Overview
This unit introduces the complex history and foundations of the social work profession in Australia, emphasising its impact on the purpose, values, theory, identity and practice of social work. You will critically examine the theoretical frameworks and historical trends that have shaped the profession and the competing tensions and power dynamics that influence various social work practice contexts. You will develop a comprehensive understanding of social work values and ethics, focusing on how they are conveyed through professional communication. You will develop interpersonal communication skills essential for building effective and collaborative working relationships across diverse practice contexts, aiming to achieve positive outcomes. The unit emphasises critically evaluating and reflecting on culturally safe and responsive communication strategies and skills when working with First Nation peoples and people from culturally diverse backgrounds. Throughout the unit, you will engage in critical self-reflection to enhance your self-awareness and manage your use of self in interactions with others. Reflective practice will support your professional growth and improve your capacity to work empathetically and ethically in various social work settings.
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 the historical development, trends, foundational theories, values and ethics that shape contemporary social work identity, purpose and practice.
- Develop ethical interpersonal communication skills to foster collaborative working relationships and achieve positive outcomes in diverse practice contexts.
- Critically evaluate and use culturally safe and responsive communication strategies when working with First Nation peoples and people from culturally diverse backgrounds.
- Engage in critical self-reflection and accept constructive feedback to improve self-awareness and manage the use of self for ethical and empathetic professional interactions.
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| 1 - Written Assessment - 20% | ||||
| 2 - Practical Assessment - 40% | ||||
| 3 - Reflective Practice Assignment - 40% | ||||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| 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
Chenoweth, L., & McAuliffe, D. (2023). The Road to Social Work and Human Service Practice with Online Study Too Ls
- 7th edition (2023)
- Authors: Chenoweth, L., & McAuliffe, D.
- Cengage Learning Australia
- ISBN: 9780170470940
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
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.
f.baffour@cqu.edu.au
h.hickson@cqu.edu.au
Week 1
Begin Date: 13 Jul 2026Module/Topic
Introduction to Social Work
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
Recorded presentations:
Welcome and Unit Introduction.
Weekly lecture/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
Historical Development Social Work Purpose and Place & Purpose
Chapter
Readings and activities as
outlined in module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Tutorial and unit content and assessments
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 communications.
Week 3
Begin Date: 27 Jul 2026Module/Topic
Foundational Theories and Knowledge in Social Work
Chapter
Readings and activities as
outlined in module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Tutorial and unit content and assessments
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.
Announcement and Discussion Forums – Check for posts and updates.
Student email – Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Week 4
Begin Date: 03 Aug 2026Module/Topic
Social Work Values & Ethics
Chapter
Readings and activities as
outlined in module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Tutorial and unit content and assessments (amend to suit your unit).
Census Date – Tuesday Week 4
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 communications.
Week 5
Begin Date: 10 Aug 2026Module/Topic
Critical Reflection and Critical Reflective Practice
Chapter
Readings and activities as
outlined in module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Tutorial and unit content and assessments (amend to suit your unit).
Assessment 1 – Check the originality of your assessment through Turnitin and make relevant changes to your
assessment after reviewing your originality report.
Announcement and Discussion Forums – Check for posts and updates.
Student email – Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Short Essay Due: Week 5 Wednesday (12 Aug 2026) 4:00 pm AEST
Week 6
Begin Date: 17 Aug 2026Module/Topic
Interpersonal Communication Skills
Chapter
Readings and activities as
outlined in module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Tutorial and unit content and assessments (amend to suit your unit).
Assessment – 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 communications.
Vacation Week
Begin Date: 24 Aug 2026Module/Topic
Vacation week
Chapter
Please use this mid-term break as an opportunity to rest and recover. Enjoy your break!
Events and Submissions/Topic
No timetabled learning activities. Please use this week to progress your assessments.
Week 7
Begin Date: 31 Aug 2026Module/Topic
Active Listening Skills: Attending and following
Chapter
Readings and activities as
outlined in module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Tutorial and unit content and assessments (amend to suit your unit).
Assessment – 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 communications.
Week 8
Begin Date: 07 Sep 2026Module/Topic
Active Listening Skills: Reflection Skills
Chapter
Readings and activities as
outlined in module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Tutorial and unit content and assessments (amend to suit your unit).
Assessment – 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 communications.
Week 9
Begin Date: 14 Sep 2026Module/Topic
Culturally Safe and Responsive Communication
Chapter
Readings and activities as
outlined in module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Tutorial and unit content and assessments (amend to suit your unit).
Assessment – 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 communications.
Skills Demonstration and Reflection Due: Week 9 Wednesday (16 Sept 2026) 4:00 pm AEST
Week 10
Begin Date: 21 Sep 2026Module/Topic
Working collaboratively in Teams and Groups across Diverse Contexts
Chapter
Readings and activities as
outlined in module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Tutorial and unit content and assessments (amend to suit your unit).
Assessment – 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 communications.
