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Social Work

Foundation Courses

Social Services in Aotearoa New Zealand

Introduces students to a wide range of social services organisations and examines the provision of welfare and contributions of a range of groups from 'grass roots' community organisations to government agencies.

Aotearoa Society in Context

Considers the migration stories of the many peoples who make up Aotearoa New Zealand society and explores some contemporary issues and trends with particular reference to education and social services. Particular consideration will be given to Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Stage I

Professional Communication Skills

An introduction into effective personal and professional communication in human services. An experiential and collaborative approach will be used to assist students to explore the place of self in the communication process, to understand the stages, purpose and task of the communication process, and to develop effective interaction.

Sociology for Human Services

Introducing the traditions of sociological analysis and its application to the human services. Key theory and theorists, the history of ideas and debates within sociology, and their relevance to practitioners' understanding of contemporary New Zealand society will be explored. A central theme is that a critical sociological imagination is essential for practitioners in social service settings.

Restriction: ACE 990.604, 962.501

Culture and Diversity

An introductory exploration of notions of culture and diversity that critically examines impacts on individuals, whānau and communities in Aotearoa. A range of cultural perspectives will lead to and encourage critical discovery of 'self' in relation to realms of difference in the context of social and human services.

Treaty of Waitangi in Human Services

Examines the Treaty of Waitangi and its significance in regard to historical events, trends and theories of social, economic and political change in Aotearoa New Zealand society. Explores the implications of the Treaty of Waitangi in social service delivery practice and past, present and future significance in Māori development.

Restriction: ACE 990.606

The Social Work Environment

An introduction to the history and practice of social work and the wider policy environment that will be encountered while working in the profession. Examination of the roles played in the profession and familiarisation with traditions of care and policies of welfare that influence the work of social workers and social services.

Stage II

Social Policy Development

Explores the design and analysis required in policy advocacy and policy development. Consideration of the contexts where policy review and development occur, the procedures involved, the role and preparation of submissions outlining a case for change and the proposal for new policy, and the obligations required in policy innovation and evaluation.

Prerequisite: SOCWORK 112

Restriction: ACE 990.607

Bicultural Social Work Practice

An introduction to study of the personal and professional impact of the Treaty of Waitangi in social work practice and social workers' obligations to bicultural practice. Development of an understanding of the principles of bicultural practice and articulation of their professional stance.

Restriction: ACE 990.502

Social Work Practice Skills

Development of the key skills of practice including: engagement, assessment, intervention, referral and evaluation. Drawing on theoretical approaches provided in SOCWORK 214 this course will develop the skills for working with clients in a variety of settings and cultural contexts. To be studied concurrently with SOCWORK 214.

Corequisite: SOCWORK 214

Restriction: ACE 990.504

Social Work Practice Theories

An introduction to a range of theories and models of practice in social work and their application to a variety of social work settings, including an exploration of personal and professional values within the framework of relevant codes of ethics, cultural practice and the importance of professional supervision. To be studied concurrently with SOCWORK 213.

Corequisite: SOCWORK 213

Restriction: ACE 990.503

Law and the State in Social Work

A sociological exploration of the issues presented by the legal framework that impact on social workers' mandate to practise. A critical investigation of the state's law-making functions and conflicting imperatives across a range of social work fields, including the family, justice, and mental health.

Restriction: ACE 991.602

Stage III

Special Topic

Social Work Process and Practice

Students are required to integrate a defined range of approaches to practice comprising work with individuals, families and small groups. Knowledge, skills, values and ethics associated with direct practice will be extended. Students will apply the social work process of reflection and use of self in preparation for becoming a mindfully reflexive practitioner.

Prerequisite: SOCWORK 214

Restriction: ACE 990.603

Applied Social Research

Social workers are reclaiming the research agenda in social work. Sound social work practice relies on evidence to inform theoretical frameworks, intervention decisions and practice evaluation. A practical introduction to the principles, theories and approaches that inform social research, with a particular emphasis on social work contexts.

Restriction: ACE 990.605

Organisations and Management

Examines the variety of organisational frameworks from which human services are practised and the impact of these contexts on professional identity and practice in the workplace. Contemporary management approaches will be examined with reference to theory and roles and responsibilities assumed by human service managers in a complex and dynamic environment.

