This assessment requires students to select one of the films/videos viewed available in the modules in the first 3 weeks of the unit of study.

Students can identify a general theme (such as aged care policy; ageism, caregiving, dementia, elder abuse, older people’s rights, decision making and older people) or a specific scene from one of the films/videos to explore. The selected theme or scene should be clearly identified in the essay.

Students are required to write an essay exploring a social work response informed by the application of a theory of ageing and principles of good social work practice and social policy responses to the theme or scene they have identified from the films/videos.

There is an expectation that you will draw on the readings, podcasts and lectures to build your discussion and mount an argument.

Assessment criteria:

• Demonstrated capacity to search for relevant reading
• Demonstrated creativity in applying theories and practice to a film scenario
• Ability to critically engage with the relationship between social work and the social experience of ageing
• Coherent argument, clarity of structure and expression, consistent and appropriate referencing.

Note:

Students will need to creatively apply the theories and principles highlighted so far in the unit of study to the film theme or scene of their choice. Some principles to  focus on are:

addressing ageism; ageing as a part of life; the notion of risk in practice; promoting care and autonomy; bottom-up processes; participation; shifting power from professionals and services; advocacy; social justice and holistic responses.

Please include a title for the essay and utilise some readings in your analysis.

Assessment criteria:

• Demonstrated capacity to search for relevant reading
• Demonstrated creativity in applying theories and practice to a film scenario
• Ability to critically engage with the relationship between social work and the social experience of ageing
• Coherent argument, clarity of structure and expression, consistent and appropriate referencing.