Don’t forget – check your unit enrolments for next term
Week 11
Begin Date: 28 Sep 2026Module/Topic
Professional communication using information technology
Chapter
Readings and activities as
outlined in module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Tutorial and unit content and assessments (amend to suit your unit).
Assessment – 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 communications.
Student Unit and Teaching Evaluation survey – We encourage you to provide feedback about your unit and teaching experience in this unit. The survey opens Week 11 and closes one week before release of grades.
Week 12
Begin Date: 05 Oct 2026Module/Topic
Integration and Reflection: Developing Ethical Communication Skills & Social Work Identity
Chapter
Readings and activities as
outlined in module. and are essential for successful engagement with the unit content and assessment tasks.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Tutorial and unit content and assessments (amend to suit your unit).
Assessment – 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 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.
Reflective Practice Essay Due: Week 12 Wednesday (7 Oct 2026) 4:00 pm AEST
Exam Week
Begin Date: 12 Oct 2026Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Vacation/Exam Week
Begin Date: 19 Oct 2026Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
This Unit is taught on the Sydney campus in a face-to-face delivery mode. As a result, attendance is compulsory, and you are expected to attend weekly. You are asked to prepare your individual study plan, and your success largely depends on attending classes and maintaining regular contact with the course coordinator and visiting the course site regularly. The course coordinator will post regular announcements throughout the term about course materials and general information on the assessments. You are advised to review this information to keep you up to date. Please note that CQUniversity communicates with students through the CQUniversity email. We recommend checking your CQUniversity email at least twice a week to ensure you do not miss vital information about your studies.
1 Written Assessment
Instructions
Please refer to the assessment task instructions on the unit Moodle site.
Academic Integrity
1. 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.
2. The use of any generative artificial intelligence is permitted as per Level 1 (No AI)
3. Any use of Gen AI software:
a. Must be cited in the relevant sections.
b. Must be referenced as per APA 7th guidelines.
You must complete the declaration of Gen AI use on the title page of your assessment.
Extensions: Available as per policy The 72-hour grace period applies to this assessment.
Minimum Pass Criteria
· You must achieve a cumulative grade of at least 49.5% across all assessments to pass this unit.
Week 5 Wednesday (12 Aug 2026) 4:00 pm AEST
Submission online
Week 7 Wednesday (2 Sept 2026)
Return Via Moodle
Assessment criteria will be available on the Moodle site.
- Analyse the historical development, trends, foundational theories, values and ethics that shape contemporary social work identity, purpose and practice.
- Critically evaluate and use culturally safe and responsive communication strategies when working with First Nation peoples and people from culturally diverse backgrounds.
2 Practical Assessment
Instructions
Please follow the steps outlined in Moodle to complete this assessment task.
Academic Integrity
1. 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.
2. The use of any generative artificial intelligence is permitted as per Level 1 (No AI)
3. Any use of Gen AI software:
a. Must be cited in the relevant sections.
b. Must be referenced as per APA 7th guidelines.
You must complete the declaration of Gen AI use on the title page of your assessment.
Extensions: Available as per policy The 72-hour grace period applies to this assessmen
Week 9 Wednesday (16 Sept 2026) 4:00 pm AEST
Submission via Moodle
Week 11 Wednesday (30 Sept 2026)
Return Via Moodle
Assessment criteria will be available on the Moodle site.
- Develop ethical interpersonal communication skills to foster collaborative working relationships and achieve positive outcomes in diverse practice contexts.
- Critically evaluate and use culturally safe and responsive communication strategies when working with First Nation peoples and people from culturally diverse backgrounds.
- Engage in critical self-reflection and accept constructive feedback to improve self-awareness and manage the use of self for ethical and empathetic professional interactions.
3 Reflective Practice Assignment
Aim
The aim of this assessment is for you explore your professional identity or practice framework as an emerging social worker.
Instructions
Please follow the steps oulined on the Moodle page.
Academic Integrity
1. 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.
2. The use of any generative artificial intelligence is permitted as per Level 1 (No AI)
3. Any use of Gen AI software:
a. Must be cited in the relevant sections.
b. Must be referenced as per APA 7th guidelines.
You must complete the declaration of Gen AI use on the title page of your assessment.
Extensions: Available as per policy The 72-hour grace period applies to this assessment.
Minimum Pass Criteria
· You must achieve a cumulative grade of at least 49.5% across all assessments to pass this unit.
Week 12 Wednesday (7 Oct 2026) 4:00 pm AEST
Submit assessment online
Assessments will be returned by Wednesday 28th October
Assessment criteria will be available on the Moodle site.
- Analyse the historical development, trends, foundational theories, values and ethics that shape contemporary social work identity, purpose and practice.
- Develop ethical interpersonal communication skills to foster collaborative working relationships and achieve positive outcomes in diverse practice contexts.
- Critically evaluate and use culturally safe and responsive communication strategies when working with First Nation peoples and people from culturally diverse backgrounds.
- Engage in critical self-reflection and accept constructive feedback to improve self-awareness and manage the use of self for ethical and empathetic professional interactions.
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?
