BACHELOR OF APPLIED SOCIAL SCIENCE
COURSE STRUCTURE
GC = General Core subjects
GE = General Elective subjects
SC = Social Science Core subjects
SE = Social Science Elective subjects
Year 1
GC7-001
GC7-101
GC7-102
GC7-103
GC7-104
GC7-105
GC7-106
GC7-107
SC7-101
SC7-102
Study 4 Success—a pre study preparation week compulsory for all new students
Engaging with Study
Thinking and Learning
Spiritual Formation
Skills for Counselling
Reflective Counselling Experience—a co-requisite with Skills for Counselling
Introducing the Christian Narrative
Field Observation
Psychology of Emotion
Case Management
Year 2
GC7-201
GC7-202
GC7-203
GE7-201
GE7-203
GE7-204
GE7-205
GE7-206
GE7-207
GE7-208
GE7-209
SC7-201
SC7-202
SC7-203
SE7-204
SE7-201
SE7-202
SE7-203
Grief and Loss
Social Identity in Australia
Identifying Mental Health & Disability
Cultural Anthropology
Field Placement
Group and Community Work
Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care
Concepts of Youth Work
Methods of Youth Work
Sociology of Youth
Youth Issues
Human Lifespan Development
Counselling Frameworks
Introduction to Psychology
Culturally Diverse Communication
Applied Counselling Theories A
Applied Counselling Theories B
Working with Families
Year 3
GC7-301
GC7-302
GE7-301
GE7-302
GE7-303
GE7-304
GE7-305
GX7-3xx
SC7-301
SC7-302
SC7-303
SC7-304
SE7-302
SE7-303
SE7-304
SE7-305
SE7-306
SX7-3xx
Legal and Ethical Considerations
Accountability in Practice
Understanding World Faiths
Working with Addictions
Working with Older People
Working with Offenders
Culturally Diverse Practice
Special General Elective (each to have own code)
Working with Relationships
Working with Trauma
Working with Mental Health
Supervised Placement
Introducing Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
Introducing Narrative Therapy
Introducing Solution Focused Therapy
Introducing Creative Therapies
Working with Children and Adolescents
Special Social Science Elective (each to have own code)
BACHELOR OF APPLIED SOCIAL SCIENCE
SUBJECT SUMMARIES
AQF level 7
GC7-001 STUDY 4 SUCCESS
This pre-study preliminary course comprises introductory sessions that all new students participate in. You will be
introduced to the basic study skills required to succeed at your level of study and the specific academic practices used
within Tabor Tasmania.
GC7-101 ENGAGING WITH STUDY
This subject will allow you to orientate yourself to study at undergraduate level and learn the skills required to study
successfully at the level of higher education.
GC7-102 THINKING AND LEARNING
In our daily living we are often asked ‘what are we thinking?’. The same is true of our learning – yet often we have never
been taught how to think in the way necessary for learning. This subject provides an introduction to basic concepts
important to critical, constructive and creative thought and will help you develop skills in these methods of thinking and
analysis that will enhance your personal self management skills as well as your study abilities.
GC7-103 SPIRITUAL FORMATION
This subject will encourage you to participate in practical spirituality so that whatever your previous spiritual experience,
you will develop an increased maturity in your own spiritual life. Through your participation in a wide variety of spiritual
practices, disciplines, and creative experiences, you will gain understanding and enjoy living gratefully in the grace of God
whilst developing those attributes identified as appropriate for graduates of any program offered at Tabor.
GC7-104 SKILLS FOR COUNSELLING
On successfully completing this subject, you will be able to use practical skills for more effective interpersonal communication
as well as basic counselling skills. This subject has been designed to comply with PACFA training requirement: Students must
have completed a course of which at least 100 hours is experiential. Experiential activities refer to clinical training
methods, such as modelling by clinicians, counsellor-client practice, clinical placements, role-plays, as well as concrete and
specific feedback
GC7-105 REFLECTIVE COUNSELLING EXPERIENCE
This subject is aimed at giving you experience and reflection on the process of personal counselling sessions. You will have the
opportunity to understand the counselling process and demonstrate insight into personal values, attitudes, feelings and beliefs
gained in counselling.
GC7-106 INTRODUCING THE CHRISTIAN NARRATIVE
This subject will provide you with a broad and coherent body of knowledge of the story of the Christian faith as it is told in
the Scriptures; reviewing the underlying principles and concepts of the key biblical themes, characters and events.
