Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)

BSW 1 In these Regulations, and in the Syllabuses for the degree of BSW, unless the context otherwise requires

'Core departments' means the School of Economics and Finance, the Departments of Politics and Public Administration, Psychology, Social Work and Social Administration, Sociology and Statistics;

'Non-core departments' means departments, centres, schools and programmes, other than core departments, teaching in the Faculty of Social Sciences;

'Department' means any one of the core and non-core departments;

'Course' means a course of instruction leading to one paper in the Final Examination Part I, Part II and Part III, as defined in the syllabus;

'Paper' means one or more of the following tests: a theoretical examination paper, a practical examination paper, an assessment of field practice, a thesis, and a dissertation, or other assignments as prescribed in the syllabus of the course leading to it;

'Double course' means the equivalent of two courses, and leads to the equivalent of two papers in the Final Examination;

'Prerequisite' means a course which candidates must have completed successfully before being permitted to take the course in question.

BSW 2 To be eligible for admission to the degree of Bachelor of Social Work candidates shall

BSW 3 The curriculum for the degree of Bachelor of Social Work shall extend over not less than three academic years and shall include the Final Examination Part I, Part II and Part III held annually, at the end of the first, second and third years respectively. Candidates shall select courses in accordance with Regulations BSW 6 and BSW 9 below.

BSW 4 In the Final Examination Part I, Part II and Part III an assessment of the candidates' coursework during the year, shall be taken into account in determining their results in each written examination paper.

BSW 5 Candidates who are unable because of their illness to be present for any paper or papers in the Final Examination Part I and Part II may apply for permission to present themselves for a supplementary examination to be held before the beginning of the first semester of the following academic year. Any such application shall be made on the form prescribed within two weeks of the first day of absence from any examination. Candidates who fail to satisfy the examiners in one or more papers in such a supplementary examination shall be considered under the provisions made in these Regulations for failure at the first attempt at the examination, except that a further supplementary examination shall not be permitted.

BSW 6 To complete the first year of the curriculum, candidates shall follow seven courses plus the compulsory English course as prescribed in the syllabuses and satisfy the examiners at the Final Examination Part I which shall consist of one paper in each of the courses selected, together with any field work, oral and practical tests as may be prescribed in the syllabuses.

BSW 7 Candidates in the Final Examination Part I who have failed to satisfy the examiners in one paper only (other than the pre-requisite paper for compulsory courses to be taken in the second- and third-years of study) but have achieved in their opinion a sufficiently high standard in other papers to compensate for that failure, may be deemed to have satisfied the examiners, but shall not be permitted to select a second- or third-year course for which the failed paper forms a prerequisite unless they are given permission by the Department concerned to sit a qualifying examination in the failed paper and satisfy the examiners in this.

(a)

Candidates in the Final Examination Part I

(i)	who have failed to satisfy the examiners in any one paper and are not deemed to have satisfied the examiners under the provision of Regulation BSW 7 above, or
(ii)	who have failed to satisfy the examiners in two papers

may be permitted to present themselves for a supplementary examination in the failed paper(s) held the same year in August/September. Candidates who fail in one or more papers at a Supplementary Final Examination Part I shall be required to repeat the whole first year of the curriculum.

(b)

Candidates in the Final Examination Part I who have failed to satisfy the examiners in three papers shall be required either to repeat the whole first year of the curriculum, or to discontinue their studies.

(c)

Candidates in the Final Examination Part I who have failed to satisfy the examiners in more than three papers shall be recommended for discontinuation of studies under the provisions of General Regulation G 12.

(d)

In no case may candidates proceed to the second year of the curriculum until they have satisfied the examiners at the Final Examination Part I under the provisions of BSW 5, BSW 6, BSW 7 or this Regulation. Candidates who have failed to satisfy the examiners in the Final Examination Part I after having repeated the first year shall be recommended for discontinuation of studies under the provisions of General Regulation G 12.

BSW 9 To complete the second and third years of the curriculum, candidates shall follow the equivalent of sixteen courses, and satisfy the examiners at the Final Examination Parts II and III in the sixteen courses by means of written papers or continuous assessment, eight to be taken at the end of the second year, and eight at the end of the third year.

