Explores moral and ethical foundations of social work practice, different models of ethical decision-making and historical evolution of social work values and codes of ethics. Develops contextual nature of ethical issues and dilemmas across fields of practice.
You are doing social work because of your values.
That's the fundamental starting point of SWSP3022 - a shared understanding that respect, social justice and integrity are both the guiding principles of social work AND the ultimate goals of our practice.
There are four basic questions that we grapple with in the course:
To answer these questions we take a discursive approach. Values are shared: they need to be discussed and analysed, not just lectured.
The course is a weekly 3 hour seminar delivered face-to-face, in person. The session will be recorded, but there is no zoom option for joining in from a distance.
Because we are in workshop mode, recordings will not capture everything that's discussed in class. For example, questions and discussions (and there will be a lot of these) won't be easily followed on recording. In other words, you'll get more out of the course if you attend!
Extra important note: Interprofessional Collaborative Practice Modules
Interprofessional Collaborative Practice modules have been developed by the Faculty and are being rolled out across all disciplines this semester. These are embedded within SWSP3022, but they are separate from that course and I (John) am not the coordinator of the modules.
There is a teamwork assessment built into the modules, but it's important to remember that your work in them is distinct from your work in SWSP3022. The modules are embedded in our course because they are an important aspect of practice and a logical fit - but they are a discreet unit in themselves. The modules include on-line tutorials timetabled for specific weeks (not every week) on a Thursday and they have their own Blackboard site, separate from SWSP3022. Remember - this is not instead of the ethics course - it's in addition to the ethics course.
We want to encourage you to think of the modules as a significant advantage and not simply 'extra work'. These have been linked to SWSP3022 because as we'll discover, Professional Integrity is a core social work value. Being skilled at working interprofessionally, in all fields of practice, is crucial for providing quality, holistic services to clients. Having experience in this format will considerably enhance your attractiveness to placement providers as well as your employability. Grab the opportunity!
Participants will work in small teams in the tutorial groups with students from; Dentistry, Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, Midwifery, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Social Work and Speech Pathology. There are three modules that consist of on-line preparation and face-to-face in class (or via Zoom) learning activities. You will work in your team to engage in a range of learning activities to develop your knowledge and skills to help prepare you for working in teams when caring for clients.
In all three modules you will follow a client on their journey with their health.
These modules are all managed via a separate Blackboard site which you'll be emailed about.
ASWEAS Required Curriculum Content Areas covered in this course:
The Bachelor of Social Work (Hons) program is accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers.
The Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards (2020) stipulates that accredited social work programs are required to include content that addresses the five core curriculum areas listed below. This course contains content in the following curriculum areas:
1. Constructions of social work purpose, place, and practice: YES
2. Power, oppression, and exploitation: YES
3. The history and contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples: YES
4. Culture, identity, and discrimination: NO
5. Psychosocial health and wellbeing across the lifecycle: NO
ﾠ
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
SWSP3055 or SWSP3077 or SWSP3155 or SWSP3160
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
SW342
I am always happy to meet with you, if you have any questions about the course or if there are issues you'd like to discuss.
The two best ways to contact me are directly after class in person - or by email.
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Attendance is strongly encouraged. The complexity (and sensitivity) of the topics we will discuss really require face-to-face interaction.
ﾠ
ﾠ
The overall aim of the course is for students to acquire the knowledge and skills to makeﾠconsidered andﾠprincipled ethical decisions as social workers. An associated goal is to reduce the likelihood of unethical conduct in the carrying out of future professional activities. These goals will be informed by theoretical knowledge, a focus on personal and professional self-awareness, and the development of decision-making and analytical skills. Learning outcomes are directly linked to UQ Graduate Attributes and defined Social Work Attributes as developed by the School. The learning and assessment activities link directly to these Learning Outcomes.
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Demonstrate an understanding of how ethical theory applies to social work practice;
LO2.
Demonstrate an ability to identify and critically appraise personal value positions that may be reflected in social work assessments;
LO3.
Demonstrate knowledge of ethical responsibilities as outlined in the AASW Code of Ethics;
LO4.
Demonstrate an awareness of cultural considerations and their implications for ethical decision making in social work practice;
LO5.
Demonstrate a capacity to develop, articulate and defend ethical positions and decisions in a professional context;
LO6.
Demonstrate an ability to critically analyse and use ethical decision-making frameworks and processes;
LO7.
Demonstrate a capacity to articulate ethical understanding and positions with clarity and insight.
LO8.
Develop interprofessional practice skills including role clarification, team functioning, interprofessional communication and client-centred care. N.b., THIS LEARNING OBJECTIVE RELATES TO THE IPCP MODULE ONLY.
