HSW711 - Responding to Trauma, Grief and Loss

Unit details

Year:

2024 unit information

Enrolment modes:

Trimester 1: Online with significant campus requirements (see in-person attendance requirements)

Credit point(s):1
EFTSL value:0.125
Unit Chair:Trimester 1: Tamara Holmes
Cohort rule:This unit is only available to students enrolled in H703
Prerequisite:

HSW703

Corequisite:Nil
Incompatible with: Nil
Typical study commitment:

Students will on average spend 150 hours over the teaching period undertaking the teaching, learning and assessment activities for this unit.

This will include educator guided online learning activities within the unit site.

Educator-facilitated (scheduled) learning activities - online unit enrolment:

Online independent and collaborative learning activities will support learning across the trimester.

In-person attendance requirements:

All students must attend a compulsory 3 day intensive during Week 4 of Trimester 1 at the Geelong Waterfront Campus at which core practical learning requirements will be taught.

Click here to view intensive dates and locations.

 

Content

This unit explores a range of critical social work theories and approaches to understanding and responding to trauma, grief and loss, including more traditional individualised approaches, as well as critical and postmodern approaches. The implications of using contrasting theoretical frameworks to inform social work practice are explored in relation to a range of different trauma, grief and loss experiences including mental and other health issues, work with refugees and asylum seekers, bereavement, sexual assault, abuse, and domestic violence. A lifespan perspective is interwoven throughout the unit, to consider trauma, loss and grief experienced by children, young adults and aged persons.

Students are encouraged to draw on the skills and knowledge of social work method and process developed in a previous practice unit (HSW703). The unit also explores trauma, grief and loss experienced by whole communities, through transgenerational trauma, and disasters such as bushfire and flood, as well as terrorism and mass violence. A further area of trauma, grief and loss – disenfranchised grief – is also considered. Throughout the unit, students are encouraged and guided to engage in critical reflection on their own values, ethics and assumptions around trauma, loss and grief.

ULO These are the Learning Outcomes (ULO) for this unit. At the completion of this unit, successful students can: Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes
ULO1

Describe and differentiate between a range of theoretical approaches to trauma grief and loss.

GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities
GLO2: Communication
GLO3: Digital literacy
GLO4: Critical thinking

ULO2

Critically reflect on own values and beliefs around trauma, grief and loss.

GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities
GLO4: Critical thinking
GLO6: Self-management
GLO8: Global citizenship

ULO3

Articulate the link between theory and practice in relation to working with diverse individuals and communities around trauma, grief and loss, in a particular social work setting.

GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities
GLO2: Communication
GLO3: Digital literacy
GLO5: Problem solving
GLO8: Global citizenship

ULO4

Demonstrate integration of theoretical knowledge and practical understanding of ethical issues and responsibilities involved in working with trauma, grief and loss.

GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities
GLO2: Communication
GLO4: Critical thinking
GLO6: Self-management
GLO8: Global citizenship

ULO5

Integrate an awareness of the experience of trauma, grief and loss affecting individuals and communities across fields of practice and the lifespan.

GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities
GLO2: Communication
GLO4: Critical thinking

Assessment

Assessment description Student output Grading and weighting
(% total mark for unit)
Indicative due week
Assessment 1: Journal entries 4 entries
Total: 2500 words
50%
  • Week 6
Assessment 2: Video role play and written critical analysis Video: 12-15 minutes
Written critical analysis: 1500 words
50%
  • Week 11

The assessment due weeks provided may change. The Unit Chair will clarify the exact assessment requirements, including the due date, at the start of the teaching period.

Hurdle requirement

  • Attendance at a 3 day intensive (practical experience workshop) held during trimester at Waterfront Campus.

View intensive dates and locations.

Learning Resource

The texts and reading list for the unit can be found on the University Library via the link below: HSW711 Note: Select the relevant trimester reading list. Please note that a future teaching period's reading list may not be available until a month prior to the start of that teaching period so you may wish to use the relevant trimester's prior year reading list as a guide only.

Unit Fee Information

Fees and charges vary depending on the type of fee place you hold, your course, your commencement year, the units you choose to study and their study discipline, and your study load.

Tuition fees increase at the beginning of each calendar year and all fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD). Tuition fees do not include textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment or costs such as mandatory checks, travel and stationery.

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