provides an overview of the historical development, philosophical orientation, basic values, principles and knowledge base, and fields of practice of the profession. The course will examine critical social problems that impact societies with an emphasis on the quest for social justice at local, national and global levels.

provides an overview of critical and practice theories that explain problems and guide the change process. The course will involve students in a critical analysis of a broad range of theories including: Critical theories such as structural, feminist, Marxist, anti-racist, Indigenous, queer and anti-oppressive practice; modern theories such as interactional, systems, ecological cognitive & crisis theory/intervention; postmodern theories such as solution focused and narrative; and macro practice, social action, and community organization.

expose students to both theoretical and practical aspects of field education in general and the field practicum specifically prior to the first field placement. The seminars will utilize a combination of lectures, guest speakers, panel discussions, and practical exercises to prepare students for their field practicum. Students must complete and receive a passing grade for SCWK 230A in order to proceed to 230B. Students who do not meet this requirement will not pass SCWK 230B and will be delayed in starting their field practicum. SCWK 230A and 230B will each be will be evaluated as PAS or FAL based on attendance, participation, and assignments.

introduces students to social work methods and skills in group practice and team work. The design and implementation of diverse group types, evaluative models and the parallels between group and team functions are explored. The characteristics and challenges of interdisciplinary team work are considered as well as effective strategies and unique roles that social workers can contribute for effective team collaboration.

introduces beginning skills for social work practice. The relevance of relationship based approach, a strengths perspective and an anti-oppressive stance will be considered as students acquire biopsychosocial assessment and interviewing skills. Attention is given to self-awareness, professional identity and a wide range of beginning counselling skills with diverse populations and situations such as: Indigenous people, involuntary clients, suicide risk, domestic violence, clients in crisis and children at risk.

addresses knowledge, skills and competencies that enable the social worker to facilitate positive change within the middle and end stages of intervention. Emphasis will be given to a range of current best known practices within the context of clinical and community applications, promotion of social justice, strengths and critical thinking. General practice approaches that may be applied with individuals, families and communities will be emphasized.

engages students in critical analysis of local and national social and health policy development from a social work perspective. The course explores topics that are relevant to direct service provision such as: the influence of historical context on policy, policy development, interactions among federal, provincial and local governments that influence policy and leadership and advocates roles of social workers in program development in a diverse and changing environment.

explores human rights from global perspective and examines social responsibility, the nature of oppression and marginalization and strategies to promote social justice and prevent injustice. Reflective practice principles and experiential activities will form the basis for examining use of self and the relevance of social location, and the application of: critical theoretical perspectives, critical empathy and ethical evaluation for anti-oppressive practice at the individual and structural/organizational level.

addresses how theories, concepts and information related to human development must be considered in the context of social issues and impacts in order to inform social work practice with vulnerable populations. The impact of issues such as violence, addictions, poverty, trauma and oppression are examined as are strengths and resilience of human beings. Strategies to address social impacts on human development are explored.

is a 350 hour supervised field experience that provides students with opportunities to apply social work principles, theories and skills to work with clients and communities. The field experience is designed to develop: professional use of self, beginning ability to implement planned interventions with diverse populations and an appreciation for social justice activities.

focuses on application of selected models and methods of practice. The course explores links between theory and practice through critical consideration of: the influence of agency and community, the value of theory and knowledge, the role of self awareness, social location and practice skills. Topics to be explored include: documentation, support/resource counselling, advocacy, self care, vicarious trauma, professional identity, community work, interdisciplinary practice, group work, ethics and consultation.

teaches theories, concepts and methods of systematic inquiry and its relationship to professional social work judgment and action. The contribution of applied research to social justice, community based inquiry and accountability and evidence based practice is emphasized. Topics to be explored include: quantitative, qualitative, action and evaluative approaches to systematic inquiry for social work practice; ethical considerations in social work research.

provides an overview of mental health and illness, the impact on people and communities and social work interventions within an interdisciplinary community context. The oppression of illness, disability and mental health problems across the lifespan is considered as well as the role of social work in the continuum of care. Topics include: mental health, health, mental illness, disability, social determinants of health, social movements and advocacy.

examines ethical theories, decision - making models and key legislation in a variety of areas including child welfare, youth justice, privacy, health, human rights to resolve dilemmas in practice. Components of legislation and the Social Work Code of Ethics are analysed to determine approaches to practice dilemmas. Consideration and critical analysis of frameworks for decision making will lead to a personal model for practice choices.

is a 350 hour supervised field experience that provides students with opportunities to apply social work principles, knowledge and skills that demonstrates the capacity for independent practice at micro and macro levels. Emphasis is on developing strong analytical abilities, applying enhanced practice skills, mastering a variety of social work roles, implementing strategies that impact social justice and making professional judgments in increasingly complex situations.

emphasizes theory and practice of community organizing and community development within the context of social justice. Frameworks for community practice are critically analysed through examination of ethical dilemmas, accountability issues, practice skills, leadership and other roles. Urban, rural and cultural differences are considered in relation to their influence on effective community organizing and development work.

prepares students to offer direct services to families through increasing their knowledge of family functioning and their competence in family assessment and intervention. Critical analysis of models of family intervention and exploration of ethical issues form the basis for application of selected approaches to family work including: structural therapy, solution focussed approach and crisis intervention.

examines legislation that protects the rights of children, best practice in child welfare and care and protection of children within a community context. Social work intervention with complex issues such as: family violence, poverty, cultural influences, addictions and mental health impacts are explored through feminist, Indigenous, empowerment and anti-oppressive perspectives. Continuity of care, permanency planning and the impact of separation are addressed through critical analysis of child welfare programs, and care giving models.

is aimed at developing knowledge and social work skills necessary for intake, crisis intervention, assessment, family support, removal, community placement, family reunification, and amelioration, within the context of social justice and the best interest of those most vulnerable for maltreatment and oppression. It addresses child-youth neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, exploitation, problems, risks, needs and harm and includes trauma and developmental impacts.

reviews aging from a biopsychosocial perspective with an emphasis on the strengths of seniors and the impact of oppression on the lives of the elderly. The course will explore legislation, policies, societal trends and elder abuse, and consider the social work role in developing strategies for healthy aging and service provision for seniors.

is aimed at developing knowledge skills, and beginning competence, necessary for assessment and intervention with populations experiencing problems and risks associated with the use and abuse of chemicals and non-chemical addictions throughout the lifespan. Themes addressed include: the oppression of addictions; social determinants of addictions, the social worker’s role in the continuum of care; strengths; the special needs of women, Indigenous, and GLBT populations.

examines policy development and change in human services organizations and their administration. Management and organizational concepts suitable for the administration of social policies and programs are addressed as are ethical and ideological issues for social workers on human service teams. A focus on beginning skills in administration is included for the social worker within a management and leadership context in human services organizations.