Understanding Social Problems
The Bachelor of Social Work program emphasizes the importance of understanding the structural roots of social problems in Canadian society. It is a political activity aimed at initiating social change at all levels of society to promote equality and inclusion. Social problems such as poverty and homelessness, gendered violence, racial discrimination, and climate change are viewed as being rooted in structural inequalities. These inequalities lead to economic, political, social and cultural disparities for whole populations of people.
The program is structured to deliver both the theoretical and practical aspects of social work. Through two years of liberal arts courses, followed by two years of social work courses and field placements, students gain both classroom and direct experience in transformative social work practice.
Topics in Social Work
· History, values, ethics, and skills of social work practice
· Critical analysis of social welfare, social policy and social services
· Challenging oppression and confronting privilege in social work practice
· Community organizing
· Preparation for professional practice
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Social Work four-year degree provides graduates with the theoretical knowledge and skills they need to work with individuals, families and communities. A balance of general liberal arts education in the first two years, followed by a professional social work education in the final two years, through both courses and practical field placements, provides the knowledge and skills for a generalist social work practice.
Students apply to the program after their second year of a Bachelor of Arts having earned 60 credit hours. The courses in the liberal arts are significantly strengthened in the subsequent two years by a series of core courses essential to a social work practice; critical social work theory, anti-oppressive social work practice, group work, mental health issues, addiction, child welfare, trauma, and family law. The field practicums supplement these courses, with one focusing on social action at the community/organization level, and a second in a clinical setting with local social agencies, supported by experienced field instructors. In addition, a research methods course helps students keep pace with the changing landscape of social work scholarship and prepares them for professional practice.
Practicums
The Bachelor of Social Work includes a minimum of 700 hours of field practice, as required by the Canadian Association for Social Work Education Standards for Accreditation. The first practicum commences during the Winter Semester of the third year (250 hours). The second practicum occurs during the Winter Semester of the fourth year (450 hours) in a block format, four days a week.
Contact Us
Dr. Susan Machum
Acting Director
Email: dean.socialsciences@stu.ca
Sabrina Jolin
Administrative Coordinator
Brian Mulroney Hall 311
socialwork@stu.ca
Phone: 506-452-0540
Fax: 506-452-0611