SWM5121 · Criminology and social work

Overview

This unit introduces you to the field of forensic and criminal justice social work. It focuses on contemporary research, theories and practice approaches required for working effectively with involuntary clients in the criminal justice system. You will critically examine the impact of social structure and policy on justice-involved groups, particularly in relation to understanding and responding to the causal factors of overrepresentation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the criminal justice system. You will also examine the competing philosophies and dominant organisational discourses of the various agencies operating in the criminal justice context, in relationship to the goals and actions of social work. The unit will also provide you with an opportunity to apply your developing social work practice skills to simulated practice scenarios related to effective practice with involuntary clients in criminal justice.

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.

Learning outcomes

1. Critically appraise the role of social work in criminal justice contexts.
2. Analyse and evaluate theories of criminal behaviour and their relevance to criminal justice policies and interventions .
3. Analyse and evaluate the multiple and competing criminal justice aims and objectives.
4. Assess and explain key research findings as they relate to effective practice and interventions in criminal justice contexts, including those that address the disparity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
5. Understand the causes and impacts of the disproportionate youth and adult criminal justice system involvement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
6. Apply effective practice skills for working with involuntary clients to different simulated criminal justice practice contexts.

Workload

This is an online unit for both on campus and DE cohorts of students which comprises 9 hours of teacher directed learning activities each week for 8 weeks. You will be expected to spend up to 9 hours each week for 8 weeks in self-directed study related to the content matter.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.