MSWPG7201: Contemporary Social Work Theories and Practice

Assessment Task Two: Essay

Due: Length: Weighting: Learning outcomes:

March 12 , 2023
th
2500 words 40% K1 - K6,
@ 11:55pm (+/- 10%, not including S1, S2, S3,
references) A1, A2, A3, A4

Detailed description:
In response to ONE of the following prompts, analyse TWO theoretical/practice frameworks (from
the options below) that could be used when working with a case involving violence, abuse, and
oppression.

Your essay should:

1. demonstrate understanding of family violence and relationships between interpersonal and

structural violence.

2. identify strengths and limitations of each chosen theoretical/practice framework.

Step one: choose ONE of the following prompts:

Option 1 As a social worker, when working with experiences of family violence in Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander families and communities “it is imperative to locate the
current violence within the context of the historical and traumatic experiences
endured by Aboriginal people as a result of unjust and oppressive state policies and
practices” (Menzies & McNamara, 2008, p. 38).

Option 2 When working with experiences of family violence, “It is imperative for human
service professionals to remain aware of the complex intersections between poverty
and violence in order to avoid the imposition of yet another layer of abuse –
‘institutional abuse’ – on people who are at some point in the process of escaping
violence” (Hart, 2008, p. 36).

Step two: choose TWO of the following theoretical/practice frameworks:

• Attachment theory
• Feminist perspectives
• Decolonising practices

Step three: carefully read the marking rubric (see below) as you begin to plan out your essay.

1
 Format:
• Heading: use your chosen quote and format it according to APA 7.
• Suggested content breakdown: 250 words on the introduction; 1000 words on each
theoretical/practice framework; 250 words on the conclusion; use ‘block’ paragraphs; section
headings are acceptable but not required.
• Reference list: format according to APA 7.

Presentation:
• Follow an essay structure and ensure the content flows in a clear and logical manner.
• Write in your own words and ensure that you acknowledge any direct quotations
appropriately in APA 7 format. Keep direct quotes to a minimum.
• Support your analysis and assertions with appropriate evidence from academic sources
(minimum of 8) and present all sources in APA 7 format.
• You should ensure that you meet the word length limit and proofread your work carefully.

Marking rubric – please note there are FOUR criterions:

High Distinction Distinction Credit Pass Non-pass

Per criterion
8-10 7 6 5 0-4

Criterion 1: Addressing the essay topic (10 marks)

This relates to Addresses all Addresses all Addresses all Addresses most Does not
your ability to parts of the parts of the parts of the parts of the satisfactorily
address all essay topic essay topic essay topic but essay question address the
aspects of the clearly and clearly and with clarity and detail but needs a essay question.
essay topic, the comprehensively a good level of could be clearer
level of detail of . detail. improved. contention
your essay, and and/or greater
the clarity of detail.
your contention.

Criterion 2: Understanding of topic (10 marks)

This relates to Shows Shows strong Shows good Shows some Does not show
how well you comprehensive knowledge of knowledge of knowledge of satisfactory
show your knowledge of the topic and the topic but the topic but knowledge of
understanding the topic and very good application of needs to the essay topic.
of the course exemplary ability ability to apply theoretical improve level of
materials to apply theoretical approaches to detail and/or
related to the theoretical approaches to the discussion is theoretical
essay topic and approaches to the discussion. limited. application.
how you apply the discussion.
theoretical
approaches.

2
Criterion 3: Depth of analysis (10 marks)

This relates to Deeply analyses Shows a good Shows a Describes / Does not show
the depth of the topic by level of depth in satisfactory level explains the satisfactory
your analysis, integrating analysis by of depth in topic without depth.
including your multiple considering analysis - could adequate
ability to perspectives and multiple include a analysis – needs Strengths and
compare and forming perspectives. broader range of to consider limitations of
contrast connections perspectives. multiple each chosen
theoretical between ideas. Three strengths perspectives. theoretical /
perspectives; and three Two strengths practice
consider At least four limitations of and two Only one framework have
multiple strengths and each chosen limitations of strength and one not been clearly
perspectives; four limitations theoretical / each chosen limitation of identified.
and make of each chosen practice theoretical / each chosen
connections. theoretical / framework have practice theoretical /
practice been clearly framework have practice
framework have identified. been clearly framework have
been clearly identified. been clearly
identified. identified.

Criterion 4: Academic writing and expression (10 marks)

Fluent Clear and Good expression Flows well Lacks flow and
This relates to
the structure of expression that concise and flow. throughout most may be difficult
the essay flows easily. expression with Paraphrasing is of the essay. to follow.
including Sophisticated logical flows. appropriate. Paraphrasing Paraphrasing is
spelling and paraphrasing. High quality Uses vocabulary may need needed or used
grammar as well Uses a wide paraphrasing. and discipline refinement. incorrectly.
as research (i.e.,
range of highly Uses a range of specific terms Uses mostly Uses limited
use of recent
appropriate appropriate and accurately. appropriate vocabulary or
material;
inclusion of at vocabulary and accurate Infrequent errors vocabulary and inappropriate
least 8 in-text discipline vocabulary and in spelling and discipline word choices /
citations; specific terms. discipline punctuation that specific terms. discipline
reference list). Almost error free specific terms. does not impede Errors in spelling specific terms.
punctuation and Occasional understanding. and punctuation Errors in
grammar. errors in Includes 8 in-text occasionally grammar,
Includes 8 in-text punctuation and citations. impedes spelling and/or
citations. grammar. Infrequent errors understanding. punctuation that
Citations AND Includes 8 in-text within citations Includes 8 in-text impedes
reference list are citations. and/or reference citations. understanding.
error free. Occasional list. Pervasive Includes less
errors within citation and/or than 8 in-text
citations and/or referencing citations.
reference list. errors. Pervasive
citation and/or
referencing
errors.