Understanding the Christian Narrative allows space for you to examine your own beliefs, and enables a greater
appreciation of the beliefs and narratives of others.
GC7-107 FIELD OBSERVATION
Counsellors, chaplains, social workers and youth workers often work within the context of a larger system. It is important
to understand the nature of organisations and the protocols that apply to those that work within them. You will undertake
a 5 day (or 40 hours by arrangement) field experience placement with a practitioner with at least 3 years of field work. As a
first year student, this will entail shadowing the practitioner as an observer, participating in activities suitable for
volunteers and being given opportunities for debriefing. This subject will give you the minimum of 10 hours of supervision
relating to 40 client contact hours required for student membership of PACFA organisations.
GC7-201 GRIEF AND LOSS
This subject examines uncomplicated and complicated grief processes and provides diverse opportunities for insight and
personal reflection into the theories of grief and loss. You will develop principles and practices for grief and loss
counselling enabling you to support those who are suffering grief due to bereavement or other significant losses.
GC7-202 SOCIAL IDENTITY IN AUSTRALIA
This subject will provide an introduction to understanding Australian society from a sociological perspective. You will
gain an understanding of the social and cultural influences on the formation of identity. Through a grasp of sociological
theory applied to different features, structures, and institutions, you will be better equipped to understand Australian
society, and the need for a broad-range of interventions in people’s lives that work in conjunction with psychological
interventions. This subject will equip you to engage with the broader public and policy realms in which the practitioner
will move.
GC7-203 IDENTIFYING MENTAL HEALTH & DISABILITY
This subject will help you recognise the signs of mental health and/or disability issues and to provide appropriate support, help
or referral for individuals with these issues. Students will explore causality and identify the role of the community in
supporting people with mental health or disability issues.
GC7-301 LEGAL AND ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS
This subject looks at the legislative framework of Human Services practice and professional ethical codes of conduct. It will
familiarise you with the ethical standards expected in professional counselling practice, the requirements of documentation;
and the appropriate ways to respond to legal and/or ethical dilemmas.
GC7-302 ACCOUNTABILITY IN PRACTICE
This subject will provide classroom support for you while on supervised field placement. It provides both individual
and group supervision, and the opportunity to reflect on your cases in other subjects in the course. You will also gain a
broader understanding of presenting problems, diagnosis, assessment and management through case conferences involving
an approved mix of peer review, professional development and supervisors.
GE7-201 CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY
This subject examines specific cultural contexts from an anthropological perspective to enable you to examine local issues
through the wider lens of anthropology.
GE7-203 FIELD PLACEMENT
This subject provides opportunities for you to integrate theory and practice through a supervised work integrated learning
placement. This is the first of two subjects that aim to help you transition into professional work. When combined with
Supervised Placement, you will have accrued the 50 hours of supervision relating to 200 hours of client contact you need in
order to be able to become registered members of PACFA organisations. Field Placements and Supervised Placement may
not take place in the same program.
GE7-204 GROUP AND COMMUNITY WORK
This subject will examine group processes and dynamics as an important aspect of the many forms of social interaction and
focus on theory and practice to improve your ability to facilitate group functioning and individual growth in a group context,
with particular reference to human services. An experiential learning context will facilitate a deeper appreciation and
understanding of group work and actual practice.
GE7-205 CHAPLAINCY AND PASTORAL CARE
This subject will introduce you to the guiding theories of Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care work. It will also introduce you to
the policy frameworks and current work practices within these fields and look at some of the issues common to both.
GE7-206 CONCEPTS OF YOUTH WORK
This subject will introduce you to the concept of youth and youth work. It gives a picture of the historical context of youth
work as well as an overview of the Local Youth Work sector. It looks at the professional requirements for Youth Work and
the Worker as a professional person.
GE7-207 METHODS OF YOUTH WORK
This subject introduces you to current methods of youth work within the Tasmanian and National contexts. You will
explore the importance of relationship building in youth work and be introduced to a number of different interventions
and working models. It will further develop your research skills for independent and professional research.
GE7-208 SOCIOLOGY OF YOUTH
This subject follows on from Social Identity in Australia to provide an introductory focus on the scope of youth diversity within
the Australian social context. It prepares you to respectfully assist youth to understand their social context and the impact it
has on them as an individual in various contexts.
