Overview
In this unit, you will explore the concepts of intersectionality and social justice in social work practice to address systemic inequalities and promote equitable outcomes when working with individuals, groups and communities. Using critical intersectional and identity theoretical frameworks, you will critically examine the fluidity and complexity of identity. You will explore how social constructions, such as ethnicity, culture, gender, religion, class, sexual orientation, age, disability, and other identity markers, intersect to create nuanced experiences of oppression and privilege. This analysis will help you to understand how groups are categorised, stratified and often stigmatised based on their conformity to or deviation from dominant social and cultural norms. This knowledge and the AASW Code of Ethics (2020) will inform holistic and collaborative social work assessments considering service users' lived experiences of multiple intersecting identities. You will employ intersectional-informed critical reflection to examine your identities and experiences, facilitating awareness of social work’s positionality and power relations. Reflecting on your cultural background, biases, and assumptions will promote culturally safe and sensitive social work practice. The unit explores discriminatory structures and practices and their impact on social work in Australia. It will equip you with skills to advocate for systemic changes and promote social justice to support diverse service users effectively.
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 2 - 2026
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 Postgraduate 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.
- Analyse and apply critical and intersectional theoretical frameworks to understand how various social constructs intersect to create complex experiences of oppression and privilege.
- Apply critical transformative social work practices and social justice principles, guided by the AASW Code of Ethics (2020), to effectively engage and support diverse populations.
- Engage in intersectional-informed critical reflective practice to identify and challenge personal biases and assumptions and critically examine the concepts of power, privilege and oppression in social work practice with diverse populations.
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | |
| 1 - Reflective Practice Assignment - 20% | |||
| 2 - Written Assessment - 40% | |||
| 3 - Case Study - 40% | |||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | |
| 1 - Knowledge | |||
| 2 - Communication | |||
| 3 - Cognitive, technical and creative skills | |||
| 4 - Research | |||
| 5 - Self-management | |||
| 6 - Ethical and Professional Responsibility | |||
| 7 - Leadership | |||
| 8 - First Nations Knowledges | |||
| 9 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | |||
Textbooks
Intersectionality for Social Workers: A practical introduction to theory and practice.
- (2021)
- Authors: Bernard, C.
- Taylor & Francis Group
- ISBN: 9781138607194
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
- Academic Learning Centre services
- CQU Library hosted Literature Databases
- CQU library literature search tools
- CQU library Nursing/ Midwifery/ Social Work resources
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.
n.melander@cqu.edu.au
Week 1
Begin Date: 13 Jul 2026Module/Topic
Introduction to Intersectionality and Social Justice
Chapter
Review the Moodle site and click on all the links.
Find out what is in Student
Support? Find out how to find the Library? Click on the link and learn what is in the Academic Learning Centre.
Readings and activities as
outlined in module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Welcome and Unit Introduction. Attend Lecture and Tutorial. Activity: Access the General Discussion page and introduce yourself to your colleagues by providing your name and maybe why you are studying this unit and course. Assessments: Review the assessment tasks and make a
study plan. Foundations of Academic Integrity Program: Complete your annual program. Announcements and Discussion Forums: Check for posts and updates.
Week 2
Begin Date: 20 Jul 2026Module/Topic
Critical and Intersectional Theoretical Frameworks.
Chapter
Readings and activities as
outlined in module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Attend Lecture and Tutorial. Assessment 1 – Start your
literature searching and preparing assessment. Announcement and Discussion Forums – Check for posts and updates. Student email – Check your student email at least twice per week for important
Week 3
Begin Date: 27 Jul 2026Module/Topic
Identity and Intersectionality – Power, privilege and oppression
Chapter
Readings and activities as
outlined in module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Attend Lecture and Tutorial. Census Date is next week. If you
are struggling, please contact your Unit Coordinator for help. Assessment 1 – Read the literature to identify the credibility of the evidence and continue preparing your assessment. You might wish
to seek assessment preparation
help from the Academic Learning Centre and/or Studiosity. Announcement and Discussion Forums – Check for posts and updates. Student email – Check your student email at least twice per
week for important
Week 4
Begin Date: 03 Aug 2026Module/Topic
Coloniality and decolonisation of practice
Chapter
Readings and activities as
outlined in module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Attend Lecture and Tutorial. Census Date – Tuesday Week 4
Assessment 1- Due this week. Announcement and Discussion
Forums – Check for posts and
updates. Student email – Check your student email at least twice per week for important
Assessment One- Reflective Essay Due: Week 4 Wednesday (5 Aug 2026) 4:00 pm AEST
Week 5
Begin Date: 10 Aug 2026Module/Topic
Ethnicity and Social Identity
Chapter
Readings and activities as
outlined in module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Attend Lecture and Tutorial. Announcement and Discussion
Forums – Check for posts and
updates. Student email – Check your student email at least twice per week for important
communications.