Prerequisite: SOCWORK 211

Restriction: ACE 991.601

Professional Practice Portfolio

This course requires students to demonstrate through portfolio compilation and verbal presentation their competency and professional identity, applicable to their current field of social activity. A critical evaluation of practice approach through discussion of favoured models of practice, application of these to practice situations, values, skills, political perspective and commitment to accountability.

To complete this course students must enrol in SOCWORK 316 A and B, or SOCWORK 316

Supervised Field Practice and Professional Development 1

A practicum course which focuses on developing a professional identity and a philosophy of practice that is shaped by integrating personal experience and professional knowledge, values and skills gained from the first two years of the Bachelor of Social Work programme. A significant part of this course includes a period of 12 weeks supervised agency-based practical experience for which the student will be prepared through developing individual learning goals.

Prerequisite: SOCWORK 213, 214

Corequisite: SOCWORK 311

Restriction: ACE 990.501

Working with Pasifika Communities

Pasifika organisations working with Pasifika communities in Aotearoa is a relatively new phenomenon. This course seeks to navigate 'Pasifika waves' that embrace traditional and contemporary notions of working with Pasifika Nations.

Counselling in Social Practice

An exploration of theories and models of practice in counselling in social services settings. Includes preparation for work with individuals and whānau in a range of settings and with clients from different social and cultural backgrounds.

Restriction: ACE 992.705

Community Development

An in-depth examination of the historical and theoretical framework of community development and community work with reference to strategies for the development of diverse and indigenous communities. Skills, strategies and models of community work, advocacy, networking and development work are explored.

Prerequisite: Any 60 points passed at Stage II

Restriction: ACE 990.608, 991.603

Special Topic

Stage IV

Social Work Interventions for Best Practice

An in-depth examination of contemporary issues in social work practice, focusing on evidence-based practice and intervention skills that have direct application to complex practice situations.

Prerequisite: SOCWORK 311, 317
Restriction: ACE 990.703

The Social Work Discourse

The application of sociological analysis to consideration of the role and characteristics of social work practice. An exploration of the professional discourse is framed and how major social trends impact on that discourse in practice and the public domain.

Restriction: ACE 990.704

Research and Evaluation in Social Practice

An exploration of relevant social work research literature and approaches to data analysis, and the undertaking of a research project. Develops confidence and skills in the application of practice research principles, problem definition, critical review of relevant literature and analysis of existing qualitative data to inform professional practice in social work and social services.

Prerequisite: SOCWORK 312, 317

Supervised Field Practice and Professional Development 2

An advanced practicum course which provides an exposition of the relationship between critical reflection, professional supervision and ethical practice to the knowledge, skills and practice experience of the social work profession. A period of 16 weeks supervised agency-based practical experience is included in this course that builds on participant knowledge and skills.

Prerequisite: SOCWORK 317

Restriction: ACE 990.601

Professional Practice Project

A student directed project intended to develop a field of proficiency applicable to current or future professional interests. The project will involve research investigation, critical reflection and analysis, evaluation, and the preparation of resources or development of new practice. On completion students will showcase their project in a verbal presentation.

Special Topic

Postgraduate 700 Level Courses

Social Work Interventions for Best Practice

An in-depth examination of contemporary developments in social work practice, with an emphasis on the employment of evidence-informed interventions that have direct application to complex practice situations.

Prerequisite: SOCWORK 311, 317

Restriction: ACE 990.703, SOCWORK 411

The Social Work Discourse

A critical analysis of contemporary social work practice, utilising sociological perspectives and contemporary social theory. An in-depth exploration of how the professional discourse of social work is framed and how major social trends impact on that discourse in practice and the public domain.

Restriction: ACE 990.704, SOCWORK 413

Social Work Honours Research Project

An integrated approach to social work research using a range of research strategies. Students apply research and practice principles to existing qualitative and quantitative datasets to engage in problem definition, critical review of relevant literature, research strategies and design, data analysis and reporting of research findings to inform professional practice in social work and social services.

Prerequisite: SOCWORK 312, 317

To complete this course students must enrol in SOCWORK 714 A and B

Supervised Field Practice and Professional Development

An advanced practicum course which includes a critical interrogation of the relationships between critical reflection, professional supervision and ethics and their application to professional social work practice. This course includes a minimum of 65 days supervised agency-based practical experience, building on the knowledge and skills gained in the first practicum and subsequent coursework.