(a)	Candidates who have failed to satisfy the examiners in the Final Examination Part II in one or two papers (other than the Theory and methods of social work and the Social work skills laboratory) may be allowed to proceed to the third year of the curriculum and present themselves for re-examination in the failed paper(s) together with the papers of Part III of the Final Examination, except that in the case of failure in the paper(s) for the elective course(s), re-examination either in the failed paper(s) or in new papers may be permitted.
(b)	Candidates who have failed to satisfy the examiners in the Theory and methods of social work and the Social work skills laboratory may be required either to repeat the second year or discontinue their studies.
(c)	Candidates who have failed to satisfy the examiners in the Theory and methods of social work and the Social work skills laboratory may be required either to repeat the second year or discontinue their studies.

BSW 11 Candidates who fail in either Field instruction I or II or both at the Final Examination Part III but have otherwise satisfied the examiners in all other requirements may be permitted to undertake a new period of field practice to be specified by the Head of the Department. Candidates who fail to satisfy the examiners at a second attempt in field practice shall be required to repeat the third year or to discontinue their studies.

BSW 12 Candidates in the Final Examination Part III who have failed to satisfy the examiners in three or more papers, including where appropriate the Part II papers examined or re-examined under the provisions of Regulation BSW10(a), shall be required either to repeat the courses for the failed papers and present themselves for re-examination in the papers when the examination is next held, or to repeat the final year of the curriculum and present themselves for re-examination in the whole of Part III of the Final Examination when the examination is next held, but in either case shall not be eligible for honours unless the Senate directs that they shall be so eligible because of exceptional circumstances. Candidates who fail to satisfy the examiners in this second attempt shall be recommended for discontinuation under the provisions of General Regulation G 12. If they are not required by the Senate to discontinue their studies and are permitted to present themselves for a third time, they shall then in no circumstances be eligible for honours. Candidates who present themselves for re-examination in respect of elective courses only may offer the same papers in which they have failed, or substitute other papers.

BSW 13 An alphabetical list shall be published of candidates successful in the Final Examination Parts I and II, while the list of candidates successful in the whole of the Final Examination shall be published in five divisions: First Class Honours; Second Class Honours Division One; Second Class Honours Division Two; Third Class Honours; Pass. The standard attained in each of the three Parts of the Final Examination shall be taken into account in determining the candidates' classifications.

The Department of Social Work and Social Administration in the Faculty of Social Sciences offers an undergraduate programme of professional studies in Social Work, leading to the Degree of Bachelor of Social Work (BSW). The degree curriculum has the following educational objective:

The curriculum for the degree of Bachelor of Social Work extends over a period of three academic years. Students are required to follow instruction through the medium of lecture courses, laboratory work, small group tutorials and field instruction.

Candidates must complete the following seven courses plus the compulsory English course 77100. In addition to course 77100 which is a whole-year course, candidates may not take more than four courses in any semester. The examination for each course is one two-hour written paper and the final grading will be determined by performance in the examination and an assessment of coursework in the ratio of 70:30, unless otherwise specified. There are no prerequisites for admission to these courses unless otherwise specified.

Candidates may take only one course from among 15112, 17101 and 17103. Course 17101 is designed for students without mathematical training. Course 17103 is designed for students with a mathematics background, either Advanced Level Pure Mathematics, Advanced Supplementary Level Mathematics and Statistics, or courses 24118 or 24119. Mathematics for social sciences: course I.1 or I.2, which may be taken in the first semester. Students with a grade C or better in Advanced Level Physics are also qualified to take 17103.

This course introduces the basic concepts and function of social welfare. Analysis of the range and variety of social services in Hong Kong, such as family services, youth centres, outreaching services, school social work, community development, rehabilitation, services for the elderly, probation and correctional services, etc.

Introduction to the basic principles and concepts of social work. An understanding of the philosophy, knowledge and values which form the base for social work practice. Social work as a profession and the role of the social worker in modern society.

This course introduces basic psychological concepts and theories supporting social work practice. Emphasis will be on the analysis of different schools of psychological thoughts including behaviourism, gestalt, Freudian theories and phenomenology.