Week 6
Begin Date: 17 Aug 2026Module/Topic
Gender Identity and Social Constructs
Chapter
Readings and activities as
outlined in module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Attend Lecture and Tutorial. Announcement and Discussion
Forums – Check for posts and
updates. Student email – Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Vacation Week
Begin Date: 24 Aug 2026Module/Topic
Enjoy your break!
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
No timetabled learning activities.
Please use this week to progress your assessments.
Week 7
Begin Date: 31 Aug 2026Module/Topic
Age and Social Perceptions
Disability and Social Inclusion
Chapter
Readings and activities as
outlined in module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Attend Lecture and Tutorial.
Announcement and Discussion
Forums – Check for posts and
updates. Student email – Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Week 8
Begin Date: 07 Sep 2026Module/Topic
Disability and Social Inclusion
Chapter
Readings and activities as
outlined in module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Attend Lecture and Tutorial
Assessment 2- Due this week.
to identify the credibility of the
evidence and continue preparing your assessment. You might wish to seek assessment preparation help from the Academic Learning Centre and/or Studiosity. Announcement and Discussion
Forums – Check for posts and
updates. Student email – Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Assessment 2 -Written Assessment Due: Week 8 Wednesday (9 Sept 2026) 4:00 pm AEST
Week 9
Begin Date: 14 Sep 2026Module/Topic
Sexual Orientation and Social Identity
Chapter
Readings and activities as
outlined in module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Attend Lecture and Tutorial.
Announcement and Discussion
Forums – Check for posts and
updates. Student email – Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Week 10
Begin Date: 21 Sep 2026Module/Topic
Class, Place and the Physical Environment
Chapter
Readings and activities as
outlined in module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Attend Lecture and Tutorial. Announcement and Discussion
Forums – Check for posts and
updates. Student email – Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications. Don’t forget - Check your unit enrolments for next term.
Week 11
Begin Date: 28 Sep 2026Module/Topic
Applying Intersectional Lens in Practice
Chapter
Readings and activities as
outlined in module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Attend Lecture and Tutorial. Announcement and Discussion
Forums – Check for posts and
updates. Student email – Check your student email at least twice per week for important
communications. Student Unit and Teaching Evaluation survey – We encourage you to provide feedback about your unit and teaching experiences in this unit. The survey opens Week 11 and closes one week before release of grades
Week 12
Begin Date: 05 Oct 2026Module/Topic
Addressing Systemic Inequalities: Advocacy and Social Justice Strategies
Chapter
Readings and activities as
outlined in module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Attend Lecture and Tutorial. Assessment 3- In class presentations due this week. Announcement and Discussion
Forums – Check for posts and
updates. Student email – Check your student email at least twice per week for important
communications. Student Unit and Teaching Evaluation survey – Please complete the unit evaluation survey. Congratulations on completing this unit. Don’t forget to check your unit enrolments for next term.
Assessment Three- Case Study Due: Week 12 Wednesday (7 Oct 2026) 4:00 pm AEST
Exam Week
Begin Date: 12 Oct 2026Module/Topic
Chapter
Readings and activities as
outlined in module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Vacation/Exam Week
Begin Date: 19 Oct 2026Module/Topic
Chapter
Readings and activities as
outlined in module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
As this unit is offered face-to-face, students are asked to prepare their own individual study plan to undertake self-led and self-directed study throughout the term. A key to your success is a strategic self-directed approach to learning and regular contact with your Unit Coordinator/s. Please check the Announcements and Discussion forums at least twice a week – there will be regular announcements about assessments and unit resources throughout the term and
reviewing this information is essential to unit knowledge and your success. CQUniversity communicates
with students through CQUniversity email. We recommend that you access your CQUniversity email at
least twice a week so that you do not miss vital information about your studies.
1 Reflective Practice Assignment
Task Description
This assessment allows you to reflect creatively and critically on your identity, experiences, and positionality as an emerging social worker. You will produce a short digital narrative that maps the intersections of power, privilege, and oppression that shape your social location, and reflect on how these influence your developing social work lens.
Instructions
Please refer to the assessment task instructions on the unit Moodle site.
Academic Integrity
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. This assessment requires students toadhere to the guidelines on the use of artificial intelligence tools as specified in the Artificial Intelligence Assessment Scale (AIAS). Any misuse or lack of disclosure regarding the use of AI tools will be considered a breach of academic integrity. CQUniversity Gen AI tools approved for use in this assessment are Microsoft CoPilot (protected version), Studiosity and Grammarly. You are permitted to use technology or tools that assist with spelling, grammar or formatting.
