Courses
SCWK-2013. Introduction to Social Welfare (S)
An examination of the history, philosophy, and development of social welfare as a social institution in New Brunswick and elsewhere. Analysis of the institution and its relationship to the history, philosophy, and values of the profession of social work.
SCWK-2023. Introduction to Social Work (S)
An introduction to the values, ethics, history, and methods of professional social work practice, with particular emphasis on the profession in New Brunswick. An introduction to generic practice and social work with various client groups.
SCWK-2503. Research Strategies in Native Studies (NATI)
Surveys various research strategies from Anthropology and Sociology and assesses their applicability to, and compatibility with, Native Studies. Considers special protocol and ethical questions in research on Native Peoples. Prerequisite: NATI 1006 or by special permission of instructor.
SCWK-3056. Field Instruction I
This course will provide practical experience in the field, in an approved setting, three days per week. Students are expected to develop knowledge and skills in small teams utilizing a community based approach to practice under the supervision of a faculty liaison. Prerequisite: Available to BSW students only.
SCWK-3073. Group Work in Action: a Structural Framework for Social Workers
This course is a structurally informed group work course for students enrolled in the 3rd year of the BSW degree program. It critically analyzes social work group-based through an anti-oppressive and structural lens, and students will develop skills in group membership, leadership, and being a reflective social worker. Practical group experiences and reflection activities are utilized to demonstrate theories of group dynamics and development, and to enhance group assessment, facilitation, and evaluation skills.
SCWK-3163. Addressing Diversity in Social Work Practice
Using critical, anti-oppressive, decolonizing, and Indigenous frameworks, this course analyzes structural social work practice in the context of diversity, recognizing social justice as being inextricably linked to social work. (3 credit hours)
SCWK-3253. Organizing Action With Diverse Groups
The pursuit of social justice is a core value of both social work education and social work practice. The purpose of this course is to teach students the historical context, the fundamental concepts, and the direct skills necessary for organizing and enacting social change efforts within diverse contexts and with diverse groups. Students will be exposed to various theories of social change, multiple modes of working for social change, and techniques for strategizing for maximum effectiveness in pursuing change efforts. Students will be expected to use their knowledge in an applied manner and will engage in hands on change efforts with diverse groups and in various diverse contexts. This course is a co-requisite of SCWK 3053: Field Instruction I.
SCWK-3283. Preparation for Prof. Social Work Practice
The purpose of this course is the development of personal and professional skills that prepare students for professional social work practice. This includes a focus in increasing self-awareness and mindfulnessas important knowledge for practice; an emphasis on developing skills for experiential learning; an orientation to the values and characteristics of a competent social work professional and social work practice; and the development of a beginning competency in generic crisis intervention theory and skills. (3 credit hours)
SCWK-3343. Social Policy in the Canadian Context
Concepts in policy planning are studied, along with an examination of the process of planned change from problem identification to programming. Consideration will be given to the political arena, the bureaucracy and roles of the politician, and the public servant. Three hours per week.
SCWK-3503. Research Methods for Social Work
Research methods as explored in this course are an invaluable means to social transformation and, therefore, the imperative of working alongside oppressed groups and social movements as members or allies is stressed. (3 credit hours)
SCWK-3553. Generalist Social Work Practice Skills I
The overall purpose of this course is to assist students to strengthen both their theoretical foundation for social work practice and their ability to integrate into their personal and professional lives developing knowledge, skills, and values. This course will present some recent and critical developments in knowledge and theory along with a variety of theories that may enhance structural social practice if integrated appropriately. (3 credit hours)
SCWK-3603. Native People and the Colonial Experience (NATI)
This course will look at colonialism as a strategy of imperialism and as a model for understanding North American Native history. Different types of colonialism will be explored, i.e. classic, internal, and neocolonialism, and an emphasis will be placed on the history and continuing impact of colonialism on Indigenous peoples and cultures of North America. The course will also analyze Christian missions, the fur trade, and colonial government policies, as well as exploitation, racism, war, indoctrination, genocide, and cultural appropriation as manifestations of colonialism. Responses to colonialism, including resistance and decolonization, will also be considered. Prerequisite: NATI 1006.
SCWK-3613. Social Work and Human Development
This 3-credit hour course will provide an overview of many human development theories used in working with individuals of various age groups.
SCWK-3813. Native Cultural Identity and Cultural Survival (NATI)
Considers cultural identity and survival within the context of inequality (power, wealth and status). Focuses on the ways in which Native language, group solidarity and community offer cultural completeness, acting as barriers to assimilation. Historic and contemporary Native cultures are presented as dynamic and flexible. Prerequisite NATI 1006 or SOCI 1006.
SCWK-3843. Suicide and Indigenous Peoples (NATI)
Suicide is, and has been for nobody knows how long, rampant in indigenous populations in Canada. Despite well-publicized projects targeting specific communities, none of the interventions have been able to demonstrate any positive effect; if anything, the problem continues to worsen. We examine critically the field of Suicidology as it applies to the Native Peoples of Canada and suggest reasons why efforts to prevent suicide have not paid off. We also explore different kinds of interventions that may be more successful.
SCWK-3853. Alcohol, Drugs, and Indigenous Peoples (NATI)
This course provides an introduction to issues of alcohol and drug use/abuse in indigenous communities (concentrating on Canada for the most part, but including reference to such issues in other indigenous communities worldwide). Traditional uses of substances which alter consciousness are reviewed, as well as the role that the introduction of unfamiliar psychoactive substances played in European expansionism and colonialism. Modern models of addiction and programs for recovery are critically examined and placed within the context of creating a continuing marginalization of indigenous cultures by dominating ones.