GE7-209 YOUTH ISSUES
In this subject you will explore some of the common issues and pressures confronting youth in the Australian context. You will
discuss the health and lifestyle problems that arise when youth make poor choices in the face of these pressures. You will
explore ways in which to work with youth in culturally appropriate ways with these issues in various settings.
GE7-301 UNDERSTANDING WORLD FAITHS
This subject provides a general introduction to the significant non-Christian religious traditions on their own terms, particularly
focusing on culture and context from a religious perspective.
GE7-302 WORKING WITH ADDICTIONS
This subject will equip you to understand the issues and dynamics surrounding the development of addictions and the
focus of particular addictions. It will focus on a range of addictive behaviours. Students will examine the causes,
characteristics, consequences and management associated with addictions.
GE7-303 WORKING WITH OLDER PEOPLE
This subject will provide insights into the experiences and challenges of older adults. A range of best practices for those
working with this client group will be explored.
GE7-304 WORKING WITH OFFENDERS
This subject is a combination of work integrated learning and classes over a single semester. Lectures and/or tutorials will
be held as scheduled, not weekly, as 60 hours of this subject are allocated to field work. You will have the opportunity to
work under a qualified practitioner (supervisor) at the Department of Justice and develop real world skills in the area of
working with offenders. This will primarily be observational but you will be expected to undertake administration duties,
help facilitate a group session and attend client consultations, court appearances and prison visits with your supervisor.
Professional conduct and dress will be expected at all times. Successful completion of this subject will give students the
minimum of 10 hours of supervision relating to 40 client contact hours required for student membership of PACFA
organisations.
GE7-305 CULTURALLY DIVERSE PRACTICE
This subject examines the impact of culture on individual, family and community behaviours and will enable you to use
that knowledge to increase effectiveness in engaging therapeutically with individuals, families and groups from cultures
differing from your own. This subject further examines the cultural norms of specific groups and explores ways that
professional practice may have to be modified to better serve them.
GX7=3xx SPECIAL GENERAL ELECTIVE
This subject is open to specialist study opportunities, with sequential numbering.
SC7-101 PSYCHOLOGY OF EMOTION
This subject helps you to develop a better understanding and management of your own emotions. This is a basis for
building a framework to identify and work appropriately with emotions of clients in an empathetic and professional
manner.
SC7-102 CASE MANAGEMENT
This subject will prepare you for working within the human services. It will provide an overview of the human services as a
whole and some of the theoretical approaches that may guide practice. This subject will include a focus on case management
and the many roles that counsellors may take within the human services and counselling practice. A Reflective Practice
component will be included to aid you in becoming familiar with the processes and theories that underpin good practice.
SC7-201 HUMAN LIFESPAN DEVELOPMENT
This subject will introduce you to the developmental processes and tasks that an individual is expected to accomplish over the
lifespan from conception to death. This will include multicultural and critical perspectives on development across the lifespan.
SC7-301 COUNSELLING FRAMEWORKS
This subject builds on the foundations of Skills for Counselling by introducing advanced counselling techniques and a
structured counselling model. You will gain the ability to assess tracking, understand specific client needs, and use counselling
micro-skills and techniques in working with people in a counselling context. The subject is based on the Gerard Egan, ProblemManagement and Opportunity-development Approach to Helping. This model will provide you with basic skills as a foundation
on which you may later develop your own eclectic approach. During the subject you will learn how to counsel clients with
problems in the area of anger, stress, self esteem, depression, abuse, relationship and spiritual issues. This subject has been
designed to comply with PACFA training requirements—you must have completed a course of which at least 100 hours is
experiential. Experiential activities refer to clinical training methods, such as modelling by clinicians, counsellor-client
practice, clinical placements, role-plays, and concrete and specific feedback
SC7-203 INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY
This subject provides a basic understanding of the nature, scope, models and theories of modern psychology and considers
some aspects of this understanding from the perspective of Christian beliefs.
SC7-301 WORKING WITH RELATIONSHIPS
This subject draws on knowledge from previous subjects and perspectives on personality, the formation of habitual behaviour,
the influence of the family of origin, culture and gender; and separation, divorce and step families. It will help you understand
some of the complexities of relationship therapy, including attitudes, emotions and behaviours that have a positive or
negative impact on relationships.
SC7-302
WORKING WITH TRAUMA
This subject allows the class to examine the complex issues of trauma and abuse in contemporary society. It aims to raise
your awareness and knowledge of the nature and forms of trauma and/or abuse in relationships, the consequences of
these on individuals, families and communities, as well as to develop appropriate skills and attitudes to counsel or refer
counsellees from these backgrounds.
