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Foundations of Social Work Theory
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BSWUG3001 - Foundations of Social Work Theory
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20250200
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3.3
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2026-09-10
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2026-09-10
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Social Work, Community & Human Services
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Institute of Education, Arts & Community
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Social Work, Community & Human Services
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Undergraduate
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15
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.125
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090501
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Social Work
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090501 - Social Work
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<a href="http://www.federation.edu.au/locate/unit/bswug3001">View unit fees</a>
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Graded (e.g. HD, D, C, etc)
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<p>This unit applies a critical lens to the multidisciplinary knowledge base of social work by further exploring major influencing theories, including psychosocial theory, human development theories, critical theory, radical and feminist theories and anti-oppressive approaches. It critically explores the history of social work with a particular focus on the historical and contemporary disadvantage experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and First Nations People and Communities. It also further emphasises what it means to be a ‘Critical Practitioner’ while working at various levels, namely micro, meso and macro, and at the intersection of social work values, norms and ethics.</p>
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<p>•The Complex History of Social Work Historical development of the profession of social work and the context of the human service sector Contemporary trends in the sector Historical and contemporary disadvantage experienced by First Nations People and Communities Setting the scene – a). Methods of social work intervention, including counselling, community work, policy development and social action; b). Fields of practice, including family violence, aged care, child protection, mental health, youth studies etc Social Work Theories that Inform Practice Multidisciplinary nature of social work theories (influences from psychology, sociology, political, social policy etc). Theories in Social Work Practice: a). Problem solving theories: Cognitive- Behavioural therapy, Psychosocial Health and Wellbeing, Human Development Theories, Systems Theories; b). Empowerment Theories: Strengths and solutions, Narrative Practice, Humanistic and Existential Theories and Social Justice and Empowerment c). Change Theories- Radical & Critical Social Work, Feminist practice, Anti-Oppressive practice Introducing the Sector: Role of a Practitioner Values and ethics of practice Ethical theories, codes and principles (including the AASW code of ethics and practice standards) Understanding the self as human and as a social worker Understanding the others you may work with and being aware of language and discourse What it means to be a critical practitioner – reflecting on personal values <br>
•psychosocial theory, life course theory, critical theory, radical and feminist theory, postmodern theory and anti-oppressive approaches<br>
•Areas of Practice: working with children and families, cross-cultural context, working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities.<br>
•Reflecting on the role of social work profession</p>
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<p>Where supplementary assessment is available a student must have failed overall in the Unit but gained a final mark of 45 per cent or above, has completed all major assessment tasks (including all sub-components where a task has multiple parts) as specified in the Unit Description and is not eligible for any other form of supplementary assessment.</p>
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Overview
Key information
Requisites
Learning outcomes
Assessment
FedTASK
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Overview
Unit description
<p>This unit applies a critical lens to the multidisciplinary knowledge base of social work by further exploring major influencing theories, including psychosocial theory, human development theories, critical theory, radical and feminist theories and anti-oppressive approaches. It critically explores the history of social work with a particular focus on the historical and contemporary disadvantage experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and First Nations People and Communities. It also further emphasises what it means to be a ‘Critical Practitioner’ while working at various levels, namely micro, meso and macro, and at the intersection of social work values, norms and ethics.</p>
Unit content
<p>•The Complex History of Social Work Historical development of the profession of social work and the context of the human service sector Contemporary trends in the sector Historical and contemporary disadvantage experienced by First Nations People and Communities Setting the scene – a). Methods of social work intervention, including counselling, community work, policy development and social action; b). Fields of practice, including family violence, aged care, child protection, mental health, youth studies etc Social Work Theories that Inform Practice Multidisciplinary nature of social work theories (influences from psychology, sociology, political, social policy etc). Theories in Social Work Practice: a). Problem solving theories: Cognitive- Behavioural therapy, Psychosocial Health and Wellbeing, Human Development Theories, Systems Theories; b). Empowerment Theories: Strengths and solutions, Narrative Practice, Humanistic and Existential Theories and Social Justice and Empowerment c). Change Theories- Radical & Critical Social Work, Feminist practice, Anti-Oppressive practice Introducing the Sector: Role of a Practitioner Values and ethics of practice Ethical theories, codes and principles (including the AASW code of ethics and practice standards) Understanding the self as human and as a social worker Understanding the others you may work with and being aware of language and discourse What it means to be a critical practitioner – reflecting on personal values <br> •psychosocial theory, life course theory, critical theory, radical and feminist theory, postmodern theory and anti-oppressive approaches<br> •Areas of Practice: working with children and families, cross-cultural context, working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities.<br> •Reflecting on the role of social work profession</p>
