Overview
This unit will introduce you to social work and human services in Australia and the changing context for professional practice within contemporary society. You will develop an understanding of the historical and cultural context of social work, and human services more broadly, within the Australian welfare state and how these services are currently organised and delivered. You will be able to conceptualise social justice, inequality and disadvantage and their significance to professional practice. You will understand the values, ethics and principles of social work and human services, and how these inform methods of practice. This unit will focus on the human services context of professional practice and the broader challenges and opportunities within the social services sector. Consideration will be given to reflective practice and the 'use of self' and how social workers navigate complex systems of service delivery.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
There are no requisites for this unit.
Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Offerings For Term 1 - 2025
Attendance Requirements
All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes - in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.
Class Timetable
Assessment Overview
Assessment Grading
This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of 'pass' in order to pass the unit. If any 'pass/fail' tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully ('pass' grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the 'assessment task' section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University's Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback - Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
Feedback, Recommendations and Responses
Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.
Feedback from Student feedback
Feedback from students throughout the course in 2021 was overall positive. Students commented on the benefit of the residential school and the content and format of these.
Continue to provide engaging residential schools to support student learning.
Feedback from Evaluations
Students provided feedback on the assessments, stating each were helpful in their learning. There was some feedback that some of the assessments were difficult.
Assessments reviewed and greater clarity about task requirements undertaken.
- Examine the historical and contemporary context of service delivery within Australian human service organisations;
- Critique the concepts of social justice, and inequality, and how these inform professional social work practice within Australian human service organisations;
- Appraise the key values, ethics, principles and models of practice that inform professional practice in social work and human services;
- Demonstrate critically reflective practice techniques.
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| 1 - Written Assessment - 20% | ||||
| 2 - Reflective Practice Assignment - 30% | ||||
| 3 - Case Study - 50% | ||||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| 1 - Communication | ||||
| 2 - Problem Solving | ||||
| 3 - Critical Thinking | ||||
| 4 - Information Literacy | ||||
| 5 - Team Work | ||||
| 6 - Information Technology Competence | ||||
| 7 - Cross Cultural Competence | ||||
| 8 - Ethical practice | ||||
| 9 - Social Innovation | ||||
| 10 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | ||||
Textbooks
The Road to Social Work and Human Service Practice
Edition: 7 (2023)
Authors: Donna McAuliffe, Jennifer Boddy, Lesley Chenoweth
Cengage
Australia
ISBN: 9780170470940
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: American Psychological Association 7th Edition (APA 7th edition)
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
j.mcnamara@cqu.edu.au
Module/Topic
Welcome to SOWK11014
Chapter
Chapter 1: Starting the journey: an introduction to social work and human service practice
Chapter 3: Locating the lighthouse: values and ethics in practice
Events and Submissions/Topic
Pre-recorded Lecture: What is social work, learning goals and assessment
Tutorial: What is social work for you? - your emerging professional identity
Module/Topic
Past to Present: History of social work and contemporary practice
Chapter
Chapter 2: Surveying the landscape: historical and philosophical foundations for practice
Events and Submissions/Topic
Pre-recorded Lecture: From Past to Present: History of social work and human services
Tutorial: Drop-in/discussion
Module/Topic
Current and past discourses influencing social work practice
Chapter
Chapter 2: Surveying the landscape: historical and philosophical foundations for practice
Chapter 7: Negotiating the maze: the organisational context of practice (pp. 187 - 198)
Events and Submissions/Topic
Pre-recorded Lecture: Current and past discourses influencing social work: Impact on social work practice
Tutorial: Group work - How do discourses shape professional practice?
Module/Topic
Importance of reflective practice and use of self
Chapter
Chapter 10: New journeys (p. 278)
Events and Submissions/Topic
Pre-recorded Lecture: Importance of reflective practice and use of self
Tutorial: Group work - Scaffolding sense of self through peer reflection
Drop-in Session - Assessment 1 Q/A: See moodle for instructions
Module/Topic
Inequality, poverty: the role of social work
Chapter
Chapter 9: Traversing landscapes: working with oppression and privilege
Events and Submissions/Topic
Pre-recorded Lecture: Inequality, poverty: The role of social work
Tutorial: Group work - Becoming 'poverty aware': Reflecting on our assumptions about poverty
Assessment - Social work and concepts informing practice Due: Week 5 Wednesday (9 Apr 2025) 9:00 am AEST
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Social justice: Power and inequality
Chapter
Chapter 2: Surveying the landscape: historical and philosophical foundations for practice (pp. 42 - 46)
Events and Submissions/Topic
Pre-recorded Lecture: Social Justice: Power and inequality
Tutorial: Group work - Reflecting on power and inequality in our local communities - what can we learn from each other?
Module/Topic
Introduction to the knowledge base of social work
Chapter
Chapter 5: Finding the right maps: the knowledge base of practice
Events and Submissions/Topic
Pre-recorded Lecture: Introduction to knowledge in social work
Tutorial: Group work - What knowledge systems inform social work and how? What are the contentions?
