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An examination of the conceptual framework of mental health, mental ill-health and mental illness, and an introduction to the major classifications of mental illness. An analysis of social work's contribution to the field, and study of tested interventions with patients and support systems in mental health settings. Taught by staff with health expertise and practice experience.
This course is an integral part of social work education and may also be suitable for appropriately academically qualified students with an interest in other human services. The focus of the course is on mental health and ill health and the impact of mental disorder on individuals and families. The course takes account of the social-ecological context of mental disorders and consequently considers issues around culture and gender, policy and service provision. The course is designed to build on student knowledge and prior studies in the area of human development and as such the influence of normal developmental processes and external crises will be considered.Students are supported to achieve an understanding of how theory applies to practice via class discussions of case studies and documentary and fiction film materials. Each year, a number of professional practitioners are invited to deliver seminars in which they talk about their work in the field of mental health.
On the successful completion of the course, the student will be able to competently demonstrate: 1. Knowledge about major areas of mental disorder, including knowledge of diagnostic criteria and evidence based treatments.2. Awareness of the reciprocal impacts of these disorders on the individual, family and society.3. Awareness of the impact of inequality, oppression and stigma on mental health and illness.4. Knowledge about the relevance and applicability of mental health knowledge to social work practice in Aotearoa, and the contribution of social workers in this multidisciplinary field.5. Knowledge about local and culturally appropriate mental health practices, protocols, and expectations.6. Understanding of the potential impact of trauma work on the mental health of the worker, and how this may be modulated.7. Advanced understanding of reflective participatory learning processes, and understanding of how these contribute to the theory practice matrix.8. Capacity to undertake literature reviews, and to assess the relevance of literature to topics under consideration.9. Capacity to engage in discussion and debates wherein they convey a growing capacity to hypothesise or develop theoretical questions from data and literature, and to relate these to practice.
135 points from required SOWK and HSRV courses, and must meet the minimum requirements for Group B and Group C courses from the BSW degree. 90 points from Group B (elective courses). 15points from Group C (optional courses).
SOWK632
This course is taught in semester two* One two hour lecture per week; tutorials as required* LEARN based resources and activities
Kate van Heugten
Major Essay (3000 words) Due date to be advised 40%Reflective learning assignment 1 Due date to be advised 30%Reflective learning assignment 2 Due date to be advised 30%*Assessment due dates are still subject to confirmation The assignments in this course encourage students’ capacity to independently search out information and to present this in writing. The major essay topic will require students to present their understanding of the causes and impacts of a particular mental illness on individuals and their families. Students will be asked to identify appropriate recovery enhancing interventions, and to discuss the ways in which social workers/human service workers can assist individuals and families to deal with the challenges they face in dealing with this mental illness. The place of reflective processes in learning and in social work/human service work is emphasised in reflective assignments, in which students consider the ways in which personal values, views and understandings can help or hinder critical analysis in academic and practice contexts. NOTE:There is no examination for this course. The take home assignments for this course are to be submitted via Turnitin plus hard copy by 5pm on the due date.
Kring, A.M.,, Johnson, S.L., Davison, G.C., & Neale, J.M; Abnormal Psychology ; 12th edition; New York: John Wiley and Sons, 2012.
Library portalLearn Assignment Sheet Cover Cover Sheet for Late Submission or Waiver of Penalty Academic Integrity Guidance for Staff and Students Referencing for Social Work & Humans Services Using EndNote for referencing Writing guides for Social Work & Human Services Library Guides
The administrator for the Human Services and Social Work Department is Denise Forbes and she can be located in room 310 in the Psychology/Sociology Building.
Domestic fee $670.00
International fee $2,850.00
* All fees are inclusive of NZ GST or any equivalent overseas tax, and do not include any programme level discount or additional course-related expenses.
For further information see Language, Social and Political Sciences .