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Examination |
In-Class Inspera Exam
|
40% |
26/08/2024 11:00 am
. |
| Role play/ Simulation |
Practice Dilemma: Planning an Ethical Response
|
60% |
25/10/2024 1:00 pm |
| Creative Production/ Exhibition, Essay/ Critique |
HABS1240 IPCP Groupwork Tasks
|
Pass/Fail (Must Pass) |
See the HABS1240 Blackboard site. |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
26/08/2024 11:00 am
.
On 26/8, during class, we will undertake an in-class, closed book, Inspera-based exam.
The exam will be of 90 minutes duration (excluding any preparation time), is worth 40% of your overall mark for the course, and will assess your understanding of content covered in the first five weeks of course readings.
The exam will commence at the standard beginning of class. 10 minutes reading time will be allowed.
You must bring your student ID card, which will be checked at the commencement of the exam.
You must also bring an Inspera-compatible laptop-top. If you don't own one, you can organise to borrow one from the Library.
More information about using Inspera Assessment from the Library website Get familiar with Inspera, which provides the latest information for students about using Inspera.
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 90 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Materials | Clear water bottles with no labels are permitted. Other belongings, including phones, must remain in your bag at the front of the room. |
| Exam platform | Inspera |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
You may be able to defer this exam.
25/10/2024 1:00 pm
This description is only a summary of the task. For full details, including the marking rubric, please refer to the course Learn UQ (Blackboard) site.
In groups of three, students will submit a 45-minute video-role play depicting three social workers at a service in which they:
A detailed scenario which forms the basis of this assignment is available as a separate document available on the Blackboard site.
Carefully note the following:
In addition, each student is required to submit an annotated reference list which applies directly to their input in the video.
It is NOT expected that references will be directly mentioned in the video, as this would not accurately reflect a typical social work planning discussion. It IS expected, however, that students are able to link their discussion to course reading material. Therefore, for each substantive point made by you in the discussion, you are required to include in your document a reference (in APA 7 format) annotated with the time in the video it was used and the page number containing the information.
Marks for the reference list are contained in criterion 1.
This assessment requires students to submit an electronic version of their assignment via Blackboard.
The anti-plagiarism software Turnitin is being used at UQ. The electronic version of your assignment will be submitted via Blackboard, using the Turnitin software. Work submitted will be subjected to a plagiarism detection process.
Please refer to ITS help if you experience difficulties in submitting your assessment in Blackboard or using Turnitin.
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Applying for an extension
Extension requests are submitted online via my.UQ. Extension requests received in any other way will not be approved.
Information about applying for an extension can be found on my.UQ.
https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/exams-and-assessment/applying-assessment-extension?p=2#2
Extension guidelines
See the HABS1240 Blackboard site.
The IPCP is a HaBS faculty project. It is not marked or co-ordinated by John.
You must participate in the modules and achieve a Pass grade or you will not be eligible to pass SWSP3022.
This is a team assessment and all team members are expected to contribute equally to the team’s assessment items. Teams will be assigned during your first tutorial. There are three (3) parts to this assessment:
Part one requires you to complete a worksheet and will draw on the online and face-to-face content from Module 1 of the IPCP curriculum focusing on role-clarification and client-centred care.
Length: There is no word limit for the worksheet.
Part two involves creating a 3-minute video which draws upon the online and face-to-face content from Modules 2 and 3 of the IPCP curriculum focusing on interprofessional communication, team functioning and client-centred care.
Length: Video 3 minutes
Part Three involves a written assignment (300 words max) which draws on the online and face-to-face content from Modules 2 and 3 of the IPCP curriculum focusing on how client-centred care can be improved.
Length: The word limit for the written assignment is 300 words combined, including in-text references
Teams will need to submit all three parts of your assessment in the Assessment tab on the IPCP Learn.UQ course site. Additional information regarding submission will be provided on the IPCP Learn.UQ course site.
Please refer to the assessment information on Learn.UQ for further details and requirements for the assessment.
Submission:
Online submission via Blackboard.
The IPCP module is a Pass/Fail assessment task. Students who pass the module will receive a course grade based on the remaining assessment in the course.
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Applying for an extension
Extension requests are submitted online via my.UQ. Extension requests received in any other way will not be approved.
Information about applying for an extension can be found on my.UQ .
Extension guidelines
Outcome of application
Penalties for late submission
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 1 - 29.9 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 2 (Fail) | 30 - 46.9 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 47 - 49.9 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64.49 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 5 (Credit) | 64.5 - 74.49 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 74.5 - 84.49 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 84.5 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
In order to be eligible to pass SWSP3022 students must submitﾠALL assessment pieces AND sit the examination.
The 10% word limit rule applies to allﾠassessment in SWSP3022. Submissions 10% longer or shorter than the word-limit as specified in the course profile or Blackboard site will be penalised 10% of the available mark.ﾠﾠ
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Referencing:
One of the challenges with studying ethics is distinguishing between mere statements of opinion or assertions of values as self-evidently true and actual ethical argument and debate.ﾠTo ensure that only evidence-based, reliable and ethical material is used I have decided to impose some rules around material which will be acceptable for use in all assessment tasks.
