SWK1100: Decolonising Social Work and Human Services Critical Social Work in a Global Context

Assessed Course Learning Outcomes

Consider the impact of whiteness globally and in the Australian context. Explore and relate the historical development of immigration policies to the social policies implemented by successive governments and interpret the intersectional experiences for people who migrate.

Practice anti-oppressive and emancipatory social work and human services work by recognising, respecting, and valuing the rich cultural diversity in Australia and beyond.

Advances human rights through anti-oppressive practice that contributes to social, economic, political, and environmental justice for all citizens of the globe.

Rationale

Being able to articulate and justify your position within decision-making processes is a key skill in ethical practice. Drawing from evidence to inform your ideas and practice framework further aligns to SWHS commitment to enact evidence based, anti-oppressive practice. 

Task Instructions

Consider the statement “Australian Social Work is White”; In no more than 1500 words (excluding references) your essay must:

A) Outline the extent to which you agree with the statement, by drawing from ideas and readings explored in this course.

B) Describe two key ways that social workers may critically respond to issues of whiteness in practice when working with diverse communities.

Include an introductory paragraph, which clearly outlines the importance of the topic and what you plan to explore in your essay.

Ensure your writing is clearly and logically structured, including a conclusionary statement or paragraph at the end of your essay.

Provide in-text citations to support your ideas and claims made, ensuring you refer to texts used within the SWK1100 course (additional literature and sources also permitted).

Before submitting, check the marking rubric to ensure your essay is in line with the task expectations. 

You are encouraged to engage with Studiosity and make the most of library services to ensure maximum success in the completion of this assessment.

This is an individual assessment. Please ensure the work that you submit is your own individual work.

Acceptable AI Use Level

For this Assessment Item, acceptable AI use is set at: Level 1 (AI Assisted Structure Checking.

Please read the descriptor for this level below and ensure that you abide by the limitations and requirements outlined.

Level 1: AI-Assisted Structure Checking

Description: Students may use Artificial intelligence (AI) tools to organise and check the structure and flow of their Assessment Item. This includes grammar checks, coherence, and flow of arguments but excludes using AI to generate new text and/or new content.

Additional Information Required: Indicate the AI tool(s) used for structure checking at the beginning of the Assessment Item and include the prompts you have used. Save copies of your drafts and content before/after AI was used, to produce upon request.

Academic Integrity

Students should be familiar with, and abide by, UniSQ’s policy on Academic Integrity and the definition of Academic Misconduct. Penalties apply to students found to have breached these policies and procedures. Please ensure you have completed the mandatory Academic Integrity training and have familiarised yourself with Academic Integrity at UniSQ.

Relevant Information and Resources

Online recorded presentations and activities on StudyDesk. Required and recommended readings on StudyDesk.

Studiosity is a 24/7 online service that provides feedback and support for students in relation to assignment writing. UniSQ Library APA 7th Edition referencing guide (for formatting your reference list and the submission).

Learn how to use the Library Search and Google Scholar to find resources here.

Assessment Marking Criteria

The detailed Marking Rubric for this assessment item is presented below.

APA 7 referencing and formatting is required. Refer to the UniSQ Library referencing guides linked above for more information.

Submission Information

You will need to submit your assignment via StudyDesk using the designated submission point.

Please submit a Word Document. A cover page is not required.

Return of Assessment Items and Feedback for Learning

The Marking Rubric below will guide the moderated marking process. The final release of marks will normally be within three weeks of submission. This same timeframe applies to any assessments submitted with an approved extension. Marked assessment feedback and grades will be available via Turnitin.

Extensions and Penalties for Late Submission

Information on extensions and late penalties can be found here.

Assessment Requirements Summary

Task: Essay – “Australian Social Work is White” (max 1500 words, excluding references)
Purpose:

• Critically examine the impact of whiteness in social work both globally and in Australia.

• Explore historical immigration policies and their link to contemporary social policies.

• Analyse intersectional experiences of people who migrate.

• Demonstrate anti-oppressive and emancipatory social work practices.

Key Pointers to Cover:

1. Introduction: Explain the importance of the topic, outline essay structure, and present the focus on whiteness in Australian social work.

2. Critical Analysis: Evaluate the statement by referencing course readings and evidence. Discuss the influence of whiteness in policy, practice, and professional culture.

3. Social Work Responses: Identify and describe two key strategies for addressing whiteness in practice when working with diverse communities.

4. Evidence and References: Use in-text citations from SWK1100 and other scholarly sources, formatted in APA 7.

5. Conclusion: Summarise the analysis, reinforce key findings, and highlight implications for ethical, anti-oppressive practice.

6. Structure and Flow: Ensure clear, logical organisation of ideas; use AI tools only for structure and grammar checks, not content generation.

Approach by Academic Mentor

1. Understanding the Question:

   • Mentor helped the student break down the task into components: critical analysis, historical context, anti-oppressive practice, and strategies for intervention.

2. Research and Reading:

   • Guided the student to review course readings, relevant immigration and social policy literature, and scholarly articles on whiteness in Australian social work.

   • Highlighted intersectional frameworks and anti-oppressive practice models.

3. Drafting the Introduction:

   • Student framed the essay contextually, explaining why examining whiteness in social work is critical for ethical and culturally responsive practice.

4. Critical Analysis Section:

   • Mentor guided the student to:

     • Explain whiteness as a social construct and its influence on institutions.

     • Discuss historical immigration policies (e.g., White Australia Policy) and contemporary social policies.

     • Reflect on intersectional experiences of migrants.

5. Practical Responses Section:

   • Two strategies identified:

     1. Cultural Competency and Reflexivity: Encouraging self-awareness of privilege and bias.

     2. Policy Advocacy and Inclusive Practice: Actively promoting equity and challenging discriminatory policies.

6. Use of Evidence and References:

   • Ensured all claims were supported with in-text citations.

   • Demonstrated APA 7 formatting in reference list.

7. Conclusion:

   • Synthesised findings, reinforced the importance of anti-oppressive practice, and highlighted implications for ethical social work.

8. Final Review:

   • AI-assisted structure checking was used to refine flow, coherence, and grammar.

   • Student cross-checked against marking rubric to ensure all criteria were met.

Outcome Achieved

• A structured, coherent essay critically addressing the role of whiteness in Australian social work.

• Two actionable strategies for anti-oppressive practice were clearly explained.

• Demonstrated understanding of historical, social, and policy contexts.

• Learning objectives covered:

  • Evidence-based decision making in social work.

  • Intersectional understanding of migration experiences.

  • Application of anti-oppressive frameworks in practice.

  • Ethical and culturally responsive social work.

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