Course coordinator
Dr Debby Lynch
Please email Debby if you wish to schedule an appointment.
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Nursing, Midwifery & Social Wk
Social work practice is understood in relation to a number of methods. Students will be taught, and are expected to demonstrate competence in social work practice as that is practiced in communities, and a capacity to integrate several methods required by a particular piece of work.
Please note that conversation cafes (peer discussion groups) are also a component of this course.
Welcome to SWSP7188 Direct Practice 2. This course focuses on social work practice in building and sustaining groups andﾠ communities. We will concentrate on two methods of practice.ﾠThese methods are group work practice and community workﾠpractice.These methods are often referred to as "mezzo" andﾠ“macro-practice” in social work. In concert with SWSP7177, which focused on work with individuals in both voluntary and involuntary casework settings,ﾠthis course aims to facilitate the development of basic practice capacities and theoretical understanding sufficient to undertakeﾠa placement involving group and community work practice. Like SWSP7177, this course starts with a focus on social work practice as a purposeful activity. You will be required to consider how we negotiate our practice purpose through our context, our professional base, as well as the values, experience, skills, and views that we bring to social work practice. SWSP7177 and SWSP7188 are constructed to develop and broaden theﾠprofessional skills that you have already developed and to develop new capacities relevant to direct social work practice.ﾠ
Key Learning Areas
In this course, the content we cover includes:
- Knowledge and skills in working with groups and communities.
- Critical reflection in group and community development practice.
- Social work values in the context of group and community practice.
- Identifying different forms of community, especially spatial communities such as urban and rural communities, and identity based communities.
- Philosophies and theories of professional practice as applied to direct practice with communities.ﾠWe will compare and contrast consensual and contestual philosophies of community work and practice.ﾠ
- Theﾠtwo models of community development practice that will be considered are: Asset Based Community Development and Anti-Oppressive Practiceﾠ.
- Community consultation processes with a focus on considering how community workers interface with policy processes to advocate with and for communities, and to access resources with and for communities.ﾠﾠﾠ
The following key direct practice skills for working with communities will be considered at an introductory level:
- Community education processes.
- Skills in planning and running a community support group.
- Group leadership: An inclusive approach.
- Maximising group participation: Ensuring everyone gets a voice in groups and meetings.
- Assessing community capacities and strengths.
- The basics of mediating conflict in a group or community environment.
- Preparing a media release (print and online media).
- Community consultation and advocacy.
- Preparing funding submissions for small community projects.
- Evaluating community based practice.
Acknowledgement
The University of Queensland acknowledges the Traditional Owners and their custodianship of the lands on which the university now stands. We pay our respects to their Ancestors and their descendants, who continue their cultural and spiritual connections to Country. We recognise their valuable contributions to Australia and global society.ﾠﾠ
ASWEAS Required Curriculum Content Areas covered in this course:
The MSW(Q)/MSocWkSt 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: NO
4. Culture, identity, and discrimination: YES
5. Psychosocial health and wellbeing across the lifecycle: YES
Course requirements
Assumed background
Students will have successfully completed SWSP7177 (Direct Practice 1) or equivalent course.
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
SWSP7177
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
SWSP2088
Restrictions
Restricted to MSW(Q) students
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Tutor
Ms Julie Anne Votan
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Consultations can be arranged with the course coordinator by appointment. There will be at least 2 peer conversation cafes this semester which are timed to assist with your assessment. The dates and times for these will be announced.ﾠ
Students are required to sign-on for tutorial allocation. Students who seek a different tutorial time should make a request via email to the course coordinator for a change in tutorial allocation time. No guarantee can be made that students will be granted a tutorial reallocation. In deciding on reallocation of tutorial places, the coordinator will prioritise requests for tutorial allocation giving preference to requests from students whose care commitments impact on their capacity to attend the allocated tutorial; the coordinator will require written verification from relevant services (such as child care services) that alternative care arrangements cannot be made. Requests from full-time students for tutorial reallocation in order to meet paid work commitments will be considered a lower priority.
Aims and outcomes
This course aims to:
- Build students’ understanding of, and capacity to use, foundational skills in group workﾠpractice andﾠcommunity development practice;
- Promote critical analysis of the different forms of community in which social workers are engaged and to develop students’ capacity to deploy practice skills appropriate to building inclusive communities within theseﾠdifferent types of community and to influence policy processes from a community base;ﾠ
- Promote culturally inclusive practices through the use of group work and community development methods;
- Build students' understanding of contemporary theoretical frameworks for social work practice in mezzo and macro practice. We will compare consensual and contestual approaches to community development and consider twoﾠtheories of professional practice, these are: Asset Based Community Development and Anti-Oppressive Practice.ﾠ
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Use skills in engaging groups in communities - Identify and apply basic skills in community work to influence and implement social policy through community consultation processes.
