Overview
In this unit, you will develop an understanding of social work knowledge and practice, focusing on group work, family work and community practice. Using case study role plays and living labs, you will critically analyse and apply various social work theories and methods, integrating professional values and ethics to develop skills for working with families, groups and communities. From a critical perspective, you will evaluate and reflect on biases and assumptions inherent within these theories, methods and your practice and assess how they perpetuate and challenge social injustices. You will enhance your cross-cultural practice and explore culturally sensitive and ethical responses to challenges experienced by culturally and racially marginalised families, groups and communities. Guided by the AASW Code of Ethics (2020), this unit will equip you with skills for cultural humility, recognising different ways of knowing, being and doing that is responsive to the needs of all families, groups and communities.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
Pre-requisites: SOWK29001 Ethical and Legal Issues in Practice SOWK28005 Social Work Field Education 1
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 1 - 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.
- Engage with case study role plays and living labs to critically analyse and apply various theories, methods, professional values and ethics, while developing skills for working with families, groups, and communities.
- Critically evaluate the biases and assumptions inherent in theories, methods and your practice and assess their contribution to achieving social justice for families, groups and communities.
- Integrate knowledge of social work theories, ethics and values, and skills with cross-cultural practices to foster culturally responsive practices with families, groups and communities.
- Engage in critical reflective practice to ensure that social work practice is ethical, equitable, and responsive to the needs of families, groups and communities.
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| 1 - Written Assessment - 30% | ||||
| 2 - Practical Assessment - 30% | ||||
| 3 - Project (applied) - 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
There are no required textbooks.
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
- Academic Learning Centre services
- Laptop/Computer
- PowerPoint or canva
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.
m.g.parker@cqu.edu.au
Week 1
Begin Date: 09 Mar 2026Module/Topic
Introduction to working with families
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.
Readings: Complete readings before attending tutorial on campus.
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: 16 Mar 2026Module/Topic
Theories & relational work
Chapter
Readings and activities as outlined
in module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
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: 23 Mar 2026Module/Topic
Developing relationships
Chapter
Readings and activities as outlined
in module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
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. 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 4
Begin Date: 30 Mar 2026Module/Topic
Facilitating family meetings
Chapter
Readings and activities as outlined
in module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Assessment 1 Due Wednesday 2nd April @ 4pm
Census Date – Tuesday Week 4
Announcement and Discussion
Forums – Check for posts and
updates.
Student email – Check your student
email at least twice per week for
important communications.
Written Assessment – Critical Reflection Due: Week 4 Wednesday (1 Apr 2026) 4:00 pm AEST
Week 5
Begin Date: 06 Apr 2026Module/Topic
Introduction to Working with groups
Chapter
Readings and activities as outlined
in module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Assessment 2 – Read the literature
to identify the credibility of the
evidence and continue preparing
your assessment. Groups will be assigned during tutorial.
Announcement and Discussion
Forums – Check for posts and
updates.
Student email – Check your student
email at least twice per week for important communications.
Week 6
Begin Date: 13 Apr 2026Module/Topic
Group work processes
Chapter
Readings and activities as outlined
in module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Assessment 2 – Read the literature
to identify the credibility of the
evidence and continue preparing
your assessment in groups.
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: 20 Apr 2026Module/Topic
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: 27 Apr 2026Module/Topic
Planning and preparation for group work
Chapter
Readings and activities as outlined
in module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Assessment 2 – Read the literature
to identify the credibility of the
evidence and continue preparing
your assessment in your group. Individually, prepare your facilitated activity.
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: 04 May 2026Module/Topic
Facilitating Groups
Chapter
Readings and activities as outlined
in module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Assessment 2 – Continue preparing
your assessment. Practice facilitating your activity.
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: 11 May 2026Module/Topic
Assessment 2
In class presentations
Chapter
Readings and activities as outlined
in module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Assessment 2 Program Submission and Session Plan due Wednesday 13th May at 4 pm
Facilitation of session activity in class on Thursday, 14th May
Announcement and Discussion
Forums – Check for posts and
updates.
Student email – Check your student
email at least twice per week for important communications.
Practical Assessment – Group work skills Due: Week 9 Wednesday (13 May 2026) 4:00 pm AEST
Week 10
Begin Date: 18 May 2026Module/Topic
Social Work with Communities - Community development models to create change
Chapter
Readings and activities as outlined
in module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Assessment 3 – 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 11
Begin Date: 25 May 2026Module/Topic
Emancipatory community work
Chapter
Readings and activities as outlined
in module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Assessment 3
Develop a plan with your community group
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 experiences in this unit. The survey opens Week 11 and closes one week before release of grades.
Week 12
Begin Date: 01 Jun 2026Module/Topic
Navigating conflict and opportunities within communities
Chapter
Readings and activities as outlined
in module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Assessment 3 - Revise the plan with feedback from your community group
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.
Exam Week
Begin Date: 08 Jun 2026Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Assessment 3 Due Wednesday 10th June at 4 pm
Project Plan and Reflection – Engaging with communities Due: Exam Week Wednesday (10 June 2026) 4:00 pm AEST
Vacation/Exam Week
Begin Date: 15 Jun 2026Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
As this unit is offered face-to-face, students will be required to do preparatory work including readings prior to attending tutorials on campus. Students are asked to prepare their own individual study plan to undertake self-led and self-directed study throughout the term.
