Fall 2009 Undergraduate Calendar

SOCIAL WORK: COURSES

Social Work courses 47-117, 47-118, 47-302 and 47-210 are open to all students in the University. Social Work course 47-211 is for Social Work majors, Combined Social Work/Women's Studies, and Combined Social Work/Diaspora Studies majors only. Acceptance to the professional years (Years 3 and 4) of the B.S.W. program is required for registration in all other required 300 and 400 level courses. All Social Work elective courses in the professional program at the 300 and 400 level are restricted to senior level (i.e., beyond term 4) students in Social Work or cognate disciplines or require the permission of the instructor. Social Work majors will be given priority when registering for these courses.

All courses are three hours a week unless otherwise indicated.

**Note: The term “Social Work major” includes combined majors in Social Work and another program.

Social Work electives can be taken interchangeably by Year 3 and Year 4 students, except where prerequisites have been identified.
Not all courses listed will necessarily be offered each year.

47-117. Meeting Human Needs through Social Welfare
Examines the historical, philosophical and political aspects of the development and delivery of the Canadian Social Welfare System. Special attention will be focussed on ways to identify and assess the needs of, and services to, vulnerable populations within the context of social and cultural diversity.

47-118. Meeting Human Needs through Social Work
This course provides an introduction to social work processes. Attention will be given to the needs of vulnerable and marginalized populations within traditional and alternative Social Work perspectives such as ecological, systems, strengths, feminist, and anti-oppressive practice.

47-210. Social Work and Diversity
Examines oppression and anti-oppressive social work practice as they relate to social inequality and life circumstances. Various forms of institutionalized oppression such as racism, ableism, ageism, colonialism, heterosexism, anti-semitism, and sexism are analyzed. The experiences, needs, and responses of populations that have been historically excluded, disadvantaged, and oppressed are examined. Social Work practice which fosters inclusion, participation, and social justice is emphasized. (Prerequisites: 47-117 and 47-118 or permission of instructor.)

47-211. Professional Communication in Generalist Social Work Practice
Examines the various types of professional communication utilized in generalist social work practice. Selected conceptual frameworks for verbal, non-verbal and written communication are reviewed and analyzed. Professional communication skills are developed through the use of laboratory exercises which focus on translating conceptual frameworks for communication into action in generalist social work practice. (Prerequisites: 47-117, 47-118, 47-210 or enrolment in the Honours BSW for University Graduates program.) (Students may not take both 47-211 and 47-304 for credit.)

47-302. Issues and Perspectives in Social Welfare
Examines various ideologies that shape the social welfare system and their impact on citizens, clients and organizations. The impact of these diverse perspectives on the different roles of social workers are examined with particular emphasis on value conflicts and how these conflicts shape and affect policies and programs. (Prerequisites: 47-117 and 47-118 or permission of instructor.)(Students may not take both 47-204 and 47-302 for credit.)

47-303. Social Policy and Social Welfare
Introduces the student to the formulation and analysis of social policy. The student uses knowledge of social services as a basis for assessing and recommending changes in existing programs or services, and for introducing new services. Special attention is given to identifying policy gaps in services and unmet needs of vulnerable populations within the generalist practice framework. (Prerequisite: 3rd or 4th year Social Work Major or Combined Major in Social Work, or permission of instructor.)

47-305. Organizational Practices in Human Services
Provides an overview of historical and contemporary organizational and inter-organizations theories of management. Examines the role of human service organizations in promoting social justice and emphasizes social work administrative practices such as planning and goal setting, personnel management, budgeting, motivation, decision-making, continuous quality improvement, team building, and the management of a diverse workforce. (Open to senior students. Social Work Majors and Combined Majors in Social Work will be given registration priority.)

47-336. Theory and Practice of Generalist Social Work I
Examines the knowledge base, principles and techniques of social work generalist practice and the use of social work values in the context of offering help focusing on individuals (micro-level). Included are the use of interpersonal relationships as a medium for helping and the use of theories of human interaction within various systems as a base for problem assessment. Emphasis will be on practice with individuals in their social context. Time will be taken to ensure the integration of classroom learning with student's experiences in their field placements. (Must be taken concurrently with 47-361, and 47-362.)

47-337. Theory and Practice of Generalist Social Work II
Builds upon the generalist practice model of social work presented in 47-336. It extends generalist social work concepts to small groups as client systems. Focus will be on analysis and application of generalist knowledge, values and skills for assessment and intervention with small groups. Time will be devoted to ensure the integration of classroom learning with students' experiences in their field placements. (Must be taken concurrently with 47-363, and 47-364.) (Prerequisite: 47-336.)

47-344. Research I: Foundations of Social Work Research
Prepares students to critically analyze social work research applicable to generalist practice. Foundation principles of rational and empirical inquiry are examined across the continuum of qualitative and quantitative research designs which may be appropriately employed in a variety of practice contexts. The purpose is to enable the practical interpretation of social work research to be used integratively in practice with diverse clients, particularly those who have been marginalized or oppressed. (Prerequisite: 3rd or 4th year Social Work Major or Combined Major in Social Work, or permission of instructor.)