Drop-in Session - Assessment 2 Q/A: see moodle for instructions
Module/Topic
Developing skills and knowledge for culturally respectful practice
Chapter
Chapter 9: Traversing landscapes: working with oppression and privilege (pp. 249 - 267)
Events and Submissions/Topic
Pre-recorded Lecture: Developing skills and knowledge for culturally respectful practice
Tutorial: Group work - Reflecting on the macro influences through cultural humility
Assessment - Reflective Practice Assignment Due: Week 8 Wednesday (7 May 2025) 9:00 am AEST
Module/Topic
Eco-social work and climate justice
Chapter
Chapter 10: New Journeys (pp. 287-8)
Events and Submissions/Topic
Pre-recorded Lecture: Global social work and climate justice
Tutorial: Group work - exploring the UN sustainable development goals to think globally when acting locally
Module/Topic
Guest speaker - understanding the service user perspective
Chapter
Chapter 10: New Journeys (p. 288-9)
Events and Submissions/Topic
Pre-recorded Interview with Guest Speaker
Module/Topic
Guest speaker - international social work perspective on social justice
Chapter
N/A
Events and Submissions/Topic
Pre-recorded interview with international Guest Speaker
Drop-in Session - Assessment 3 Q/A: see moodle for instructions
Module/Topic
Bringing it all together
Chapter
Chapter 10: New Journeys - Developing a Practice Framework
Events and Submissions/Topic
Tutorial: Discussion - Reflecting on your values and scaffolding your emerging professional identity and framework for practice
Assessment - Case Study Due: Week 12 Wednesday (4 June 2025) 9:00 am AEST
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
1 Written Assessment
Assessment 1 – Social work and concepts informing practice
Type: Written assessment
Due date: Wednesday 9th April 2025, 9.00 AM (AEST) (Week 5 of Term)
Extensions: Available as per the policy
Return Date: Monday 28th April 2025 (Week 7)
Weighting: 20%
Length: 800 words (+/- 10%)
Unit Coordinator: Jacqueline McNamara
Learning Outcomes Assessed
1. Examine the historical and contemporary context of service delivery within Australian human services organisations.
2. Critique the concepts of social justice and inequality and how these inform professional social work practice within Australian human services organisations.
Aim
As an emerging social worker, it is important to understand social workers' historical and current context in addressing social injustice. The aim of this assessment is to explore the concepts of social justice and inequality and the role of social work historically and currently, with a focus on the Australian cultural context.
Instructions
Within this assignment, the recommended set out will be as below:
1. Cover page- include your name, student number, unit code, assessment details and word count
2. INTRODUCTION (50 words)
3. PAST TO THE PRESENT
Explore and discuss the historical context of social work in human services in Australia. Include a discussion of the key movements, the principles and values underpinning these. (350 words)
4. ANALYSIS
Choose and discuss one of the following discourse/s neoliberalism, patriarchy, ableism, racism, colonisation, medical. In doing so, identify key implications of the discourse for social work with respect to addressing issues related to social justice, human rights and inequality. (350 words)
5. CONCLUSION
In the conclusion summarise the key implications and identify any links regarding principles, values and discourse between the historical development of social work and current social work practice. (50 words)
6. REFERENCES
Please follow the steps below to complete your assessment task:
1. Use headers as shown above in capitals
2. The follow words help to understand the writing parameters of this assignment:
Explore: inquire into or discuss in detail
Examine: to look at or consider the thing carefully and in detail in order to discover something about them
Describe give a detailed account
Critique a detailed analysis and assessment of something
3. The introduction has five important responsibilities: get the audience 's attention, introduce the topic, explain its relevance to the audience, state a thesis or purpose, and outline the main points. By the end of the introduction, you should provide a road map that outlines your main points.
4. The conclusion of an assignment should therefore convey a sense of completeness and closure of the topic, its larger meaning, its implications: the final paragraph should close the discussion.
Literature and references
In this assessment, use at least five (5) contemporary references (<10 years) to support your discussion. You may also use seminal scholarly literature where relevant. Suitable references include peer-reviewed journal articles as well as textbooks and credible websites. When sourcing information, consider the 5 elements of a quality reference: currency, authority, relevance, objectivity, and coverage. Grey literature sourced from the internet must be from reputable websites such as from government, university, or peak national bodies: for example, the Australian Association of Social Workers, International Federation of Social Workers, ACOSS, WHO.
Requirements
· Use a conventional and legible size 12 font, such as Times New Roman or Arial, with 2.0 line spacing and 2.54cm page margins (standard pre-set margin in Microsoft Word).
· Include page numbers on the top right side of each page in a header.
· Write in the third-person perspective.
· Use formal academic language.
· Use the seventh edition American Psychological Association (APA) referencing style. The CQUniversity Academic Learning Centre has an online APA Reference Guide.
The word count is considered from the introduction's first word to the conclusion's last word. The word count excludes the reference list but includes in-text references and direct quotations. No abstract or appendices are required for this assignment.
Resources
· You can use unit provided materials and other credible sources (e.g. journal articles, books) to reference your argument. The quality and credibility of your sources are important.
· We recommend that you access your discipline specific library guide: Social Work and Community Services Guide.
· We recommend you use EndNote to manage your citations and reference list. More information on how to use EndNote is available at the CQUniversity Library website.
