Human Development in Social Context

Unit code: ASW2103 | Study level: Undergraduate
Credit points
12
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)
Location
Footscray Park
Prerequisites
96 credit points of First year core ABSW units for students enrolled in ABSW. 96 credit points of First Year core HCSP units for students enrolled in HCSP.
(Or equivalent to be determined by unit coordinator)
Overview
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Overview

This unit explores some of the key concepts in understanding social and human behaviour across the lifespan. It also introduces the lifespan from infancy to old age accounting for the individual, social, cultural and structural dimensions. It encourages students to make the links between their own personal values and a range of social and cultural phenomena, and the implications of this for social work practice.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate an understanding of human development from infancy through to old age, using different theoretical perspectives;
  2. Reflect on personal experiences in light of human development theory; and
  3. Demonstrate a developing critical awareness of human development from a variety of cultural perspectives.

Assessment

For Melbourne campuses

Assessment type: Test
|
Grade: 20%
Quizzes (900 word equivalent) (2x15mins)
Assessment type: Presentation
|
Grade: 30%
Group presentation and individual reflection (15mins)
Assessment type: Essay
|
Grade: 50%
Critical analysis of selected topic (1,800 word equivalent)

To gain a pass in this unit students must attain a minimum overall grade of 50% and attempt and submit all assessment tasks. Each assessment task covers discrete areas of knowledge and skill required for the successful completion of the social work course.

Required reading

A critical approach to human growth and development.
Nicolson, P. (2014).| Palgrave Macmillan.
Understanding human development
Harms, L. (2021).| Oxford University Press.

As part of a course

This unit is studied as part of the following course(s):

Bachelor of Social Work
ABSW | Bachelor degree | Duration: 4 years
Bachelor of Speech and Language Sciences/Master of Speech Pathology
HCSP | Bachelor degree | Duration: 4.5 years

Refer to the course page for information on how to apply for the course. VU takes care to ensure the accuracy of this unit information, but reserves the right to change or withdraw courses offered at any time. Please check that unit information is current with the Student Contact Centre.

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