47-346. Risk and Resilience: Perspectives on Human Development
Examines human development in the social environment from a strengths-based perspective. Using a biopsychosocial orientation, em-phasis is placed on identifying risk and protective factors that affect coping and adaptation to stressful life events. Focuses on how social systems (families, groups, organizations, institutions, and communities) promote or deter such efforts. Implications for multilevel interventions are discussed and evaluated. (Open to senior students. Social Work Majors and Combined Majors in Social Work will be given registration priority.)

47-347. Abuse in the Family
Examines aspects of abuse and violence in the family. The primary focus is on generalist social work family intervention in cases of abuse or violence, and on societal provision for sheltered separation and family reconstitution or dissolution. (Open to senior students. Social Work Majors and Combined Majors in Social Work will be given registration priority.) (Also offered as 53-347.)

47-350. Field Practice I
Provides students with professionally supervised experiences in community agencies and programs. Field education provides opportunities to carry generalist social work practice responsibilities. Open only to third year Social Work majors. (Must be taken concurrently with 47-336 and 47-337.) (Approximately 53 days in two semesters. Students must register for both semesters in order to earn credit.) (A 6.00 credit hour course.) (Available only by permission of the instructor and only to students who were registered in Social Work prior to July 1, 2001.)

47-356. Serving Older People
The role of the social worker in such areas as institutionalization, community care and social support, separation and loss, family structures, and retirement, with emphasis on social policy as a determinant of services and practice. (Open to senior students. Social Work Majors and Combined Majors in Social Work will be given registration priority.)

47-357. Child Welfare
Examines issues in the present structure and functioning of services for children. The rights of children and their need for services will be examined in relation to existing services, such as protection, adoption, foster care, health services, and compulsory education, with special attention to extra-family parenting responsibilities. (Open to senior students. Social Work Majors and Combined Majors in Social Work will be given registration priority.)

47-361. Field Practice I - A
Provides students with professionally supervised experience in community agencies and programs and with opportunities to carry generalist social work practice responsibilities. (Open only to third-year Social Work majors. Must be taken concurrently with 47-336, and 47-362. 100 hours per semester, normally 1 day per week.)

47-362. Field Practice I - B
(Open only to third-year Social Work Majors and Combined Majors in Social Work. Must be taken concurrently with 47-336, and 47-361. 100 hours per semester, normally 1 day per week.)

47-363. Field Practice I - C
(Open only to third-year Social Work Majors and Combined Majors in Social Work. Must be taken concurrently with 47-337 and 47-364. 100 hours per semester, normally 1 day per week.)

47-364. Field Practice I - D
(Open only to third-year Social Work Majors and Combined Majors in Social Work. Must be taken concurrently with 47-337 and 47-363. 100 hours per semester, normally 1 day per week.)

47-370. Mothering and Motherhood
This course examines Western society's ideas of motherhood, in particular, the social construction of "good" and "bad" mothers, from an interdisciplinary perspective. Differences associated with class, race, ethnicity, and sexuality will be considered. (Prerequisite for Women's Studies students: one Women's Studies course and one Social Work course and at least semester 4 standing.) (Prerequisite for Social Work students: Semester 4 or above standing and two Women's Studies courses.) (Also offered as Women’s Studies 53-370.)

47-410. Social Work and the Law
Explores the evolution of law in our society, along with a critical examination of the institutions which law has spawned. The legislative, administrative, and judicial functions of law will be studied in terms of their social implications. Significant current legislation will be reviewed to understand the context, purpose, development, and impact. Finding, tracking, referencing, and analyzing legislation is an integral part of this course. (Open to senior students. Social Work Majors and Combined Majors in Social Work will be given registration priority.)

47-412. Selected Topics in Social Work
Selected topics according to faculty and student interests may be offered. Topics may include issues related to social work practice, social welfare, or fields of practice. (May be repeated for credit if the course content differs.) (Open to senior students. Social Work Majors and Combined Majors in Social Work will be given registration priority.)

47-434. Social Work with Children
This course is designed to provide students with knowledge and understanding of social work practice with children. The focus is upon the development of a framework of knowledge for making practice decisions involving the child client. The design, implementation, and evaluation of alternative social work intervention strategies are included. The special set of techniques utilized in social work practice with children will be highlighted. (Open only to senior students. Social Work Majors and Combined Majors in Social Work will be given registration priority.)

47-436. Theory and Practice of Generalist Social Work III
Builds upon the generalist model of social work practice presented in courses 47-336 and 47-337. It extends generalist social work concepts to families as multi-client systems. Focus will be on analysis and application of generalist knowledge, values and skills for assessment and intervention with families. Time will be taken to ensure the integration of classroom learning with students' experiences in their field placements. (Prerequisites 47-336, 47-337 and 47-364.) (Must be taken concurrently with 47-461 and 47-462.)

47-437. Theory and Practice of Generalist Social Work IV
Applies the generalist social work practice model at the macro level. It focuses on planning, implementing, and evaluating interventions with communities and human service organizations. Special emphasis will be placed upon addressing the needs and issues of oppressed and culturally diverse groups. In addition, the integration of classroom learning with the students' experiences in their field placements is emphasized. (Prerequisite: 47-436.) (Must be taken concurrently with 47-463 and 47-464.)