A key to your success is a strategic self-directed approach to learning and regular contact with your Unit Coordinator/s. Please check the Announcements and Discussion forums at least twice a week – there will be regular announcements about assessments and unit resources throughout the term and reviewing this information is essential to unit knowledge and your success. CQUniversity communicates with students through CQUniversity email. We recommend that you access your CQUniversity email at least twice a week so that you do not miss vital information about your studies.
During the term students will be working alongside community groups to practice skills learnt throughout the unit.
1 Written Assessment
You will demonstrate your ability to critically analyse social work theories, methods and perspectives when working with families. You will critically reflect on the alignment of your own perspectives on working with families with social work values and ethics. You will identify ways your cultural perspectives about family relationships may influence your practice and cultural responsiveness.
Instructions
Please refer to the assessment task instructions on the unit Moodle site.
Academic Integrity
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.
The use of any generative artificial intelligence is not permitted as per Level 1 (No AI) in the AI Assessment scale tool indicators.
Extensions
Available as per policy
The 72-hour grace period may apply to this assessment
Minimum Pass Criteria
You must achieve a cumulative grade of at least 49.5% across all assessments to pass this unit.
In the event you are eligible for a supplementary assessment, all assessment tasks must be reasonably attempted in this unit.
Week 4 Wednesday (1 Apr 2026) 4:00 pm AEST
Submit via Moodle
Vacation Week Wednesday (22 Apr 2026)
Results will be available on Moodle
Assessment Criteria will be available on Moodle
- Critically evaluate the biases and assumptions inherent in theories, methods and your practice and assess their contribution to achieving social justice for families, groups and communities.
- Integrate knowledge of social work theories, ethics and values, and skills with cross-cultural practices to foster culturally responsive practices with families, groups and communities.
2 Practical Assessment
You will demonstrate your ability to develop a group work program and facilitate group work processes and apply skills.
Instructions
Please refer to the assessment task instructions on the unit Moodle site.
Academic Integrity
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.
The use of any generative artificial intelligence is not permitted as per Level 1 (No AI) in the AI Assessment scale tool indicators.
Extensions: Not available as per policy
The 72-hour grace period does not apply to this assessment
Minimum Pass Criteria
You must achieve a cumulative grade of at least 49.5% across all assessments to pass this unit.
In the event you are eligible for a supplementary assessment, all assessment tasks must be reasonably attempted in this unit.
Week 9 Wednesday (13 May 2026) 4:00 pm AEST
Group Program and Session plan to be submitted via Moodle on the above date. Group work activity will be facilitated in class on Thursday 14th May 2026. A reflection is to be posted on the discussion board by the following Wednesday 20th May at 4pm
Week 12 Wednesday (3 June 2026)
Results will be available on Moodle
Assessment criteria will be available on the Moodle site
- Engage with case study role plays and living labs to critically analyse and apply various theories, methods, professional values and ethics, while developing skills for working with families, groups, and communities.
- Critically evaluate the biases and assumptions inherent in theories, methods and your practice and assess their contribution to achieving social justice for families, groups and communities.
- Integrate knowledge of social work theories, ethics and values, and skills with cross-cultural practices to foster culturally responsive practices with families, groups and communities.
- Engage in critical reflective practice to ensure that social work practice is ethical, equitable, and responsive to the needs of families, groups and communities.
3 Project (applied)
You will demonstrate your ability to engage with community members as a part of a living lab, where you will support an organisation or community group to undertake work with communities. You will develop relationships with members of the organisation/group and undertake tasks as agreed in line with the learning outcomes of this unit.
Instructions
Please refer to the assessment task instructions on the unit Moodle site.
Academic Integrity
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.
The use of any generative artificial intelligence is not permitted as per Level 1 (No AI) in the AI Assessment scale tool indicators.
Extensions
Extensions are not available as per the policy.
The 72-hour grace period does not apply to this assessment
Minimum Pass Criteria
You must achieve a cumulative grade of at least 49.5% across all assessments to pass this unit.
In the event you are eligible for a supplementary assessment, all assessment tasks must be reasonably attempted in this unit.
Exam Week Wednesday (10 June 2026) 4:00 pm AEST
Submit Part A - Group Plan and Part B – Individual Reflection in separate Word documents via the unit Moodle site in Microsoft Word format only.
Results for this assessment will be made available on 1st July 2026
Refer to the marking rubric on the Moodle site for more detail on how marks will be assigned.
- Engage with case study role plays and living labs to critically analyse and apply various theories, methods, professional values and ethics, while developing skills for working with families, groups, and communities.
- Critically evaluate the biases and assumptions inherent in theories, methods and your practice and assess their contribution to achieving social justice for families, groups and communities.
- Integrate knowledge of social work theories, ethics and values, and skills with cross-cultural practices to foster culturally responsive practices with families, groups and communities.
- Engage in critical reflective practice to ensure that social work practice is ethical, equitable, and responsive to the needs of families, groups and communities.
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?