Primary references for all assessment tasks should be academic, peer-reviewed published papers, accessible via UQ Library AND books published by academic publishing houses (e.g. Sage, Palgrave, Cengage etc.) These should comprise the majority of references used in all tasks. Texts referenced in the course are also acceptable. If you're not sure, check with John!
Consult with the Course Coordinator if there is a website you would like to use.
The following may notﾠbe used as references in assessment tasks:
Referencing in SWSP3022 should be according to APA 7 format only.
Use of AI:
Artificial Intelligence (AI) provides access to information that may support you in completing this assessment task. You can use it to gather information, howeverﾠyou MUST cite and appropriately reference the AI in exactly the same way as you reference all other sources in your work.
You may choose to use AI to format your reference list (APA 7), however be aware it has been shown to be unreliable at that task. If the AI gets the referencing wrong, it’s you (not the AI) who will lose marks.
Your writing should show your personality and your thought processes. Anyone who has generated written work from AI knows that it writes in a very bland, general and fake-human way. That won’t get marks!
If you choose to search for information using tools such as ChatGPT, consider this: information accessed by AI is not peer-reviewed. It has the value of information gathered from an anonymous Wikipedia page. It also communicates like a robot.
Do you really want to be a robotic professional who consults Wikipedia to help clients?
If so, social work is not the profession for you.
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Please be aware of the student responsibility to check their student email account often - this is the way the University communicates with you. Please note you can link your UQ email account to your private email account.
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (22 Jul - 28 Jul) |
Lecture |
Introduction(s). We consider our baser instincts. In which the course is introduced, base behaviour is discussed and the hope of a brighter future is not entirely extinguished. Read Banks (2021), chapter 1 Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07 |
Week 2 (29 Jul - 04 Aug) |
Lecture |
Relativism In which we dismantle the lie that Truth is plural, with the help of L. M. Healy's article. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07 |
Week 3 (05 Aug - 11 Aug) |
Lecture |
Social work values & the code of ethics In which the ethics of your chosen profession are unveiled like Salome. Banks (2021), chapter 4 is our Herodias, the AASW Code of Ethics is our Johannen. Or vice-versa. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07 |
Week 4 (12 Aug - 18 Aug) |
Lecture |
Duty or outcomes? In which we explore the age-old perspectives of the Great. Guess which one had himself stuffed (and is still on display in London). Banks (2021), chap. 2 will be our pre-reading guide. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07 |
Week 5 (19 Aug - 25 Aug) |
Lecture |
Character In which we plumb the depths of good and bad people. Read Banks (2021), chapter 3 and bring some gloves with some Handee Ultra: plumbed depths can be messy. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07 |
Week 6 (26 Aug - 01 Sep) |
Practical |
Inspera exam This will be an in-class inspire-based exam. Readings from weeks 1-5 will be examinable. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07 |
Week 7 (02 Sep - 08 Sep) |
Lecture |
Rights Alice asked the Cheshire Cat, who was sitting in a tree, What road do I take? The cat asked, Where do you want to go? I don t know, Alice answered. Then, said the cat, it really doesn't matter, does it? ' Read more koan-like observations in Banks (2021), chapter 5. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07 |
Week 8 (09 Sep - 15 Sep) |
Lecture |
Care In which we soulfully ask, "But do you? Do you really?" before turning to Hay's paper for comfort and consolation. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07 |
Week 9 (16 Sep - 22 Sep) |
Lecture |
Ethical stress and decision making In which Fenton's paper and McAuliffe's one as well take us on a Magical Mystery Tour full of shock and awe. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07 |
Week 10 (30 Sep - 06 Oct) |
Lecture |
Control In which we consider the dual nature of social work: carer and controller. Maylea's paper is just an example of the fun awaiting you on graduation. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07 |
Week 11 (07 Oct - 13 Oct) |
Lecture |
Management In which we respect persons, helped along by Banks (2021), chap. 6 Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07 |
Week 12 (14 Oct - 20 Oct) |
Lecture |
Evil A topic we are all too sophisticated to take seriously? Read Humphrey (2015) and get back into the swamp. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07 |
Week 13 (21 Oct - 27 Oct) |
Lecture |
Ethics work ...at which point, we pack up our bags, put the chairs on the tables, make sure the windows are shut, and go. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07 |
SWSP3022 is founded on principles of adult education. Students are expected to take responsibility for their learning:
Attendance at lectures and tutorials is strongly encouraged as a primary means of acquiring the information necessary to pass SWSP3022. Attendance on the week you are scheduled to present to the class is compulsory.
All information regarding assessment tasks (including the examination) will be provided in the course profile, the Blackboard site and the lectures. If you have questions about these, read the course profile and Blackboard site and come to class.
The Course Coordinator takes responsibility for:
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.