Discussion of basic concepts in psychology and a preliminary survey of representative work carried out in various areas of psychological investigation, together with an investigation at some length of one such area. Assessment: 25% coursework, 75% examination.

This course introduces basic sociological concepts and theories supporting social work practice. Emphasis will be on the analysis of culture and socialization, conflict and change, family and other social institutions, class and stratification, education, social roles and social behaviour.

This course introduces students to the nature of sociological enquiry and the basic concepts used in sociological analysis. After some reference to the influence of inheritance and environment on human social behaviour, the course will focus on key concepts used in the analysis of culture, social structures, social processes and social change. The relationship between research, concepts and contemporary theory will be explored at an introductory level. Assessment: 25% coursework, 75% examination.

This course will explore, through cross-cultural comparison, key social and cultural issues, such as marriage and the family, caste and class, ethnicity and identity, language and culture, state formation, economic values, gender and religion. The course will draw on studies of the peoples and cultures of Asia. Assessment: 25% coursework, 75% examination.

The emphasis of this course is to provide a basic understanding of statistical concepts, principles and methods which are of particular relevance to social work research and practice. This course is a prerequisite or co-requisite for Social services research methods and Social services research analysis and utilization to be offered in Year III.

The discipline of statistics is concerned with situation involving uncertainty and variability. Variability greatly affects the interpretation of data. Thus statistics forms an important descriptive and analytical tool of the social sciences. This elementary course, which is taught without any technical mathematics, presents many standard situations of data interpretation. The statistical tests for these situations are presented. Assessment: 25% coursework, 75% examination.

The discipline of statistics is concerned with situations involving uncertainty and variability. The interpretation of data is greatly affected when variability plays a role, as it usually does. Thus statistics forms an important descriptive and analytical tool of the social sciences. Candidates with a mathematical background will find this course suitable, because the language of mathematics allows the subject of statistics to be presented with economy and clarity. Assessment: 25% coursework, 75% examination.

The course prepares students to respond effectively to the communicative demands of academic study in English. Through text-based activities in class and investigative project work related to language and disciplinary issues, the course develops abilities to analyse and evaluate extended texts, and to produce clear and coherent spoken and written discourses. It also emphasizes careful revision and editing of essays and project reports to ensure that lexical and grammatical choices are correct and appropriate. Assessment: 100% coursework.

Candidates may select two introductory courses from other departments in the Social Sciences Faculty and Arts Faculty.

Candidates must complete sixteen courses (or units), including ten mandatory courses, one elective from the list of social policy, administration, and research courses (area one), one elective from the list of social work practice courses (area two) offered by the Department of Social Work and Social Administration, and four other electives offered by the Department of Social Work and Social Administration or other Departments in the Social Sciences Faculty and Arts Faculty, subject to the approval of the Heads of the Departments. The examination for each course is one two-hour written paper and the final grade will be determined by performance in the examination and an assessment of coursework in the ratio of 70:30, unless otherwise specified.

In order to obtain professional recognition of their degree, candidates are required to undertake prescribed laboratory work and field practice. Failure to satisfy the examiners in any part of the prescribed field laboratory and field practice may necessitate a new period of field practice to be completed, and the candidates presenting themselves for re-assessments at the end of that period. There is no written examination in the Skills Laboratory and Field Instruction courses where performance is graded by continuous assessment.

This course will examine social work practice concepts, methods and skills. Theoretical frameworks for understanding and working with different target groups, e.g. individuals, family, small groups, organization and community. Focus will be on familiarizing students with a range of practice models with the aim of developing competence in selecting appropriate interventions and practice techniques.
Prerequisite: 15103.

This course introduces a holistic approach to an exploration of normal patterns of development from infancy to old age. Social and familial conditions affecting growth at different stages in the life-cycle will be studied, together with related problems of adaptation and adjustment.

This course studies a spectrum of disturbed behaviours, from concepts of normality, abnormality, classification and assessment, to the clinical syndromes: neuroses, psychoses, personality disorders, psycho-physiologic disorders, organic brain syndromes, and mental retardation; sociopathy, sexual deviations and drug abuses; and behavioural disorders of childhood and adolescence.