LO2.
Use skills in engaging groups in communities - Identify and apply basic skills in working with groups and communities, including practice skills for engaging, assessment and intervention with communities.
LO3.
Use skills in engaging groups in communities - Understand and use community education processes.
LO4.
Use skills in engaging groups in communities - Understand how social work values apply to group and community work practice as methods of professional social work practice.
LO5.
Use skills in engaging groups in communities - Articulate theoretical frameworks for group and community work practice in professional social work practice.
LO6.
Use skills in engaging groups in communities - Recognise different forms of community, especially those based on location and those based on cultural identity, and the implications of these differences for promoting inclusive communities.
LO7.
Use skills in engaging groups in communities - Understand how to contribute to culturally responsive approaches to working with groups and communities.
LO8.
Use skills in engaging groups in communities - Apply research skills to access key data sources which illuminate community need and capacity for the development of effective community consultation submissions.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Participation/ Student contribution, Presentation, Reflection | Group Skills Workshop and Individual Reflection | 50% |
16/08/2024 - 6/09/2024 |
| Project | Community Development Project | 50% Marked out of 100 |
25/10/2024 1:00 pm |
Assessment details
Group Skills Workshop and Individual Reflection
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Written
- Category
- Participation/ Student contribution, Presentation, Reflection
- Weight
- 50%
- Due date
16/08/2024 - 6/09/2024
- Learning outcomes
- L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07
Task description
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.
There are two (2) parts to this assessment.
Part 1: Group Skills Workshop
Weighting: 25%
Task Description: In the tutorials from Week 4 to Week 7, students will work in groups of 4-5 students to facilitate one of four community work practice skills workshops. Each group will be allocated a topic which will be available on Blackboard in Week 2.. The community work practice skills workshops are crucial to your development as a future social worker. You will have the opportunity to practice essential group work and community practice skills. Should a student be unable to attend and participate in a week 4-7 tutorial due to ill health or unanticipated personal crisis in the tutorial when other groups are presenting then a catch-up group work activity (such as facilitating a activity in one of the tutorials) will be required to ensure that the student has met the course learning outcomes as stipulated by Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) accreditation course requirements.
Part 2: Individual Reflection
Weighting: 25%
Task Description: Students will undertake a reflective analysis designed to deepen their understanding of community work practice. They will be required to write an (individual) reflection that addresses what has been learned, including skills, the links to theory and implications for your future practice. For this task, students are required to critically reflect on the use of a problem-posing approach drawing on their experience as a facilitator of a community work practice skills workshop on their topic and as a participating member in at least one of the group workshops facilitated by another student group. The reflective analysis will be supported with examples drawing on each of these experiences.
Use of AI: This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. While students may use AI technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence (AI) will provide only limited support and guidance. A failure to reference generative AI may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct. To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI tools.
Submission guidelines
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.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Extension guidelines
- Extension requests should be submitted prior to the assessment deadline.
- Extension requests must state the due date and the due time of the assessment.
- Requests for extensions received after the assessment item submission due date may not be approved. Late requests must include evidence of the reasons for the late request.
- The extension granted should be in proportion to the period of illness or disruption caused by the exceptional circumstances and will typically be no more than the specified maximum extension length.
- Students on a Student Access Plan (SAP) with a clause on extension requests must still adhere to the extensions request policy outlined. Students need to attach the SAP and a note outlining their current situation with the online extension application. A maximum of 7 days will be granted on the basis of an SAP. An extension request beyond 7 days will require additional supporting information as this request will not be considered on the basis of the SAP, but rather additional events (whether they relate to the circumstances of the SAP or not).
Outcome of application
- Extension requests are generally processed within 2 working days. Students can see the outcome of their application by logging in to my.UQ.
Late submission
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.
Community Development Project
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Project
- Weight
- 50% Marked out of 100
- Due date
25/10/2024 1:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08
Task description
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.
Task Description: The learning objectives of the Community Development Project are for students to demonstrate a capacity to design a community project for addressing community need and building capacity underpinned by community development principles and skills. Students will have the opportunity to design a community development project in the form of a funding application. The funding proposal is to be completed on a pre-formatted document.
Use of AI: This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. While students may use AI technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence (AI) will provide only limited support and guidance. A failure to reference generative AI may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct. To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI tools.