· For information on academic communication please go to the Academic Learning Centre Moodle site. The Academic Communication section has many helpful resources including information for students with English as a second language.
· You may wish to submit a draft to Studiosity.
· Submit a draft before the due date to review your Tunitin Similarity Score. A high turnitin score indicates you are potentially plagiarising and so will need to go back and review that you have appropriately acknowledged the work and words of other people. You want to keep this as low as possible as otherwise you may be penalised for breaching academic integrity standard Instructions are available here.
Academic Integrity
1. You must abide by the principles of academic integrity (see Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure). Completion of this assessment with another party or sharing of responses is not permitted at any time.
2. The use of any generative artificial intelligence is permitted for the following purposes:
a. Gen AI content is used to generate ideas and general structures.
b. Gen AI content editing.
c. Checking spelling and grammar (for example, Grammarly).
If you use Gen AI to generate ideas, you are required to reference the Gen AI agent as per APA 7th guidelines. If you are using a Gen AI agent for content editing, please complete the declaration on the title page of your assessment. If Gen AI is not used, please delete this declaration.
Submission
Submit your assessment via the unit Moodle site in Microsoft Word format only.
Week 5 Wednesday (9 Apr 2025) 9:00 am AEST
Week 7 Monday (28 Apr 2025)
|
|
HD 84.5-100% |
D 74.5-84.49% |
C 64.50-74.49% |
P 49.50-64.49% |
F <49.5% |
MARKS |
|
Presentation and Structure – overall submission (10%) |
Discussion completely conforms to the Assignment Presentation guidelines including assignment cover page including name, student number, and word count. Correct spelling, grammar, sentence structure and paragraphs. Introduction provides succinct, clearly articulated and persuasive discussion of the purpose and outline of the points to be discussed. The conclusion has been articulated clearly and provides a succinct analysis of what has been discussed the body of the paper. Within expected word length. +/- 10%
|
Discussion mostly conforms to the Assignment Presentation guidelines, including assignment title page including name, student number, and word count. Correct spelling, grammar, sentence structure and paragraphs. Introduction provides clear well thought out discussion of the purpose and key points the key points to be discussed. The conclusion has been articulated clearly, with some level of analysis in summarising the key points that have been raised in the body of the paper. |
Discussion adequately conforms to the: Assignment Presentation guidelines including assignment title page including name, student number, and word count. Mostly correct spelling, grammar, sentence structure and paragraphs, content can occasionally be difficult to follow or understand. Introduction provides a discussion of what is to be discussed, however the purpose or outline is not always clear or directly relevant. The conclusion provides a summary but lacks any analysis, and or raises new points. Within expected word limit. +/- 10% |
Discussion occasionally conforms to the: Assignment Presentation guidelines, including assignment title page including name, student number, and word count. Somewhat correct spelling, grammar, sentence structure and paragraphs, content often, can be difficult to follow or understand. Introduction provides a basic summary however lacks clarity and direction, and/or is not directly related. Conclusion provides a repetition of the key points rather than having any of limited analysis. Within/exceeds expected word limit. +/- 10% |
Discussion unsuccessfully conforms to the: Assignment Presentation guidelines including assignment title page including name, student number, and word count. Poor spelling, grammar, sentence structure and paragraphs, making content difficult to read or follow. Introduction does not provide a clear discussion of the purpose of the paper or outline of the key points to be discussed. Conclusion does not provide a clear discussion of the key points discussed, there is no analysis and / or is difficult to understand. Deviates from expected word limit. +/- 10% |
/10 |
|
|
HD 84.5-100% |
D 74.5-84.49% |
C 64.50-74.49% |
P 49.50-64.49% |
F <49.5% |
MARKS |
|
Explore and discuss the historical context of social work in human services both nationally and internationally. Include a discussion of the key movements, the principles and values underpinning these (30%) |
Excellent discussion explaining the historical and contemporary context of social work in service delivery nationally and internationally. Response provides a high level of analysis in discussing the historical context and showing depth of understanding.
|
Very good discussion explaining the historical and contemporary context of social work in service delivery nationally and internationally. Response provides a strong discussion and level of analysis of the key movements, principles and values underpinning the historical development of social work, demonstrating a clear understanding.
|
Good exploration and discussion explaining the historical and contemporary context of social work in service delivery nationally and internationally. Response provides a clear discussion of the key movements, principles and values underpinning the historical development of social work, however, is descriptive rather than analytic and does not convey depth of understanding.
|
Fair discussion explaining the historical and contemporary context of social work in service delivery nationally and internationally. Response is mainly descriptive of the key movements, principles and values underpinning the historical development of social work concepts and comprehension of concepts not clearly articulated.
