WS1005 - Human Rights, Social Justice, and the Law

Human rights and social justice are the philosophical cornerstones of social work practice and are enshrined in various international and national charters, conventions and legislation. Protecting the human rights of vulnerable populations requires social workers to understand the ways in which laws, legislation, and the legal system impact on various groups in society and frame social work practice. This subject introduces students to the concepts of human rights and social justice, and the varied ways in which the law and other legal frameworks both achieve and challenge the realisation of rights and justice for vulnerable people.

Learning Outcomes

• critically examine international and national human rights charters, conventions, and legislation;
• explain the Australian legal system including how laws are made and the state and federal laws relevant to social work practice;
• analyse the legal issues relevant to achieving social justice for disadvantaged and vulnerable groups;
• develop and apply skills in research, comprehension, and analysis of social work practice including the intersection of human rights, social justice, and the legal system.

Subject Assessment

• Written > Test/Quiz 1 - (30%) - Individual
• Oral > Presentation 1 - (30%) - Individual
• Written > Project report - (40%) - Individual.

Note: Minor variations might occur due to the continuous Subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.