SC7-303 WORKING WITH MENTAL HEALTH
This subject builds on previous studies to understand more of the issues that arise when working with those members of
the community with a mental health disorder. It will help equip you with insights and practical knowledge suited to the
mental health counselling field.
SC7-304 SUPERVISED PLACEMENT
This subject provides opportunities for you to integrate theory and practice through a supervised work integrated learning
placement. When combined with Field Placement this will give you the 50 hours of supervision relating to 200 hours of client
contact you need in order to be able to become registered members of PACFA organisations. Placements may not take
place in a previous placement context.
SE7-201 APPLIED COUNSELLING THEORIES A
This subject will trace the development of current counselling methodologies starting with Freud and moving forward. You
will be encouraged to trial the key components of each theory and compare and contrast the effectiveness of each.
SE7-202 APPLIED COUNSELLING THEORIES B
This subject will trace the development of current counselling modalities starting with Freud and moving forward. You will
be encouraged to trial the key components of each theory and compare and contrast the effectiveness of each in a range
of contexts. You will discuss integration in terms of theology and psychology and explore integrative psychology.
SE7-203 WORKING WITH FAMILIES
This subject will propose a theological foundation for family. A number of theories and tools for understanding families,
their dynamics, and impact on the individual will be taught. Different modernist and post-modern modalities for
counselling families and individuals from a familial perspective will be explored. Role play will be used to develop your
awareness of the differences and challenges of working with families as compared to working with individuals in
counselling.
SE7-204 CULTURALLY DIVERSE COMMUNICATION
Culturally Diverse Communication is designed to investigate the diverse ways in which people make and communicate
meaning within and between cultural groups. This subject will give you an appreciation of intercultural communication
needs and begin giving you the skills to communicate to others in culturally diverse settings. This subject will give you a
minimum of 10 hours of supervision relating to 40 client contact hours required for student membership of PACFA
organisations.
SE7-302 INTRODUCING COGNITIVE BEHAVIOUR THERAPY
This subject will look at several cognitive behavioural therapies, with the primary focus being given to the more prominent
cognitive behavioural approaches, which will provide you with a solid basic foundation for the practice of cognitive
behavioural therapy. You will be trained to recognize damaging negative thoughts and maladaptive beliefs in your own life
and those of your clients. You will learn how a focus on changing cognitions can produce desired changes in affect and
behaviour. This subject has been designed to comply with PACFA training requirement: Students must have completed a
course of which at least 100 hours is experiential. Experiential activities refer to clinical training methods, such as modelling
by clinicians, counsellor-client practice, clinical placements, role-plays, and concrete and specific feedback
SE7-303 INTRODUCING NARRATIVE THERAPY
This subject will introduce you to the post-structural and social constructionist theory that underpins narrative therapy. This
will serve to aid you in beginning to understand narrative therapy politics and philosophy which are important to grasping a
narrative therapy approach to counselling and the accompanying skills. The different tools and aspects of narrative therapy
will be taught and practiced. This subject has been designed to comply with PACFA training requirement: Students must have
completed a course of which at least 100 hours is experiential. Experiential activities refer to clinical training methods, such
as modelling by clinicians, counsellor-client practice, clinical placements, role-plays, and concrete and specific feedback .
SE7-304 INTRODUCING SOLUTION FOCUSED THERAPY
This subject will help you to appreciate the issues involved in Solution Focused Therapy and to adopt and practice a helpful
approach to this area of counselling. This subject has been designed to comply with PACFA training requirement: Students
must have completed a course of which at least 100 hours is experiential. Experiential activities refer to clinical training
methods, such as modelling by clinicians, counsellor-client practice, clinical placements, role-plays, and concrete and
specific feedback
SE7-305 INTRODUCING CREATIVE THERAPIES
This is an experiential subject applicable to counselling and other contexts such as youth work, community development,
nursing and education. The course combines arts-making, theoretical foundations of arts therapies and counselling
practice using multi-modal arts practice (that is, all the arts).
SE7-306 WORKING WITH CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS
This subject examines developmental, psychological and behavioural aspects of child and adolescent development;
providing knowledge, understanding and insights that will help counsellors to work individually, or as a team member with
those in this age groups.
SX7-3xx SPECIAL SOCIAL SCIENCE ELECTIVE
This subject is open to specialist study opportunities, with sequential numbering.