|
Poor or no discussion explaining the historical and contemporary context of social work in service delivery nationally and internationally. Discussion does not demonstrate understanding of the movements, principles and values underpinning the historical development of social work. |
/30 |
|
|
HD 84.5-100% |
D 74.5-84.49% |
C 64.50-74.49% |
P 49.50-64.49% |
F <49.5% |
MARKS |
|
Discuss one of the listed discourses. In doing so identify key implications of the discourse for social work with respect to addressing issues related to social justice, human rights and addressing inequity (50%) |
Excellent analytical examination of the discourse, including explanation of the key principles and values of the discourse. Implications in relation to social justice and inequality are convincingly identified and backed up with appropriate links to robust literature |
Very good analytical examination of the discourse, including explanation of the key principles and values of discourse. Very good discussion of key implications for social work in terms of social justice and inequality. Appropriate use of robust literature to back up the discussion
|
Good discussion examining the discourse, including explanation of the key principles and values of discourse. Clear discussion of key implications for social work in terms of social justice and inequality, however the discussion is mainly descriptive and does not always demonstrate understanding. Literature used to back up discussion is mainly appropriate. |
Fair discussion examining of the discourse, including explanation of some of the key principles and values of discourse. Discussion of key implications for social work in terms of social justice and inequality is fair, however lacks depth of understanding and is mainly descriptive and or not always accurate. Limited use of appropriate literature to back up discussion.
|
Poor or no discussion of the discourse, and explanation of the key principles and values of discourse. Poor or no discussion of key implications for social work in terms of social justice and inequality, demonstrating lack of understanding. Limited or no use of appropriate literature to back up discussion. |
/50 |
|
|
HD 84.5-100% |
D 74.5-84.49% |
C 64.50-74.49% |
P 49.50-64.49% |
F <49.5% |
MARKS |
|
Referencing (10%) |
All literature used is appropriate and scholarly. Minimum of 7 references APA referencing formatted used with no mistakes. |
Most of the literature used is appropriate and scholarly. Minimum of 6 references. APA referencing formatted used with minor errors. |
Most of the literature used is appropriate and scholarly. Minimum of 5 references. APA referencing formatted used with noticeable errors. |
Some of the literature used is appropriate and scholarly. Minimum of 4 references APA referencing formatted used with numerous errors. |
Most of the literature used is inappropriate and not from a scholarly source. APA referencing format not used. Less than 3 references with extensive omissions. |
/10 |
- Examine the historical and contemporary context of service delivery within Australian human service organisations;
- Critique the concepts of social justice, and inequality, and how these inform professional social work practice within Australian human service organisations;
2 Reflective Practice Assignment
Assessment 2: Reflective Practice Assignment
Type: Written assessment
Due date: Wednesday 7th May 2025, 9.00 AM (AEST) (Week 8 of Term)
Extensions: Available as per the policy
Return Date: Monday 26th May 2025 (Week 11)
Weighting: 30%
Length: 1,500 words (+/- 10%)
Unit Coordinator: Jacqueline McNamara
Learning Outcomes Assessed
3. Appraise key values, principles and models of practice that inform professional practice in social work and human services.
4. Demonstrate critically reflective practice techniques.
Aim
The aim of this assessment is to demonstrate an understanding of the key values, ethics, and principles of the social work profession to become a competent, ethical practitioner. Reflective practice enables you to critically analyse your work, facilitating an objective view of your skills, abilities, and approaches, allowing you to continually improve your practice. Reflecting on key values, ethics and principles is a critical skill for all social workers and human services professionals.
Instructions
Within this assignment, you will be required to do the following:
1. COVER PAGE- include your name, student number, unit code and assessment details and word count
2. INTRODUCTION (50-100 words)
3. Drawing on appropriate literature and references, discuss the key values and principles that underpin ethical professional practice in social work and human services:
Identify two (2) of your core values that underpin your emerging practice framework and discuss how they relate to social work professional values?. (550 – 600 words)
Discuss and evaluate the concept of reflection and why this is important to ethical practice. In doing so critically discuss how understanding your own values and their alignment with social work values contributes to ethical practice. (750 words)
6. CONCLUSION (50-100 words)
7. REFERENCES
Please follow the steps below to complete your assessment task:
- Headers are not required
- The follow words help to understand the writing parameters of this assignment:
Evaluate: to determine the significance, worth or condition of, by careful appraisal and study
Describe: give a detailed account
Discuss: write about a topic in detail, taking into account different issues or ideas
Critique: a detailed analysis and assessment of something
3. The introduction has five important responsibilities: get the audience's attention, introduce the topic, explain its relevance to the audience, state a thesis or purpose, and outline the main points. By the end of the introduction, you should provide a road map that outlines your main points.
4. The conclusion of an assignment should, therefore, convey a sense of completeness and closure of the topic, its larger meaning, and its implications: the final paragraph should close the discussion.
Literature and references
In this assessment use at least 10 contemporary references (<10-5 years) to support your discussion. You may also use seminal scholarly literature where relevant. Suitable references include peer-reviewed journal articles as well as textbooks and credible websites. When sourcing information, consider the 5 elements of a quality reference: currency, authority, relevance, objectivity, and coverage. Grey literature sourced from the internet must be from reputable websites such as from government, university, or peak national bodies: for example, the Australian Association of Social Workers, ACOSS, and Family Institute of Australia.
Requirements
- Use a conventional and legible size 12 font, such as Times New Roman, with 2.0 line spacing and 2.54 cm page margins (standard pre-set margin in Microsoft Word).
- Include page numbers on the top right side of each page in a header.
- You may write in the first-person perspective (I, my) for reflective writing tasks.