This course is designed to examine the concepts of social policy and social administration, and the various models available for the analysis of social policy. This should further the understanding of the development of social services to meet human needs in the context of economic and social change. Basic concepts of social planning, problem identification and programme implementation will be examined.
Prerequisite: 15102.

The aim of this course is to equip social work students with the basic practice knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary for professional practice. A variety of teaching and learning mediums will be employed, such as the use of audiovisual aids, role play, projects, etc. Emphasis will be placed on students' participation in small groups in a series of practice sessions in the laboratory. In special circumstances, students may be allowed to take a period of field practice in lieu of the social work skills laboratory.

A block placement of ten weeks (five days a week) will be arranged during the long vacation between the second and third years in which students will undertake prescribed field practice under supervision in government and/or voluntary social work/services agencies.

This course will review in depth different intervention models and theories related to the main methods of social work, namely, social casework, group work, and community work. The latest developments in integrative practice, and the application of such practice in the local context, will also be discussed.
Prerequisite: 15214.

This course is designed to provide a basic grounding in research methodology and to illustrate the major concepts, methods and goals of social services research.

A concurrent placement (two days a week) throughout the first and second semester in the third year, in which students undertake prescribed field practice under supervision in government or voluntary social work/services agencies.

One elective from Area One, one elective from Area Two and two electives from all available courses.

Electives offered by the Department of Social Work and Social Administration

The Department of Social Work and Social Administration offers the following elective courses to second- and third-year BSW students. There are also other elective courses, offered by the other departments which are open to BSW students, and the list of such courses available may be consulted at the Faculty Office.

This course is designed to introduce students to the utilization of computers in social work practice and agency settings. The major areas of content are (a) a review of the trends in the social work agencies' uses of computerized information; (b) an exploration of software which is mostly used in social work practice; (c) the ethics of computer use in social work.

This course will introduce the use of economics in analysing social welfare problems and their solutions. Topics discussed will include the relationship between economic growth and social development, the role of the public sector in social welfare, the financing of social services, and the economic effects of social spending. Current topics such as the economics of aging will also be examined.

The course explores the philosophies, organization, techniques and development of social welfare provision in China. The work of the service organizations such as Civil Affairs Bureau, Street Offices, Unions, Federation of Women, and Communist Youth League will be studied. Issues of social security, youth policy, woman status, child care, the care of elderly people, the physically and mentally handicapped and professional training will be discussed.

The theme of this course will be the importance of taking into account the cultural, economic, social and physical environments when examining matters to do with the provision of health care. The aim will be to introduce students to the issues of planning and priorities, financing and resource allocation, management principles, arguments concerning quality versus quantity, community health and public education as they relate to health administration.

The course is designed to help prospective social workers to evaluate their own practice. Students will acquire knowledge and skills in operationalizing intervention objectives, utilizing and/or designing measuring instruments to assess changes in target systems, collecting and analysing data to evaluate practice. Students may be required to design and/or conduct an independent evaluation study in their own field practice.

Men and women's experience of the social world is significantly different but gender as a social construct is frequently overlooked both in academic discourse and in policy planning arenas. Gender effects are clear in health, education, employment, housing, social security provision, political activity and family (both in terms of private relations and family policy). This course will examine the different theories of gender discrimination, the consequent effects on social, economic and political life and attempt to answer the question 'what is to be done about it?'.
Prerequisite: 15217.

Hong Kong's social and political environment is typified by groups of people taking collective action to pursue needs and achieve goals that are not part of the government's formal agenda. Such actions have helped to construct the pluralist nature of Hong Kong society. Typically, such social movements are seen within two broad theoretical paradigms. The first is the New Social Movement approach and the second is resource mobilization theory. Both seek to explain the emergence and significance of contemporary social movements in (post) industrial societies. Between them these two approaches explain linkages between micro and macro levels of society, between the civil society and the state, and politics and culture.

This course seeks to explore the relevance for Hong Kong society of these two paradigms, using examples from the traditional concerns of social policy education, housing, health, social security as well as the newer issues of the environment and gender. Within the tradition of social action, emphasis will be placed on empowerment, i.e. encouraging groups of people to take action on their own behalf, and effective means of influence to enable them to do this, e.g. lobbying the government and utilizing the media. It is envisaged that this course will be of particular interest to those seeking a career in public service and non-profit making organizations.

