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This course builds on students' foundation knowledge of human behaviour by initially reviewing major theories of human development. Mental health is studied by examining the conceptual frameworks then considering the notions of mental ill-health and mental illness, introducing the major classifications. The topic is explored within the context of a developmental ecological perspective. Teaching methods includes reflective group process and an independent learning project.
Learning Objectives: • To promote an integrated understanding of persons/whānau /groups within biological, psychological, social, and cultural contexts. • To develop an advanced understanding of child and whānau/family development in relation to the social environment, with particular emphasis on developmental and external crises and their resolution. • To develop knowledge of mental health conceptualisations including APA classifications and Māori mental health perspectives.• To promote awareness of the reciprocal impacts of these disorders on the individual, family and society. • To promote an advanced awareness of the impacts of inequality, oppression and stigma on developmental issues and mental health and illness. • To facilitate development of knowledge about local mental health practices, protocols, and expectations. • To facilitate understanding of the potential impact of work in this area on the mental and physical wellbeing of the worker, and an awareness of ways to prevent or manage this. • To develop skills to undertake literature searches, and assess the relevance of literature to topics under consideration. • Promote capacity for critical analysis of mental health data, reports, and literature and to relate these to practice.
At the end of the course students should be able to: Articulate knowledge about human development across a range of socio-cultural contexts Consider the relevance of theories of trauma to particular human situations Understand the concept of reflexivity (or critical reflection) in relation to theory and practice Undertake literature searches, and assess the relevance of literature to topics under consideration Engage in discussions and debates wherein they convey a beginning capacity to hypothesise or develop theoretical questions from data and literature Demonstrate knowledge of bi-cultural approaches to mental health Articulate knowledge about major areas of mental disorder, including knowledge of diagnostic criteria and evidence based treatments Demonstrate advanced awareness of the impacts of inequality, oppression and stigma on developmental issues and mental health and illness.
Subject to approval of the Head of School
SOWK303
Gretchen Perry
Domestic fee $923.00
International Postgraduate fees
* 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 .