Key information
Institute / school:
Institute of Education, Arts & Community
Discipline:
Social Work, Community & Human Services
Study level:
Undergraduate
Credit points:
15
EFTSL:
0.125
Field of education:
090501 - Social Work
Offering:
<p><strong>Semester 2</strong><p>Ballarat - Mt Helen (On Campus)</p><p>Berwick (On Campus)</p><p>Gippsland - Churchill (On Campus)</p></p>
Grade scheme:
Graded (e.g. HD, D, C, etc)
Placement component:
No
Fee information:
<a href="http://www.federation.edu.au/locate/unit/bswug3001">View unit fees</a>
Requisites
Prerequisite
None
Corequisite
None
Exclusion
None
Learning outcomes
Learning outcomes
<p>On successful completion of this unit, students are expected to gain the following [K]nowledge, [S]kills and [A]pplication of knowledge & skills</p>
Learning Outcomes
Ref
Outcome
K1
<p>Develop a conceptual and practical understanding of key theories that underpin a variety of Social Work practice frameworks;</p>
K2
<p>Demonstrate understanding of the relationships between various theoretical perspectives from studies in philosophy, sociology and psychology and their place in Social Work practice;</p>
K3
<p>Examine the history of, and current challenges in the profession of Social Work, including the contribution of the profession to the historical and contemporary disadvantage experienced by First Nations People and Communities;</p>
K4
<p>Develop beginning understanding of methods of social work intervention, including, counselling, community work, policy development and social action;</p>
K5
<p>Examine ethical codes, theories and principles and how they impact on social work practice and;</p>
K6
<p>Critically reflect on social work professional identity by examining how personal and professional values impact on social work practice.</p>
S1
<p>Identify the key theoretical approaches that inform social work practice;</p>
S2
<p>Locate and contrast the multi-disciplinary influences that inform the development of social work theories;</p>
S3
<p>Understand the historical context of social work profession and its impact on contemporary social work practice;</p>
S4
<p>Recognise varied methods of social work intervention in a variety of social work settings and;</p>
S5
<p>Develop critical reflection skills as the basis for self-reflection and professional development as a social work practitioner.</p>
A1
<p>Develop skills in independently researching and identifying appropriate theoretical frameworks for supporting a range of ethical and effective Social Work practices;</p>
A2
<p>Utilise an evidence base in combination with critical reflection to theorise about Social Work practice frameworks;</p>
A3
<p>Develop capacity to systematically and creatively explore social work professional identity and its influence on individual social work practice and;</p>
A4
<p>Critically reflect upon the self and the impacts of personal and professional values on social work practice.</p>
Assessment
Learning Tasks and Assessment
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Learning task
Assessment type
Weighting
Learning outcomes assessed
1
<p>Learning exercises will explore key concepts covered in unit material, including developing an understanding of critical reflection as a tool for developing professional identity. Critical learning exercises will involve a wide variety of audio-visual/reading and case study resources.</p>
<p>Learning Portfolio</p>
<p>30%-40%</p>
K1, K3, K4, K5, K6, S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, A3, A4
2
<p>Students will complete a quiz based on pre-seminar and face-to-face learning activities.</p>
<p>Quiz</p>
<p>20%-30%</p>
K3, K4, K5, S3, S4
3
<p>Using a case study as the basis for your discussion, critically evaluate how social work theories inform and influence social work practice.</p>
<p>Essay</p>
<p>40%-50%</p>
K1, K2, K4, K6, S1, S3, S4, S5, A1, A2, A3
Supplementary assessment available:
Yes
Supplementary assessment information:
<p>Where supplementary assessment is available a student must have failed overall in the Unit but gained a final mark of 45 per cent or above, has completed all major assessment tasks (including all sub-components where a task has multiple parts) as specified in the Unit Description and is not eligible for any other form of supplementary assessment.</p>
FedTASK
FedTASK
Description of FedTASK outcome
Level
FedTASK 1: Interpersonal
The ability to effectively communicate, interact and work with others both individually and in groups.
<p>Level 3 - Student works independently with limited guidance or works within self-determined guidelines appropriate to context</p>
FedTASK 2: Leadership
The ability to apply professional skills and behaviours in leading others.
<p>Level 3 - Student works independently with limited guidance or works within self-determined guidelines appropriate to context</p>
FedTASK 3: Critical Thinking and Creativity
The ability to work in complexity and ambiguity using imagination to create new ideas.
<p>Level 3 - Student works independently with limited guidance or works within self-determined guidelines appropriate to context</p>
FedTASK 4: Digital Literacy
The ability to work fluently across a range of tools and applications to achieve a range of skills.
<p>Level 3 - Student works independently with limited guidance or works within self-determined guidelines appropriate to context</p>
FedTASK 5: Sustainable and Ethical Mindset
The ability to consider and assess the consequences and impact of ideas and actions in enacting ethical and sustainable decisions.
<p>Level 3 - Student works independently with limited guidance or works within self-determined guidelines appropriate to context</p>
FedTASK
<p>Federation University recognises that students require key transferable employability skills to prepare them for their future workplace and society. FedTASKs (<strong>T</strong>ransferable <strong>A</strong>ttributes <strong>S</strong>kills and <strong>K</strong>nowledge) provide a targeted focus on five key, transferable Attributes, Skills, and Knowledge that are embedded within curriculum, developed gradually towards successful measures and interlinked with cross-discipline and co-operative learning opportunities.</p>
Key information
Institute / school:
Institute of Education, Arts & Community
Discipline:
Social Work, Community & Human Services
Study level:
Undergraduate
Credit points:
15
EFTSL:
0.125
Field of education:
090501 - Social Work
Offering:
<p><strong>Semester 2</strong><p>Ballarat - Mt Helen (On Campus)</p><p>Berwick (On Campus)</p><p>Gippsland - Churchill (On Campus)</p></p>
Grade scheme:
Graded (e.g. HD, D, C, etc)
Placement component:
No
Fee information:
<a href="http://www.federation.edu.au/locate/unit/bswug3001">View unit fees</a>
Additional information
Add Info Static Text
Internal reference: BSWUG3001 - U3.3