The aim of the course is to enable students to understand the nature and characteristics of human service organizations in terms of their environment, goals, technology and structure. The dynamics of performance appraisal, control, professional discretion, inducing changes, budgeting, teamwork and leadership are included.

To analyse the kinds of social policy issues in Hong Kong and factors contributing to them. Various aspects of social service provision systems will also be examined.

This course will discuss the concepts of social security, its historical development, and functions in society. Students will be introduced to the planning, financing and administration of the social security systems as they are operated in Hong Kong and elsewhere.

This course will study the changing functions of the family system as the most fundamental caring unit in society. Policies affecting the family system, its relation with other social institutions, and measures necessary to strengthen its roles will be discussed.

The objective of this course is to enable students to apply and interpret various methods in data analysis, as well as to enable them to critically analyse research reports and make intelligent use of research findings in social policy and administration.
Prerequisites: 15330 and 15112 or 17101 or 17103.

The course is designed to introduce the comparative study of social policy in selected countries in the world, and to examine the provision of social development programmes and social services for analysis and evaluation in cross-country case studies.

Social workers are guided by theories, research and practice wisdom in their workplace. It is important for social work students to be able to utilize and participate in research. In order to build social work knowledge appropriate to the practice situation in the field, this course will offer students a range of research methodologies in developing research from a practitioner's perspective. Approaches to intervention research, social research and development, clinical research with individuals and groups, single-subject design, case study, qualitative approaches, use of narratives, and process studies will be explored. Students will be required to plan and present a practice research project. Assessment: 100% coursework.

The small group as a mode of social work intervention will be considered as it relates to the treatment of a range of behavioral and interpersonal problems. Selected group work models, group development, and group dynamics will be reviewed in relation to the students' current fieldwork experiences.
Prerequisite: 15214.

This course will focus on the clinical application of a range of interventive strategies and techniques with both individuals and families. Extensive use of case material derived from the students' current fieldwork experience will be made.
Prerequisite: 15214.

This course will examine the concept of a 'family perspective' and assist students in gaining an understanding of the major approaches to working with families. Theories on family, methods of assessment, and a range of strategies and techniques for effective intervention with the family will be considered, as will their applicability to the local context.
Prerequisite: 15214.

Residential care has traditionally been provided for individuals who cannot maintain themselves in the community or who need a concentration of specialized treatment. But it can also be seen as one method of social work intervention to help certain individuals and families. This course will look at the philosophy, objectives and processes of residential social work, as well as the roles and tasks of the social worker in various residential care settings, institutional and non-institutional, with a focus on the provision for children and adolescents.

This course will facilitate the students' basic understanding of the nature of mental illness by focusing on alternative definitions of mental illness, cross-cultural considerations, etiology, and interventive strategies. The diversity of social work roles with the mentally ill, within the Hong Kong context, will also be examined.

This course will consider the theoretical foundation of the Life Skills Training Method, social learning theories and its relevance to different areas of social work practice (e.g. personal social work, group work, community work, etc.). The course will be conducted in a practicum format and will include lectures, demonstrations, and class exercises. Assessment: 100% coursework.
Prerequisite: 15214.

To give students a basic understanding of the relationship between health, handicap and rehabilitation, public acceptance and social stigma, so as to enable students to work more effectively in health care and rehabilitation settings.

15232. Social work practice with selected target groups or in specific settings

This course will focus on the practice of social work with selected target groups such as children, youth and delinquents, alcoholics and drug addicts, or in specific settings such as schools, hospitals, youth centres and correctional facilities. For each group or setting, attention will be focused on gaining a comprehensive understanding of the nature of the problems encountered and the role of social work in solving such problems.

Case management is a major practice strategy to promote effective service delivery to diverse target populations. It is based on the notion that human services practitioners often work with people who have multiple needs. The major outcomes of case management are better integration of services provided by a cluster of organizations and continuity of care. This course covers the role of case management in the human services; the method and functions of case management in both direct and indirect service; and the monitoring and evaluation functions of case management practice.
Prerequisite: 15214.

