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The Principles and Skills course integrates the principles of social work with the study of practice and technique. A framework for social work practice is introduced, comprising values, ethics, perspectives, and practices. This framework is used as the context for the development of skills in relation to practice in individual, family, group, and community development contexts. Skill development and analysis will take place in a series of labs, where practice is considered in relation to context and diversity. The concept of supervision is introduced and applied in these labs.
The skills course is designed to identify and build the interviewing skills that are generic to any social work field of practice. Throughout the year students will have the opportunity to read about, observe, discuss and demonstrate practice skills within the framework of the social work process. The practice skills paper prepares students for the two fieldwork placements in the final year of the MSW Applied and is an opportunity for students to develop their interpersonal communication in relation to work with individuals, families and work in the community.The skills course employs a range of teaching techniques including lecture, role plays, video work, and practice exercises. There will be homework exercises, LEARN postings and readings to complete between block courses.Please note: students must achieve a pass in Assessment 3 to pass the course.
To demonstrate and evaluate the micro- skills required for work with individuals, families and in the community. To appraise the role and tasks of social work through case scenarios and observation.To critically analyse and understand ethical dimensions of practiceTo articulate the integration of social work theory and practice. To critical analyse and demonstrate the cultural dimensions of practice with Māori and PasifikaTo identify the knowledge, skills and values for placements in the final year.
This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attributes specified below:
Critically competent in a core academic discipline of their award
Students know and can critically evaluate and, where applicable, apply this knowledge to topics/issues within their majoring subject.
Employable, innovative and enterprising
Students will develop key skills and attributes sought by employers that can be used in a range of applications.
Biculturally competent and confident
Students will be aware of and understand the nature of biculturalism in Aotearoa New Zealand, and its relevance to their area of study and/or their degree.
Globally aware
Students will comprehend the influence of global conditions on their discipline and will be competent in engaging with global and multi-cultural contexts.
Subject to approval of the Head of Department.
SOWK308; SOWK515
Jane Maidment
Maidment, Jane , Egan, Ronnie; Practice skills in social work & welfare : more than just common sense ; Third edition; Allen & Unwin, 2016.
It is a requirement that you bring the text to all skills sessions.Course ReadingsAdditional readings for skills sessions will be posted progressively on LEARN throughout the year.Useful Information LEARN - the Learning Management System for the University of CanterburyThis course will be using LEARN as a means to share online course information and resources (lecture, role-plays, web links, and readings), and provide a space for group discussion/forums. There will be ‘homework’ role-plays, recording and readings to complete.
Domestic fee $1,905.00
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.
Maximum enrolment is 40
For further information see School of Health Sciences .