Prerequisite: SOCWORK 317

Restriction: ACE 990.601, SOCWORK 415

Practice Case Studies

A student directed project intended to enhance proficiency in advanced practice applicable to current or future professional interests. The project will involve review of literature, critical reflection and analysis, evaluation, the exploration of narrative reports and the preparation of case studies. On completion students will showcase their project in a verbal presentation.

Prerequisite: SOCWORK 316

Applied Research in Social Services

Examines the role of applied research within professional practice. An in-depth examination of research methods, traditions and techniques particularly used in analysing, evaluating and auditing social service programmes and practices. Aims to enhance and develop the knowledge and understanding of students with regard to the nature and application of a broad range of research methods, the role of theory, ethics and politics in research and in developing a research proposal.

To complete this course students must enrol in SOCWORK 718 A and B, or SOCWORK 718

Special Study

Theories and Skills in Social Work Practice

An in-depth examination of theoretical perspectives, skills and approaches in social work practice related to interpersonal work with individuals, families and groups living through challenging situations. Content will include a critical engagement with contemporary literature and the examination of evidence-informed interventions and critically reflective strategies that help guide professional practice in collaborative and safe environments.

To complete this course students must enrol in SOCWORK 721 A and B

Developing Social Work Professional Identity

Examines contemporary and historical social work cultural identity, language and discourse as a global profession. Socialisation to the profession and its values is explored through a defined range of practice fields, premised on a human rights and social justice framework. Systemic models of practice are reviewed. Inter-professional practice, professional ethics, anti-oppressive and bicultural practice and registration are analysed in the New Zealand setting.

Social Work in the New Zealand Context

Examines the history, policy, law, social patterns, trends and issues that contribute to the working environment for bicultural social work practice in Aotearoa New Zealand. Content will encourage an understanding of the organisational, statutory and community context of social services, professional practice and the reflective social worker operating in settings that can be examined, challenged and changed.

Applied Social Work Research Methods

Examines the professional and ethical mandate for research which aims to enhance the growth of all forms of knowledge that inform effective social work practice. Students are introduced, as research consumers and practitioners, to the principles, theories, ethics and approaches that inform social research as applied in social work contexts.

Supervised Field Placement I

A first practicum course which focuses on developing a professional identity and a philosophy of practice that is shaped by integrating personal experience and professional knowledge, values and skills. A significant part of this course includes a period of a minimum of 50 days of supervised agency-based practical experience for which the student will be prepared through developing individual learning goals.

Prerequisite: SOCWORK 721, 722, 723

Corequisite: SOCWORK 724

Professional Social Work Research in Practice

Following the logic of social work practice and evidence-informed interventions, students will examine relevant social work research literature and common approaches. They will critically apply ethical research and practice principles to problem definition, literature review, research strategies, proposals and design, and evaluation of evidence, culminating in a robust evidence-based approach to practice.

Prerequisite: SOCWORK 721-725
To complete this course students must enrol in SOCWORK 734 A and B

Supervised Field Placement II

An advanced practicum course which includes a critical interrogation of the relationships between critical reflection, professional supervision and ethics and their application to professional social work practice. Includes a minimum of 70 days supervised agency-based practical experience, building on the knowledge and skills gained in the first practicum and concurrent coursework.

Prerequisite: SOCWORK 721-725

Integration Portfolio

An integrative summary with critical reflection on student development as a social work practitioner. The portfolio demonstrates an understanding of the student's professional and skills development within the context of their academic programme and practice learning.

Prerequisite: SOCWORK 721-725

Issues in Clinical Practice

An in-depth examination of theoretical and cultural perspectives in a range of fields within health social work. Content will include contemporary literature and research on assessments and interventions that can assist adults and children experiencing grief, loss and change through the lifespan and the impact of major change in social circumstances on health and wellbeing.

Policy Appraisal and Innovation in Human Services

Enables students to assess the construction and performance of policy in fields of social and human service practice. Explores contemporary policy, comparative policy analysis, research-led policy development, programme monitoring and evaluation. Examines practitioner responsibility for policy appraisal to enable practitioners to become conversant with policy innovation and change in professional settings.

To complete this course students must enrol in SOCWORK 757 A and B, or SOCWORK 757

Special Topic

Special Topic

Thesis

To complete this course students must enrol in SOCWORK 796 A and B

Research Portfolio

To complete this course students must enrol in SOCWORK 797 A and B

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Source: The University of Auckland 2013 Online Calendar
Last updated on: Thursday 1 November 2012
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