This course aims to equip students with concrete behavioural management techniques to handle common behavioural problems in children. Children's behavioural deficits and excesses will be analysed in the light of prominent learning theories. Behavioural management techniques will be taught in lectures and applied in case discussions and project presentations.

This course adopts a developmental perspective in understanding children. Common behaviour problems in children (such as emotional manifestation, oppositional behaviour, conduct disorder, school problems) will be addressed. The principles and procedures of particular intervention theories relevant to the Hong Kong situation will be examined.

This course will deal with the issues of citizen participation in urban planning and administration with special emphasis on the Hong Kong situation. It will focus on the analysis and evaluation of the methods and channels whereby people at the grassroots level can affect public policy. Topics include: the functions of pressure groups, neighbourhood organizations, advisory committees, mass media, labour unions and groups, voluntary agencies and organizations of welfare recipients; and the strategies of protest, campaign, education, mobilization, action research and opinion survey, advocacy and coalition formation. The course will contribute to the greater understanding of the 'countervailing forces' operating in the Hong Kong society.

The course aims at developing knowledge and skills relevant to the understanding and helping of focused target populations, the selection of which will be based on the special nature of specific client groups, problem areas or service settings.

(a)	'Professional Law': social workers and lawyers, different approaches to the same problem, social workers and the courts, the role of the social worker in court; children and the law, care and supervision, compulsory measures, adoption law and procedure; the mentally ill and the handicapped; and
(b)	General Legal Studies: an outline of the legal system and the administration of law in Hong Kong; Family Law; marriage, divorce, maintenance, rights in the matrimonial home; Housing: homelessness and the law, landlord and tenant (private sector and public sector), housing and public health law and practice; legal aid and legal advice schemes in Hong Kong.

Specific intervention approaches used in health care such as crisis intervention, grief work, group and community education skills, hospice, and home care will be covered.

This course aims to examine the basic foundations of clinical practice in the form of exploring the impact of religious faiths and beliefs of various kinds on human behaviour. It examines the question of how belief systems grow and develop, and the role they play in the understanding and the healing of disturbed behaviours. And in the arena of clinical practice when helper and client meet, the issue of how human interaction is seen to be influenced by different understandings of the world will be studied, with reference to the rationale for professional intervention into individual lives.

This course will focus on social work practice with delinquents and other young people experiencing emotional or behavioural problems. It is assumed that students already have a sound knowledge of the major theoretical models of case, group and community work. Therefore the course will focus on the application and modification of these theories to match the specific problems of young people in Hong Kong. In order to facilitate skills development, much emphasis will be placed on experiential learning through the use of simulated exercises, games and role-plays. Throughout the course, case and group examples will be drawn from a variety of local practice settings-probation, residential facilities for juvenile offenders, correctional services, outreach and school social work.

This course will begin with a critical review of the current state of theory and research on youth problems and delinquency. It will then go on to evaluate existing policies and services directed at youth at risk and juvenile offenders in Hong Kong. Finally it will explore current issues in the field of youth policy and juvenile justice, particularly the development overseas of new programme initiatives. Special emphasis will be given to the relevance of these issues and programmes within the Hong Kong context.

This course introduces practical concepts and skills in intervention at the community level. It includes: volunteer training, public relations, working with the press, negotiation, entering a community, community survey, public speaking, working with committees, cultivating leadership.

Social gerontology is the study of the ways in which social and cultural factors enter into the aging process. It is an applied discipline addressing itself to the practical and immediate effects of aging.

The course is intended to provide a comprehensive description of the dimensions of aging. The goal is to provide a holistic view of aging and to point to the ways in which the personal, social and structural levels of the process interact to shape the daily lives of the elderly.

Cultural and personal attitudes towards sex will be examined, along with the role sex plays in human relationships. Topics covered will include sex in human loving, the physiology of sexual reactions; contraception; sexual dysfunction (impotence, frigidity etc.) and their treatment; attitude de-sensitization; homosexuality; sex and violence; sexual aberrations. The aim of this course is to assist intending social workers to be sensitive to sexual issues important to their clients, and to be able to discuss them without embarrassment and with a degree of expertise.