Pre-requisites

None.

Co-requisites

EN503 Literature and Worldview

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, the student will be able to:

• Recognise various secular and christian theoretical frameworks which influence contemporary youth work

• Identify the significance and influence of youth work theory in practice settings throughout the youth sector

• Define youth work theory in youth work practice

• Explain the importance of youth work theory in the provision of best practice youth work.

Unit Description

This unit will introduce students to the various theoretical frameworks that exist within the youth sector. Students will be orientated to various theories which influence contemporary youth work in Australia.

Students will be encouraged to understand the importance of youth work theory in developing their practice skills. The diversity of theoretical frameworks throughout the youth sector will be explored; including various secular and Christian theories used within the sector. Students will accordingly begin to develop their own youth work practice framework, as well as beginning to establish professional awareness of theories and best practice frameworks used by individuals and organisations in the youth sector.

Topics

• Youth Work History
• The nature of youth work
• Social Justice
• Systems Theory
  • Eco systems
  • Bowen
  • Minuchin
  • McGorlick
• Psychosocial Theory
  • Erikson
  • Strengths
• Transpersonal Theory
  • Maslow
  • Jung
• Behaviourism/Social Learning Theory
  • BF Skinner
  • Pavlov
  • Piaget
  • Vygotsky
• Psychodynamic Theory
  • Solution focused
• Psychodynamic Theory
  • Narrative
• Psychodynamic Theory
  • Attachment
• Anti-oppressive
• Review

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Unit offerings

Face to face: (Every Year, Semester 2)
Face to face: Semester 2, 2025 and Semester 2, 2026 (Every Year, Semester 2)

Please note

The Unit Offerings listed above are a guide only and the timetable for any year is the final authority. The College may vary offerings based on demand, regulatory requirements, continual improvement processes or other conditions.

This unit may be available in different modes of delivery i.e. online and face-to-face as listed above. The unit content will not differ between these modes of delivery. There will possibly be a difference in the schedule and/or the prescribed assessment tasks, however both will cover and assess the same content.