- Use formal academic language.
- Use the seventh edition American Psychological Association (APA) referencing style. The CQ University Academic Learning Centre has an online CQU APA Referencing Style Guide.
- The word count excludes the reference list but includes in-text citations (i.e., paraphrasing or direct quotations). Note. Paraphrasing is preferred. No abstract or appendices are required for this assignment.
Resources
- You can use unit provided materials and other credible sources (e.g. journal articles, books) to reference your argument. The quality and credibility of your sources are important.
- We recommend that you access your discipline specific library guide: the Social Work and Community Services Guide.
- We recommend you use EndNote to manage your citations and reference list. More information on how to use EndNote is available at the CQUniversity Library website.
- For information on academic communication please go to the Academic Learning Centre Moodle site. The Academic Communication section has many helpful resources including information for students with English as a second language.
- You may wish to submit a draft to Studiosity.
- Submit a draft before the due date to review your Turnitin Similarity Score before making a final submission. Instructions are available here.
Academic Integrity
1. You must abide by the principles of academic integrity (see Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure). Completion of this assessment with another party or sharing of responses is not permitted at any time.
2. The use of any generative artificial intelligence is permitted for the following purposes:
a. Gen AI content is used to generate ideas and general structures.
b. Gen AI content editing.
c. Checking spelling and grammar (for example, Grammarly).
If you use Gen AI to generate ideas, you are required to reference the Gen AI agent as per APA 7th guidelines. If you are using a Gen AI agent for content editing, please complete the declaration on the title page of your assessment. If Gen AI is not used, please delete this declaration.
Submission
Submit your assessment via the unit Moodle site in Microsoft Word format only.
Week 8 Wednesday (7 May 2025) 9:00 am AEST
Week 11 Monday (26 May 2025)
|
HD 84.5-100% |
D 74.5-84.49% |
C 64.50-74.49% |
P 49.50-64.49% |
F <49.5% |
MARKS |
|
Presentation and Structure – overall submission (10%) |
|||||
|
Discussion completely conforms to the Assignment Presentation guidelines. Assignment cover page including name, student number, and word count. Correct spelling, grammar, sentence structure and paragraphs. throughout submission. Introduction and Conclusion have been very well articulated, using professional language, clearly introducing the paper succinctly and summarising the key points. Within expected word length. |
Discussion mostly conforms to the Assignment Presentation guidelines. Assignment title page including name, student number, and word count. Correct spelling, grammar, sentence structure and paragraphs. throughout submission Introduction and conclusion have been written well, clearly introducing the paper and providing a succinct summary of the key points. Within expected word limit. (+/- 10%). |
Discussion adequately conforms to the: Assignment Presentation guidelines. Assignment title page including name, student number, and word count. Mostly correct spelling, grammar, sentence structure and paragraphs, content can occasionally be difficult to follow or understand. Introduction and/or conclusion did not fully introduce or summary the main points. Within expected word limit. (+/- 10%). |
Discussion occasionally conforms to the: Assignment Presentation guidelines. Assignment title page including name, student number, and word count. Somewhat correct spelling, grammar, sentence structure and paragraphs, content often, can be difficult to follow or understand. Introduction provides an overview of the purpose of the paper however this has not been articulated strongly. And/or conclusion does not fully capture the main points discussed in the paper, and/or introduces new concepts. Within/exceeds expected word limit (+/- 10%).
|
Discussion unsuccessfully conforms to the: Assignment Presentation guidelines. Assignment title page including name, student number, and word count. Poor spelling, grammar, sentence structure and paragraphs, making content difficult to read or follow. submission. Introduction and conclusion have been included but they are unclear, so that is difficult to understand the purpose of the paper and /or what has been discussed in the paper. Significantly deviates from expected word limit requirement of (+/- 10%)
|
/10 |
|
|
|||||
|
HD 84.5-100% |
D 74.5-84.49% |
C 64.50-74.49% |
P 49.50-64.49% |
F <49.5% |
MARKS |
|
Discuss the key values and principles underpinning ethical practice, identifying two core personal values (30%) |
|||||
|
Excellent discussion of key values and principles underpinning ethical practice in social work and human services, drawing on robust literature to demonstrate wide reading. Discussion demonstrates a robust understanding of the key concepts. Insightful discussion of the two core values, their link to social work and human services values, making the link to ethical practice. Discussion demonstrates a strong understanding of the importance of alignment with social work key values is demonstrated. |
Very good discussion of key values and principles underpinning ethical practice in social work and human services. Several robust references are well integrated to back up discussion. Discussion demonstrates a depth of understanding of the concepts discussed. A very good discussion of the two core values and their link to social work and human services values is present. A very good demonstration of the link of values with ethical practice. Discussion demonstrates a very good understanding of the importance of alignment with social work values.
|
Good discussion explaining key values and principles underpinning ethical practice in social work and human services. A number of good quality references are used to back up discussion. An accurate but basic discussion of the two core values and their link to social work and human services values. Discussion demonstrates a good level of understanding of the importance of alignment with social work values, however the analysis lacked depth.
