Course Title: Youth Work Ethics

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Youth Work Ethics

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

HWSS2228

City Campus

Undergraduate

365H Global, Urban and Social Studies

Face-to-Face

Sem 1 2019,
Sem 1 2020,
Sem 1 2021,
Sem 1 2022,
Sem 1 2023,
Sem 1 2024

Course Coordinator: Dr. Kathryn Daley

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 9926

Course Coordinator Email: kathryn.daley@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: Building 8. Floor 10

Course Coordinator Availability: By appointment


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

 None


Course Description

This course focuses on the preparation of individuals to enter a human services- oriented profession, equipped with an ethical framework. The content of this course explores questions associated with what it means to be professional or to professionalise an industry. It will challenge you to consider frames of reference for ethical relationships and decision making, in consideration of the field and clients with which you might work. 

This course is a pre-requisite for HWSS2232 Youth Work 4: Field Education 2 (Working with Industry), HWSS223 Youth Work 5: Field Education 3 3 and HWSS1135 Casework and Advocacy. 


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

Program Learning Outcomes

In this course you will develop the following program learning outcomes:  

  • Engage responsibly and ethically in professional relationships, whilst attending to the wide range of complex issues regarding young people and other key stakeholders, in the execution of your duty of care.


Course Learning Outcomes  

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:  

  1. Critically analyse key theories and arguments relating to professionalism and professionalisation, and situate these in a human services context
  2. Describe, identify and critically assess the tenets of contemporary codes of ethical practice related to youth work and other human services.
  3. Clarify and articulate your own values as a human services professional with respect to examples from the contemporary codes of ethical practice related to human services and working with diverse groups of people.
  4. Critically evaluate the treatment of young people, minority groups and vulnerable people, in policy and practice, from an ethical standpoint 


Overview of Learning Activities

This course is facilitated through a series of face-to–face workshops. It begins through an exploration of concepts of ethics and professionalism, and evolves into a problem based learning approach. Through collaborative analysis of authentic scenarios, you will apply theoretical knowledge to practical contexts. Through reflexivity, you will articulate your ethical disposition and considerations of working with diverse people across settings. 


Overview of Learning Resources

There may be a required text for this course, that will be available for purchase or loan in the library. Details of this text are available in the Part B Course Guide attached to this course. 

RMIT will provide you with other resources and tools for learning in this course through our online systems. This includes resources such as weekly readings, assessment supports, requirements for workshop and seminar participation and notes from classes. 

There are services available to support your learning through the University Library. The Library provides guides on academic referencing and subject specialist help as well as a range of study support services. For further information, please visit the Library page on the RMIT University website and the myRMIT student portal. 


Overview of Assessment

You will be assessed on how well you meet the course’s learning outcomes and on your development against the program learning outcomes. 

Assessment Tasks

Task 1: In-class quizzes, Weeks 2-5, each worth 5% totalling 20% of final grade. CLO 1, 2, 4

Task 2: Case Study Analysis, 1500 words, 40%, CLO 1, 2, 4

Task 3: Argumentative Essay, 1500 words, 40%, CLO 1, 2, 3, 4

Feedback will be given on all assessment tasks. 

If you have a long term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more.

Your course assessment conforms to RMIT assessment principles, regulations, policies, procedures and instructions.