SOWK11012 Introduction to Social Work A

This is the first term of a year long course that introduces students to the value base, principles and practice of social work in Australian society. The course then explores social work's unique analysis of the individual in society integrating knowledge from psychology, sociology, law and government. This course introduces students to the distribution of power and resources in society and its impact on individuals, families, groups, organisations and communities. It introduces the concepts of tolerance, oppression and inequality and their complex expression in Australian society. This course begins the active process of self-awareness and evaluation through the use of an education journal which continues through the four years of study as a record of participants' personal processes of change.