|
Fair discussion of key values and principles underpinning ethical practice in social work and human services. Some appropriate literature is utilised at a basic level. Discussion shows a beginning level of understanding of the concepts discussed. A limited and surface level discussion of the two core values and their alignment with social work key values. Discussion shows repeated information but lacks sufficient demonstration of understanding of the actual concepts.
|
Poor or no discussion of key values and principles underpinning ethical practice in social work and human services. Appropriate literature is occasionally or not utilised. Discussion about the key values of social work shows a lack of understanding with limited or no insight or understanding of values. |
/30 |
|
|
|||||
|
HD 84.5-100% |
D 74.5-84.49% |
C 64.50-74.49% |
P 49.50-64.49% |
F <49.5% |
MARKS |
|
Evaluation of critical reflection and ethical practice (50%) |
|||||
|
Excellent evaluation of the importance of reflection to ethical practice and alignment of own values in social work and human services. The discussion is robust, well supported with appropriate literature, and shows a high level of critique with a well-argued point. |
Very good evaluation of the importance of reflection to ethical practice and alignment of own values in social work and human services. The discussion is clear and outlines a very good ability to critique supported by appropriate literature with clear analysis.
|
Good evaluation of the importance of reflection to ethical practice and alignment of own values in social work and human services. The discussion shows a starting level of critique in discussing the links with ethical practice drawing on appropriate literature with some level of analysis.
|
Fair evaluation of the importance of reflection to ethical practice and alignment of own values in social work and human services, however the discussion is quite basic and has no critique, with repetition of information . |
Poor or no evaluation of the importance of reflection to ethical practice and alignment of own values in social work and human services The discussion shows little or no understanding of the importance of alignment between personal and professional values. |
/50 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
HD 84.5-100% |
D 74.5-84.49% |
C 64.50-74.49% |
P 49.50-64.49% |
F <49.5% |
MARKS |
|
Referencing (10%) |
|||||
|
All literature used is appropriate and scholarly. Minimum of 7 references. APA referencing formatted used with no mistakes. |
Most of the literature used is appropriate and scholarly. Minimum of 6 references. APA referencing formatted used with minor errors. |
Most of the literature used is appropriate and scholarly. Minimum of 5 references. APA referencing formatted used with noticeable errors. |
Some of the literature used is appropriate and scholarly. Minimum of 5 references. APA referencing formatted used with numerous errors. |
Most of the literature used is inappropriate and not from a scholarly source. APA referencing formatted not used. Less than 4 references with extensive omissions.. |
/10 |
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL MARKS |
|
- Appraise the key values, ethics, principles and models of practice that inform professional practice in social work and human services;
- Demonstrate critically reflective practice techniques.
3 Case Study
Assessment 3 – Case Study
Type: Written assessment
Due date: Wednesday 4th June 2025, 9.00AM (AEST) (Week 12 of Term)
Extensions: Available as per the policy
Return Date: Friday 20th June 2025 (Exam Week)
Weighting: 50%
Length: 1,800 words (+/- 10%)
Unit Coordinator: Jacqueline McNamara
Learning Outcomes Assessed
2. Critique the concepts of social justice and inequality and how these inform professional social work practice within Australian human services organisations.
3. Appraise the key values, ethics, principles, and models of practice that inform professional practice in social work and human services.
Aim
The aim of this assessment is to understand how social work addresses social justice and human rights issues. Drawing on the unit materials and following your participation in a tutorial (details provided in Moodle), you will identify a social issue that leads to inequality and drawing on evidence, discuss how social work contributes to addressing the issue. Issues may include, for example, domestic and family violence, youth or adult justice, drug and alcohol, homelessness, child protection, mental health, poverty, etc. Consider the strategies and challenges for social work in addressing the issues at a macro level.
Instructions
Within this assignment, the set out will be as below:
1. Cover page- include your name, student number, unit code and assessment details and word count
2. INTRODUCTION (50-100 words)
3. Identify and explore a social issue related to inequality within the Australian or international context. Describe the scope of the issue linking this to social work. (500 words)
4. Critically discuss one of the dominant discourses you have explored in the unit and the impact of the discourse on the social issue (for example, the causes of the issue, the perpetuation of the issue). (550-600 words)
5. Critically discuss how social work addresses or can address inequality and promote social justice with regard to this issue. (550-600 words)
6. CONCLUSION (50 words)
7. REFERENCES
Please follow the steps below to complete your assessment task:
- Headers are not required.
- The follow words help to understand the writing parameters of this assignment:
Identify: to search for and name
Evaluate: to determine the significance, worth, or condition of usually by careful appraisal and study.
Explore: inquire into or discuss in detail
Discuss write about a topic in detail, taking into account different issues or ideas
Critique a detailed analysis and assessment of something
3. The introduction has five important responsibilities: get the audience 's attention, introduce the topic, explain its relevance to the audience, state a thesis or purpose, and outline the main points. By the end of the introduction, you should provide a road map that outlines your main points.
4, The conclusion of an assignment should therefore convey a sense of completeness and closure of the topic, its larger meaning, its implications: the final paragraph should close the discussion.