47-447. Research II: Evaluation of Social Work Practice
Prepares students to evaluate generalist social work practice. It builds on the principles covered in Foundations of Social Work Research and focuses on conducting research relevant to the evaluation of individual practice interventions, programs and policies. The course's purpose is to enable students to incorporate such methods in their practice with diverse clients, particularly with those who have been marginalized or oppressed, to effectively serve them. (Prerequisite: 47-344.)

47-448. Professional Issues in Social Work
This course examines topics of current relevance for the profession of social work. Professional issues such as social control, suitability, ethical dilemmas, work-place issues of power, oppression and marginalization will be considered. The Social Work Code of Ethics will be used as the "lens" to explore case examples of situations that present professionals with ethical dilemmas, that challenge personal and professional values and require a sound grounding in professional ethical decision-making in the face of grave circumstances. Empowerment practice will serve as an integrative framework for the consideration of professional issues. (Open to senior students. Social Work Majors and Combined Majors in Social Work will be given registration priority.)

47-450. Field Practice II
Open only to fourth year Social Work majors. Provides students with professionally supervised experiences in community agencies and programs. Provides enhanced opportunities to integrate knowledge and skills sufficient for responsible entry into practice upon graduation. (Must be taken concurrently with 47-436 and 47-437.) (Approximately 53 days in two semesters; students must register for both semesters in order to get credit.) (A 6.00 credit hour course.) (Available only by permission of the instructor and only to students who were registered in Social Work prior to July 1, 2001.)

47-455. Social Work and Mental Health
This course focuses on social work practice in the field of mental health. It will integrate policy, practice and research to mental health issues across the life-span. The course will examine social work practice assessment and intervention techniques. Both chronic and acute mental health issues will be examined. Community-based care and institutional care perspectives will be presented. (Open to senior students. Social Work Majors and Combined Majors in Social Work will be given registration priority.)

47-456. Social Work and Health
Explores generalist social work practice with various client systems in transaction with the Canadian health care system. Systems' structural characteristics as well as their philosophical underpinnings will be surveyed in a historical and theoretical context. This will be accomplished with current social work models using the person-in-environment framework and general systems theory. (Open to senior students. Social Work Majors and Combined Majors in Social Work will be given registration priority.)

47-457. Social Work and Addictions
Provides social work students with practice knowledge concerning the etiology, implications, and treatment issues related to addictions and substance abuse. Topics will include the history and consequences of addictions and substance abuse, addictions and the family, special at-risk groups, social policy and legal issues, medical and social-psychological aspects, and current research issues as well as the implications for intervention. (Open to senior students. Social Work Majors and Combined Majors in Social Work will be given registration priority.)

47-458. Women's Issues and Social Work
Examines gender issues, social processes and policies which construct women's realities in the context of a diverse society. The course will critique issues such as: poverty, equality, unemployment and welfare, child-care, reproductive rights, mental health, physical health and domestic violence. (Open to senior students. Social Work Majors and Combined Majors in Social Work will be given registration priority.)

47-459. Social Work and Criminal Justice
The role of social work in various correctional areas and the place of corrections within the criminal justice field will be critically examined, along with some of the issues which currently confront these fields of practice. Emphasis throughout will be on the community context of practice and reference to such concepts as prevention, recidivism, and treatment will be discussed in terms of the implications for practice. (Open to senior students. Social Work Majors and Combined Majors in Social Work will be given registration priority.)

47-461. Field Practice II - A
Provides students with professionally supervised experience in community agencies and programs and with opportunities to carry generalist social work practice responsibilities. Provides enhanced opportunities to integrate knowledge and skills sufficient for responsible entry into social work practice upon graduation. (Open only to fourth-year Social Work Majors and Combined Majors in Social Work.) (Must be taken concurrently with 47-436 and 47-462.) (100 hours per semester, normally 1 day per week.)

47-462. Field Practice II - B
(Open only to fourth-year Social Work Majors and Combined Majors in Social Work. Must be taken concurrently with 47-436 and 47-461. 100 hours per semester, normally 1 day per week.)

47-463. Field Practice II - C
(Open only to fourth-year Social Work Majors and Combined Majors in Social Work. Must be taken concurrently with 47-437 and 47-464. 100 hours per semester, normally 1 day per week.)

47-464. Field Practice II - D
(Open only to fourth-year Social Work Majors and Combined Majors in Social Work. Must be taken concurrently with 47-437 and 47-463. 100 hours per semester, normally 1 day per week.)

47-470. Counselling Girls and Women
Examines the principles, processes, and techniques utilized in counselling girls and women as a component of generalist social work practice. Structural factors in the social context which affect the experience of girls and women of all ages as well as aspects of their development are considered in the assessment of obstacles that may result in the need for counselling from a generalist social worker. Individual, group, and family counselling that empowers girls and women to overcome obstacles and fulfill their potential in the context of social and cultural diversity is emphasized. (Prerequisites: 47-211, 47-336, 47-337.) (Also offered as 53-470.)