Submission guidelines
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.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Extension guidelines
- Extension requests should be submitted prior to the assessment deadline.
- Extension requests must state the due date and the due time of the assessment.
- Requests for extensions received after the assessment item submission due date may not be approved. Late requests must include evidence of the reasons for the late request.
- The extension granted should be in proportion to the period of illness or disruption caused by the exceptional circumstances and will typically be no more than the specified maximum extension length.
- Students on a Student Access Plan (SAP) with a clause on extension requests must still adhere to the extensions request policy outlined. Students need to attach the SAP and a note outlining their current situation with the online extension application. A maximum of 7 days will be granted on the basis of an SAP. An extension request beyond 7 days will require additional supporting information as this request will not be considered on the basis of the SAP, but rather additional events (whether they relate to the circumstances of the SAP or not).
Outcome of application
- Extension requests are generally processed within 2 working days. Students can see the outcome of their application by logging in to my.UQ.
Late submission
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.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0.1% - 29.9% |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Fails to demonstrate most or all of the basic requirements of the course. |
| 2 (Fail) | 30% - 46.9% |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates clear deficiencies in understanding and applying fundamental concepts; communicates information or ideas in ways that are frequently incomplete or confusing and give little attention to the conventions of the discipline. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 47% - 49.9% |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Demonstrates superficial, partial or faulty understanding of the fundamental concepts of the field of study and limited ability to apply these concepts; presents undeveloped, inappropriate or unsupported arguments; communicates information or ideas with lack of clarity and inconsistent adherence to the conventions of the discipline. |
| 4 (Pass) | 50% - 64.49% |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates adequate understanding and application of the fundamental concepts of the field of study; developes routine arguments or decisions and provides acceptable justifications; communicates information and ideas adequately in terms of the conventions of the discipline. |
| 5 (Credit) | 64.5% - 74.49% |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates substantial understanding of fundamental concepts of the field of study and ability to apply these concepts in a variety of contexts; develops or adapts convincing arguments and provides coherent justifications; communicates information and ideas clearly and fluently in terms of the conventions of the disciplines. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 74.5% - 84.49% |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: As for 5, with frequent evidence of originality in defining and analysing issues or problems and in creating solutions; uses a level, style and means of communication appropriate ot the discipline and the audience. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 84.5% - 100% |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: As for 6, with consistent evidence of substantial originality and insight in identifying, generating and communicating competing arguments, perspectives or problem-solving approaches; critically evaluates problems, their solutions and implications. |
Additional course grading information
All pieces of assessment must be submitted for the student to be eligible to pass the course.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
In the case of a student requiring a supplementary assessment for this course, the supplementary assessment will be designed to address those components of the course assessment where the student has yet to demonstrate achievement of the required learning objectives.
Additional assessment information
Note on Oral Assessments
The group workshops in this course will not be recorded (see Policy 3.10.02 Assessment - Procedures). Written notes will be taken by your tutor to document the group's performance in the workshops and for the purposes of moderation.ﾠﾠ
Word Count Outside Required Length
A word count that is within 10% of the set length (word limit) is acceptable. A word count that is outside of this 10% will result in a reduction of 10% of the total mark available for the assessment. Please note that the word count for assessment items includes in text citations, tables and figures but excludes the reference list.ﾠ
Learning resources
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.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
Tip! Please be aware of the student responsibility to check their student email account often as this is the way the University communicates with you. Please note you can link your UQ email account to your private email account.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (22 Jul - 28 Jul) |
Lecture |
Overview and Introduction to the course Welcome to Direct Practice 2. The first session will be introductory and offer an overview of the course. Group work and community development are explored as methods of social work practice. We will examine community as the focus and context of social work practice. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04 |
Week 2 (29 Jul - 04 Aug) |
Lecture |
Community Education We will focus on the theory and practice of community education. This content is important for developing your group workshops in Weeks 4-7 of the course. Learning outcomes: L03, L05 |
Tutorial |
Introductory Tutorial In this first tutorial, we introduce ourselves and set group agreements. We organise the groups for the workshops and begin to consider community work skills. Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04 |