Literature and references
In this assessment, use at least 10 - 12 contemporary references (<10 years) to support your discussion. You may also use seminal scholarly literature where relevant. Suitable references include peer-reviewed journal articles as well as textbooks, and credible websites. When sourcing information, consider the 5 elements of a quality reference: currency, authority, relevance, objectivity, and coverage. Grey literature sourced from the internet must be from reputable websites such as from government, university, or peak national bodies: for example, the Australian Association of Social Workers, ACOSS, International Federation of Social Workers, QCOSS, VCOSS, Family Institute etc.
Requirements
· Use a conventional and legible size 12 font, such as Times New Roman, with 2.0 line spacing and 2.54cm page margins (standard pre-set margin in Microsoft Word).
- Include page numbers on the top right side of each page in a header.
- You may write in the first-person perspective (I, my) for reflective writing tasks, or as directed by your lecturer.
- Use formal academic language.
- Use the seventh edition American Psychological Association (APA) referencing style. The CQUniversity Academic Learning Centre has an online CQU APA Referencing Style Guide.
- The word count excludes the reference list but includes in-text citations (i.e., paraphrasing or direct quotations). Note. Paraphrasing is preferred. No abstract or appendices are required for this assignment.
· Resources
- You can use unit provided materials and other credible sources (e.g. journal articles, books) to reference your argument. The quality and credibility of your sources are important.
- We recommend that you access your discipline specific library guide: Social Work and Community Services Guide.
- We recommend you use EndNote to manage your citations and reference list. More information on how to use EndNote is available at the CQUniversity Library website.
- For information on academic communication please go to the Academic Learning Centre Moodle site. The Academic Communication section has many helpful resources including information for students with English as a second language.
- Submit a draft before the due date to review your Turnitin Similarity Score before making a final submission. Instructions are available here.
Academic Integrity
1. You must abide by the principles of academic integrity (see Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure). Completion of this assessment with another party or sharing of responses is not permitted at any time.
2. The use of any generative artificial intelligence is permitted for the following purposes:
a. Gen AI content is used to generate ideas and general structures.
b. Gen AI content editing.
c. Checking spelling and grammar (for example, Grammarly).
If you use Gen AI to generate ideas, you are required to reference the Gen AI agent as per APA 7th guidelines. If you are using a Gen AI agent for content editing, please complete the declaration on the title page of your assessment. If Gen AI is not used, please delete this declaration.
Submission
Submit your assessment via the unit Moodle site in Microsoft Word format only.
Week 12 Wednesday (4 June 2025) 9:00 am AEST
Exam Week Friday (20 June 2025)
|
HD 84.5-100% |
D 74.5-84.49% |
C 64.50-74.49% |
P 49.50-64.49% |
F <49.5% |
MARKS |
|
Presentation and Structure – overall submission (10%) |
|||||
|
Discussion completely conforms to the Assignment Presentation guidelines. Assignment cover page including name, student number, and word count. Correct spelling, grammar, sentence structure and paragraphs. Introduction succinctly and comprehensively written, introducing the reader to the main ideas, purpose and direction of the paper. Conclusion succinctly provides a strongly articulated analysis of the main points presented in the paper. Within expected word length. (+/- 10%)
|
Discussion mostly conforms to the Assignment Presentation guidelines. Assignment title page including name, student number, and word count. Correct spelling, grammar, sentence structure and paragraphs. Introduction has provided a clear discussion of the main ideas, purpose and direction of the paper. Conclusion provides a clear and well argued analysis of the main points. Within expected word limit. (+/- 10%)
|
Discussion adequately conforms to the: Assignment Presentation guidelines. Assignment title page including name, student number, and word count. Mostly correct spelling, grammar, sentence structure and paragraphs, content can occasionally be difficult to follow or understand. Introduction provides some discussion about the main ideas, purpose and direction of the paper. Conclusion provides a summary of the main points discussed, however does not fully capture or clearly articulate the key points, and /or introduces new ideas and concepts. Within expected word limit. |
Discussion occasionally conforms to the: Assignment Presentation guidelines. Assignment title page including name, student number, and word count. Somewhat correct spelling, grammar, sentence structure and paragraphs, content often, can be difficult to follow or understand. Introduction is provided however is not always clear in introducing the main ideas, purpose and direction of the paper. Conclusion is very descriptive and does not capture or clearly articulate the key points discussed and/or introduces new ideas and concepts. Within/exceeds expected word limit (+/- 10%) . |
Discussion unsuccessfully conforms to the: Assignment Presentation guidelines. Assignment title page including name, student number, and word count. Poor spelling, grammar, sentence structure and paragraphs, making content difficult to read or follow. Introduction does not provide a clear discussion of the main ideas, purpose and direction of the paper. Conclusion does not provide a summary of the key points discussed and or introduces new concepts or ideas. Deviates more than the expected word limit. (+/- 10%)
|
/10 |
|
|
|||||
|
HD 84.5-100% |
D 74.5-84.49% |
C 64.50-74.49% |
P 49.50-64.49% |
F <49.5% |
MARKS |
|
Identify and explore a social issue related to inequality within Australian or international context and scope of the issue and dominant discourses (20%) |
|||||
|
Excellent identification and exploration of a social issue related to inequality and social justice. Robust discussion drawing on appropriate evidence to provide a strong analysis of the scope of the issue. Excellent discussion of the link to social work, demonstrating depth of comprehension through a high level of knowledge developed through tutorial participation. (30%) |