Level of GenAI Use Allowed: Level 1: The use of any generative artificial intelligence is not permitted as per Level 1 (No AI) in the AI Assessment scale tool indicators
Extensions
Extensions to this assessment are available as per policy. The 72-hour grace period may apply to this assessment.
Minimum Pass Criteria
• You must achieve a cumulative grade of at least 49.5% across all assessments to pass this unit.
• In order for a supplementary assessment to be considered, all assessment tasks must be reasonably attempted in this unit.
Week 4 Wednesday (5 Aug 2026) 4:00 pm AEST
Due for submission via Moodle.
Vacation Week Wednesday (26 Aug 2026)
Via Moodle
Assessment criteria will be available on the Moodle site.
- Analyse and apply critical and intersectional theoretical frameworks to understand how various social constructs intersect to create complex experiences of oppression and privilege.
- Engage in intersectional-informed critical reflective practice to identify and challenge personal biases and assumptions and critically examine the concepts of power, privilege and oppression in social work practice with diverse populations.
2 Written Assessment
Task Description
The aim of this assessment is for you apply intersectional theoretical frameworks to analyse how identity, power, and oppression shape the lived experiences of individuals in community. You will explore how social workers can use this understanding to advocate and deliver ethical practice.
Instructions
Please refer to the assessment task instructions on the unit Moodle site.
Academic Integrity
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. This assessment requires students to adhere to the guidelines on the use of artificial intelligence tools as specified in the Artificial Intelligence Assessment Scale (AIAS). Any misuse or lack of disclosure regarding the use of AI tools will be considered a breach of academic integrity. CQUniversity Gen AI tools approved for use in this assessment are Microsoft CoPilot (protected version), Studiosity and Grammarly. You are permitted to use technology or tools that assist with spelling, grammar or formatting.
Level of GenAI Use Allowed: Level 1: The use of any generative artificial intelligence is not permitted as per Level 1 (No AI) in the AI Assessment scale tool indicators
Extensions
Extensions to this assessment are available as per policy. The 72-hour grace period may apply to this assessment.
Minimum Pass Criteria
• You must achieve a cumulative grade of at least 49.5% across all assessments to pass this unit.
• In order for a supplementary assessment to be considered, all assessment tasks must be reasonably attempted in this unit.
Week 8 Wednesday (9 Sept 2026) 4:00 pm AEST
Submit online via the unit Moodle site
Week 11 Wednesday (30 Sept 2026)
Via Moodle
Assessment criteria will be available on the Moodle site.
- Analyse and apply critical and intersectional theoretical frameworks to understand how various social constructs intersect to create complex experiences of oppression and privilege.
- Apply critical transformative social work practices and social justice principles, guided by the AASW Code of Ethics (2020), to effectively engage and support diverse populations.
3 Case Study
Task Description
To demonstrate your understanding of intersectionality theory in practice. Students are to demonstrate their capacity to apply and critically analyse a case-study scenario using intersectionality theory, considering multiple systems of oppression, systemic barriers as well as strengths.
Instructions
Please refer to the assessment task instructions on the unit Moodle site.
Academic Integrity
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. This assessment requires students to adhere to the guidelines on the use of artificial intelligence tools as specified in the Artificial Intelligence Assessment Scale (AIAS). Any misuse or lack of disclosure regarding the use of AI tools will be considered a breach of academic integrity. CQUniversity Gen AI tools approved for use in this assessment are Microsoft CoPilot (protected version), Studiosity and Grammarly. You are permitted to use technology or tools that assist with spelling, grammar or formatting.
Level of GenAI Use Allowed: Level 1: The use of any generative artificial intelligence is not permitted as per Level 1 (No AI) in the AI Assessment scale tool indicators
Extensions
Extensions to this assessment are available as per policy. The 72-hour grace period may apply to this assessment.
Minimum Pass Criteria
• You must achieve a cumulative grade of at least 49.5% across all assessments to pass this unit.
• In order for a supplementary assessment to be considered, all assessment tasks must be reasonably attempted in this unit.
Week 12 Wednesday (7 Oct 2026) 4:00 pm AEST
Presentation in class. Written summary to be submitted via Moodle.
Vacation/Exam Week Wednesday (21 Oct 2026)
Returned via Moodle.
Assessment criteria will be available on the Moodle site.
- Analyse and apply critical and intersectional theoretical frameworks to understand how various social constructs intersect to create complex experiences of oppression and privilege.
- Apply critical transformative social work practices and social justice principles, guided by the AASW Code of Ethics (2020), to effectively engage and support diverse populations.
- Engage in intersectional-informed critical reflective practice to identify and challenge personal biases and assumptions and critically examine the concepts of power, privilege and oppression in social work practice with diverse populations.
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?
