This course provides an overview of the social work profession and its place in the social welfare system in Canada. Students will examine Indigenous and Eurocentric histories, worldviews, values, and ethics while considering approaches to practice with individuals, families, and communities. Students will learn to think critically about various fields of social work practice as they impact marginalized and disadvantaged social groups.
SOCWK 220RSocial Work with Individuals - Theory and Practice 10.50 units
Students will be introduced to several theoretical approaches and interventions in the field of social work and begin to develop interview and assessment skills. Students will consider how experiences of oppression and social identities provide the necessary context for understanding the individual in the therapeutic social work relationship.
This course introduces students to the theoretical constructs necessary for an understanding of social work with groups. Students will gain knowledge and develop skills regarding group counseling strategies, effective team functioning, and Indigenous approaches to group work.
This course presents students with an overview of different approaches to community organization and community development, and engages students in critical assessment of the theoretical foundations, assumptions, and shortcomings of each approach. Drawing on historical and current examples of social movements and community projects, students will practice analyzing the operations of power, and learn strategies for improving wellbeing and initiating progressive social change at the community level.
SOCWK 300RCanadian Social Welfare Policy0.50 units
In this course students will gain an understanding of key concepts in social welfare policy as it has evolved in the post-industrial era and develop their skills in social policy research and analysis. Students will examine various social, economic, and political factors that shape Canadian social welfare policy, critically assess contemporary social policy, discuss policy change processes, and debate current controversies and dilemmas regarding capitalism and the welfare state.
SOCWK 301RUnderstanding Diversity in Canada0.50 units
In this course, students will explore diversity of worldviews (e.g., Indigenous, Eurocentric, Eastern) and critically analyze the notion of diversity and inequities in Canada. Students will examine the Eurocentric ideas of "self" and "others," power, privilege, colonization, oppression, discrimination, and intersectionality as they relate to lived experiences of dominance, subjugation, social justice, and social work practice.
In this course students will learn how political, social, and institutional contexts shape social work practice with families. Students will learn to apply diverse theoretical approaches to working with families, analyze complex situations that social workers and families encounter, and build respectful and anti-oppressive relationships with different family members.
SOCWK 355RChild Maltreatment: Identification and Prevention0.50 units
The objectives of this course are to provide an understanding of the dimensions and causes of child maltreatment, to develop skills identifying cases of this social problem, and to explore current methods of management and treatment of persons involved in child maltreatment situations.
SOCWK 356RDevelopmental Disabilities and Families0.50 units
This course explores the nature and extent of developmental disability in Canada. It reviews traditional approaches to support services and social work practice with people with disabilities and their families, and it examines how these have changed in response to social change movements and milestones. Students consider social work interventions with individuals and families from a strengths-based perspective emphasizing advocacy, empowerment, and social support.
An application of the principles and models of medical, psychogenic, and sociogenic adjustment to an understanding of family violence. The treatment of victims of family violence, the prevention of such violence and social policies affecting family welfare are considered.
Analysis of social work in the medical setting, concentrating on identification and treatment of emotional, family, and community aspects of illness. Emphasis is on the concrete application of professional social work to health care, while comparing medical and social work values and concepts of illness.
An independent in-depth study of a selected area of concern to the student within the discipline of social work. Available to individuals or small groups of third- or fourth-year Social Development Studies students and arranged with one of the faculty members from the program.
An independent in-depth study of a selected area of concern to the student within the discipline of social work. Available to individuals or small groups of third- or fourth-year Social Development Studies students and arranged with one of the faculty members from the program.
SOCWK 450RSenior Seminar in Special Topics0.50 units
Senior seminars may include weekly readings, individual and/or group projects, class presentations and discussions, research proposals, essay/literature reviews, assignments, midterms, and final exams. Consult departmental listings for topics and prerequisites for the current year.
An independent, in-depth study, based on empirical research and/or extensive reading in social work under the direction of individual instructors in social work. Available to individuals or small groups of Social Development Studies majors and arranged with one of the faculty members from the plan. The project must be approved by the academic supervisor of the course prior to registration.