|
Week 3 (05 Aug - 11 Aug) |
Lecture |
Culturally Responsive Community Work Today we host a guest practitioner who will guide our learning about protocol for respectful engagement with culturally diverse communities. Learning outcomes: L02, L06, L07 |
Tutorial |
Community Education We review community education principles and identify important skills for the group workshops. We will discuss approaches to, and skills in, engaging with culturally diverse communities. Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L05, L07 |
|
Week 4 (12 Aug - 18 Aug) |
Lecture |
Working with Groups in a Community Context We discuss the types of groups in a community work context. We explore the different ways community workers facilitate group participation. This theme will continue in the tutorial. Learning outcomes: L02, L05 |
Tutorial |
Maximising Group Participation This tutorial begins with the first skills workshop which focuses on achieving inclusive group leadership through maximising participation in groups. Following the workshop we discuss material from the course readings with a focus on the stage theory of groups. Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L06 |
|
Week 5 (19 Aug - 25 Aug) |
Lecture |
Groups as Vehicles for Change We return to the theme of working with groups and consider some practical examples of how community groups are being used to achieve change. Learning outcomes: L02, L04, L05, L07 |
Tutorial |
Managing Conflict in Groups The second student skills workshop addresses the topic of understanding and managing conflict in groups. We discuss conflict as an inevitable part of groups and consider how conflict can be managed constructively. Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L07 |
|
Week 6 (26 Aug - 01 Sep) |
Lecture |
Asset Based Community Development We explore the principles of an Asset Based Approach to Community Development. Learning outcomes: L02, L04, L05, L07 |
Tutorial |
Assessing Community Needs & Capacities Assessing a community's needs and capacities is the topic of the group workshop. We will discuss the Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) approach. Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 7 (02 Sep - 08 Sep) |
Lecture |
A Critical Practice Perspective We consider forms of community work that are aimed at creating social change. Learning outcomes: L02, L04, L06, L07 |
Tutorial |
Working with the Media The final skills workshop addresses working with the media (print or social media) to represent and advocate for your community. Students learn the skill of preparing media releases in community practice. We consider whether generative AI can play a role. Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
|
Week 8 (09 Sep - 15 Sep) |
Lecture |
Community Consultation and Advocacy We explore community consultation processes from a practice perspective and introduce the role of an advocacy paper. We will discuss how to write an advocacy paper based on community consultation processes. We explore the social worker's role in representing and advocating for/with communities through community consultation processes. Learning outcomes: L01, L04, L06, L07, L08 |
Tutorial |
Community Consultation Processes In this tutorial, we explore community consultation processes and discuss the role of an advocacy paper as a means to represent community. Learning outcomes: L01, L04, L06, L07, L08 |
|
Week 9 (16 Sep - 22 Sep) |
Lecture |
Community Work Practice & Policy Processes We continue to explore community consultation processes from a practice perspective. We focus on the social work role and writing an advocacy paper. Learning outcomes: L01, L04, L06, L07, L08 |
Tutorial |
Community Consultation Processes In this tutorial, we continue to explore community consultation processes and begin to discuss and plan your community development project. Learning outcomes: L01, L04, L06, L07, L08 |
|
Week 10 (30 Sep - 06 Oct) |
Lecture |
Preparing your Funding Proposal Part 1 We consider how social workers in community practice access funds for community activities. We discuss the following elements of your funding submission for your community development project: writing a budget, timeline and milestones. Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L06, L07 |
Tutorial |
Preparing your Funding Proposal Part 1 In this tutorial we focus on the skills involved in writing a funding submission. The class will engage in writing exercises. Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L06, L07 |
|
Week 11 (07 Oct - 13 Oct) |
Lecture |
Preparing your Funding Proposal Part 2 Preparing your Funding proposal. We continue to focus on the funding submission for your community development project and consider all the components. We discuss the community development principles and values underpinning your project design. Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L06, L07 |
Tutorial |
Preparing your Funding Proposal Part 2 In this tutorial we continue to focus on the skills involved in writing your funding submission. We will reflect on the community development principles and skills that underpin your project design. Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07 |
|
Week 12 (14 Oct - 20 Oct) |
Lecture |
Implementation, Evaluation and Review Part 1 Today we will continue to discuss the funding proposal and focus on project evaluation processes. Learning outcomes: L05, L06, L07 |
Tutorial |
Implementation, Evaluation and Review Part 1 In this tutorial we explore project evaluation processes. Learning outcomes: L05, L06, L07 |
|
Week 13 (21 Oct - 27 Oct) |
Lecture |
Implementation, Evaluation and Review Part 2 In the final lecture, we conclude our discussions of the funding submission and evaluation processes. Tips are provided on the final edit of your work. Key course themes will be reviewed. Learning outcomes: L02, L04, L05 |
Tutorial |
Course Review In the first half of the tutorial we review your learning in the course. In the last half we celebrate your achievements over the semester - activity to be decided together! Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08 |
Policies and procedures
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:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.