Very good identification and exploration of a social issue related to inequality and social justice. The discussion of the issue shows a high level of depth of understanding, appropriate evidence to back this up and draws on a very good level of knowledge developed through tutorial participation. A very strong discussion of the link to social work is presented. |
Good identification and exploration of a social issue related to inequality and social justice The discussion shows adequate understanding, drawing on mostly appropriate research to back this up and draws on a good level of knowledge developed through tutorial participation, however, lacks depth. Link to social work is discussed, however more descriptive. |
Fair identification and exploration of a social issue related to inequality and social justice. The discussion is repetitive and/or has limited argument or critique and seldom draws on participation in a tutorial. Draws on some appropriate evidence to back up. Some link to social work is provided however limited and descriptive. |
Poor or no identification and exploration of a social issue related to inequality and social justice. The discussion does not demonstrate an understanding of the social issue, lacks back up by appropriate evidence and is informed by no, or a limited level of knowledge developed through tutorial participation. Poor or no link to participation, or to social work is demonstrated. |
/20 |
|
|
|||||
|
HD 84.5-100% D 74.5-84.49% C 64.50-74.49% P 49.50-64.49% F <49.5% MARKS
|
|||||
|
Critically discuss one dominant discourse and impact on the social issue (30%) |
|||||
|
Excellent discussion and critique of the chosen discourse, showing depth of understanding. The argument is well articulated and shows a strong level of critique on the impact of the discourse on the social justice issue, drawing on robust research to justify this. Discussion and critique are informed by a very high level of knowledge synthesised through tutorial participation.
|
Very good critical discussion of the chosen discourse demonstrating a strong level of understanding. A strong understanding of the link between the discourse and social justice issue and backed up with highly appropriate research. Discussion and critique are informed by a very good level of knowledge synthesized through tutorial participation. |
Good discussion of the dominant discourse/s, however there is an insufficient level of critique. An understanding of the discourse is demonstrated, however this lacks some depth and/or the link to the social justice issues has not been fully developed. Mostly appropriate research, however, not fully linked to the discussion. Discussion and critique are supported by an adequate demonstration of knowledge developed through tutorial participation.
|
Fair discussion of the dominant discourse. There is a basic understanding demonstrated of the links to the social justice issue. Some appropriate research however not fully linked to the discussion. Poor or limited use of tutorial participation to inform discussion. |
Poor or no discussion of the dominant discourse. The paper does not demonstrate understanding of the nature of the discourse or the links to the social justice issue. There is little evidence to demonstrate participation in a tutorial to inform the discussion. |
/30 |
|
Critically discuss how social work addresses inequality and promotes social justice with regards to this issue (30%)
|
|||||
|
Excellent critical discussion of how social work addresses inequality and promotes social justice with regards to this issue. An excellent demonstration of depth of understanding of some of the ways that social work attempts to address inequality and promote social justice, with a very strong critique of the challenges and issues. |
Very good critical discussion of how social work addresses inequality and promotes social justice with regards to this issue. A very good understanding of some of the ways that social work attempts to address inequality and promote social justice with a high level of critique of the challenges and issues. |
Good critical discussion of how social work addresses inequality and promotes social justice with regards to this issue. An acceptable understanding of some of the ways that social work attempts to address inequality and promote social justice, with some critique of the challenges and issues; however, this has not demonstrated a high level of depth. |
Fair critical discussion of how social work addresses inequality and promotes social justice with regards to this issue. A basic understanding of some of the ways that social work attempts to address inequality and promote social justice, with minimal critique of the challenges and issues. The discussion is at an acceptable level however shows limited depth of understanding. |
Poor or no critical discussion of how social work addresses inequality and promotes social justice with regards to this issue. Poor or no demonstration of understanding of the role of social work in challenging and addressing social inequality and social justice issues. |
/30 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
HD 84.5-100% |
D 74.5-84.49% |
C 64.50-74.49% |
P 49.50-64.49% |
F <49.5% |
MARKS |
|
Referencing (10%) |
|||||
|
All literature used is appropriate and scholarly. Minimum of 9 references. APA referencing formatted used with no mistakes. |
Most of the literature used is appropriate and scholarly. Minimum of 8 references. APA referencing formatted used minor mistakes. |
Most of the literature used is appropriate and scholarly. Minimum of 7 references. APA referencing formatted used with noticeable errors. |
Some of literature used is appropriate and scholarly. Minimum of 6 references. APA referencing formatted used with numerous errors. |
Most of the literature used is inappropriate and not from a scholarly source. APA referencing formatted not used. Less than 6 references and extensive omissions. |
………./10. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL MARKS |
|
- Critique the concepts of social justice, and inequality, and how these inform professional social work practice within Australian human service organisations;
- Appraise the key values, ethics, principles and models of practice that inform professional practice in social work and human services;
As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.
Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.
When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.
Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.
As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.
What is a breach of academic integrity?
A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.
Why is academic integrity important?
A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.
Where can I get assistance?
For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.
What can you do to act with integrity?
