This unit introduces theories and skills in community work and community development. There will be an exploration of the range of ways the term 'community' is used and an analysis of the assumptions, values, goals and visions behind community work will be discussed. The unit will explore the breadth and scope of community work at a local, state and global level. The unit will provide an opportunity to develop an understanding of the environmental, political, economic and cultural issues relevant to community work practice.

This unit introduces students to the role of human services within the Australian political context. Students will develop a critical analysis of the contribution of the market, state and community encouraging reflection on underpinning values. It will also identify the change strategies which can be developed and used in each of these domains to bring about socially just outcomes.

This unit examines the nature, incidence and extent of family violence. The focus is on the effects on women and children, who are the victims of this violence. Current sociological explanations are examined, including a critical examination of the myths and stereotypes that help to reinforce the hidden nature of this problem. Some solutions and possible ways of alleviating the suffering caused by this violence are canvassed.

This unit will critically examine sociological perspectives on the family, building on the approaches and theories introduced in first year. The familiarity of family life will be thrown into question and students will be asked to examine their beliefs, decode the meaning, and discard the myths of the 'naturalness' of family life. The family will be viewed as part of the wider social structure, its constitution shaped by history, economic factors, and cultural systems. The unit will primarily focus on Australia, but we will also consider material from other Western and non-Western societies in order to demonstrate the historical specificity of the nuclear family and the many different forms of the family as they occur in different cultural contexts.

This unit focuses on community management in Australia and the social and economic factors that influence and frame community management practices. At the macro level, It examines the effects of neo-liberal (economic rationalist) reforms in the public and community sectors; and the rise of developments such as managerialism and 'third way' approaches, on community management practices. The unit also explores developments in management practices in response to social developments such as multiculturalism, recognition of diversity, equal employment opportunity and recognition of contextual and local issues. It further looks at community management work practices, including volunteerism, steering committees, management committees, and collectives.

This unit enables students to examine the way in which child abuse has become a public issue. It considers the assumptions, values and interests which underlie definitions of abuse as well as intervention and prevention strategies promoted to protect children from abuse. In order to do this students will examine constructions of childhood, the positioning of children and attitudes towards children and families. Further the skills required to ensure that children are active participants in decisions made for their protection.

This unit will provide an understanding of social change processes and the strengths and challenges involved in social change for the 21st century. Students will be able to identify links between change at local/global and individual/structural levels. They will focus on an area of particular interest to themselves and on the skills involved in bringing about change. At the end of this unit students will have acquired the knowledge required to be active change agents.

The purpose of this unit is to develop awareness and understanding of cultural differences, whiteness and power relations in Australian society. Students are introduced to and required to develop a working understanding of theories of whiteness, culture, identity, difference and relations of power. Through assignments and activities students have the opportunity to work through the application of these theories in relation to different groups and social identities issues in the Australian context.