential casework, group work and community work responses to particular practice scenarios.


Fields of Social Work Practice:

  1. Mental Health
  2. Disability
  3. Violence

Methods of Social Work Practice:

  1. Casework
  2. Groupwork
  3. Community Work
  4. Social Action

Current Social Work theories and application to practice scenarios

Class time is spent in discussion, field visits, small group work, skills practice and group presentations. Students are expected to integrate learning from SWRK2001 with learning in this course as they build knowledge and skill in key methods and fields of social work practice.

Replacing Course(s)

This course replaces the following course(s): SWRK2006. Students who have successfully completed SWRK2006 are not eligible to enrol in SWRK2200.



Assumed Knowledge

SWRK2001, SWRK2003

Assessment Items

Viva Voce: Oral Assessment

Written Assignment: Written assignment

Written Assignment: Written assignment

Presentation: Group Task

Contact Hours


