This paper critically examines social justice issues, principles and models of justice and of human rights in Aotearoa New Zealand. Students develop an understanding of the judicial system of Aotearoa New Zealand, and the legal, ethical and professional responsibilities of social workers.

SOCW404 is taught through lectures and tutorials, with guest lecturers, a field trip to the Tauranga District Court and a mock court exercise at the Tauranga Family Court.

The four hours each week will normally begin with karakia and panui, followed by a lecture and tutorial. Breaks and activities will be dispersed throughout. The lectures will explore the content of the paper through presentation, case study analysis and discussion. The tutorials will be used for case analysis, skill development and guest lectures. This paper is supported through Moodle. Students will need to engage with Moodle to access readings, reports, other items of interest and submit assignment work.

• Students are required to attempt and submit all four pieces of internal assessment for this paper
• Students who fail to submit the compulsory assignments, if no other provisions have been made under the policy on special consideration for missed assessment, will receive an IC grade
• The assignments are structured to assess the paper learning objectives and are designed to determine your ability to apply social work concepts and theoretical frameworks, as well as, to further develop critical thinking and knowledge retention, through essays, oral presentations, critical reflections and a class test
  

Moodle will be used as an online learning and communication platform for this paper. Moodle can be accessed from elearn.waikato.ac.nz. All course related communication will be managed through Moodle. Students can contact the lecturer via email or using the message function on Moodle. Students are encouraged to use the ‘Ask your lecturer’ forum available on Moodle if you think that your enquiry could be useful for other students as well.

The lecture notes may not be available on Moodle before the lectures; however students can download lecture notes from Moodle within 24 hours of the lecture. Students are advised that reading these notes is not a substitute for attending lectures and taking one’s own notes. The provision of any materials from guest lecturers is at the discretion of the speaker.

Readings or a link to the reading sources will be available on Moodle on a weekly basis corresponding to each lecture topic. Students are expected to read the prescribed readings available on Moodle before each class to prepare for the lecture. Any additional readings will be listed on moodle.

The total hours of study for this paper are 200 hours (20 points). This paper has 48 hours of class contact time. Breaks and activities will be dispersed throughout with approximately two hours of tutorial. Successful completion of the paper will require approximately 152 hours for study and assignment preparation. Students are expected to attend all lectures and tutorials, the visit to the Tauranga District Court, participate in the mock court exercise at the Tauranga Family Court, and actively participate in classroom activities. Students are required to complete the weekly readings in order to come prepared for class discussion on the readings.