SCWK-3903. Theory for Social Work Practice
A central assumption of this course is that social work as a profession needs to be self-critical in order to guard against continuing and increasing oppression experienced by members of various groups as they access social welfare programs and social work intervention. Therefore,a critical analysis of social welfare, social services and social work practice (primarily in the Canadian context) will be the central focus in the course.
SCWK-3943. Social Work Values & Ethics
Students will use a structural focus to critically examine the ethical issues and dilemmas across population groups of the social work profession as they relate to the development of a distinct theoretical knowledge-base, set of values, code of ethics, and approaches practice. The goals of this course involve students developing and demonstrating a critical understanding of ethics theory situated within a sociopolitical and cultural context; knowledge of common ethical issues in social work practice and ethical guidelines impacting on practice; application of this knowledge through assessment and ethical decision making skills; and self-awareness in relation to these issues.
SCWK-3973. Introduction to Narrative and Narrative Analysis (SOCI GERO PSYC ENGL)
Framed around three key approaches to narrative this course will provide students with the basis on which to develop their understanding of narrative and their skills in narrative analysis. The three approaches are: the narrative study of lives; the narrative analysis of texts; and, the analysis of narrative dynamics. Through these approaches students will be introduced to the work of key narrative thinkers. The course, in content and delivery, reflects the inter-disciplinary nature of narrative.
SCWK-4013. Group Work: Theory and Design
This is a laboratory course in which students will develop skills in group membership, leadership, and programme design. Practical group experiences and reflection activities are utilized to demonstrate theories of group dynamics and development, and to enhance group assessment and intervention skills. This course is only available to 4th year BSW students and is scheduled for the first full week (5 days) of the spring semester.
SCWK-4089. Field Instruction II
This is a mandatory course for all 4th year BSW students. The course provides a base for professional practice by introducing the values and ethics of the profession, and the theories relevant to social work practice with individuals, groups, and communities. Knowledge drawn from the social sciences and other disciplines will be integrated with methods of intervention. Co-requisite with SCWK 4613: Field Integration Seminar. Note: This course is 9 credit hours. BSW students must have successfully completed all course work in the BSW program prior to commencing their direct practice placement.
SCWK-4533. Generalist Social Workpractice Skills II
This course is an introduction to the application of skills of helping individuals and families. The course will focus on understanding the stages of the professional helping process, practice ethics, and the acquisition of specific anti-oppressive clinical skills in communicating, assessing problems, planning, contracting, implementing change, and terminating the process. Also, the course will include skills for approaching practice situations that commonly arise in a variety of social work contexts. The course emphasizes the skills of writing social work records.
SCWK-4613. Field Integration Seminar
The Field Integration Seminar is taken in conjunction with the direct practice field placement. Students are expected to present and discuss practice experiences from their field placements, integrating knowledge from social work theory and practice. Students will participate in collaborative discussions related to professional and ethical issues, as well as practice situations emerging from placement settings.
SCWK-4723. Child Welfare
This course is designed to introduce students to the child welfare system in New Brunswick and Canada, and to examine the policies, procedures, and practices which have been developed to respond to the needs of children and adolescents. As such, another purpose of the course is to critique existing policies, procedures, and practices and to discuss ways in which the child welfare delivery system could be more responsive to the needs of children and their families. Alternative responses and innovative programmes will be examined and students will be challenged to be creative in developing ideas which would lead to evolving the child welfare system in the direction of better meeting children's needs.
SCWK-4733. Social Work and Aging
An examination of present services to the aging population in New Brunswick, and elsewhere, including the analysis of knowledge and practice principles as developed in the field of gerontological practice.
SCWK-4763. Spirituality and Social Work
This course explores the role of spirituality in social work, and to identify how the spiritual dimension can be incorporated into social work practice. Students are exposed to a discussion of the religious/spiritual dimensions of human behavior and the impact religion and/or spiritual issues have on individual growth, community functioning, policy development, and social change. Students will also have an opportunity to reconcile their spiritual beliefs with professional expectations and to develop a beginning level of comfort and competence at integrating the spiritual in practice.
SCWK-4783. Law and Social Work
This course is designed to familiarize social work students with the relationship between law and social work in selected areas. An overview of civil, criminal and family law will be provided with a focus on the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the Indian Act, the Youth Criminal Justice Act, the New Brunswick Human Rights Act, the Family Services Act (S.N.B.) and the Mental Health Act (S.N.B.). The course also examines the role of social work in the administration of justice and introduces students to basic legal concepts useful for social work practice.
SCWK-4843. Social Work With the Bereaved
This course familiarizes students with the impact that loss has on one's everyday life, to examine theoretically the concepts of grief and bereavement, and to be able to integrate those theories into social work practice. Loss at multiple levels will be explored; including loss experienced through ill health, breakup of relationships, life-changing events, and death. Grief counselling theories and skills will be integral components of the course.
SCWK-4853. Mental Health Issues
This course examines mental health issues encountered by the professional with an emphasis on practice and policy implications. Students have an opportunity to explore the context of practice from a historical perspective and to critically examine the current mental health delivery system in New Brunswick. The role of the professional and professional interventions will be examined.
SCWK-4863. Social Work and Addictions
In this course students develop an understanding of the components of substance abuse as well as the addictive process. Topics will include the various mood-altering drugs, the components of early identification, assessment and treatment, harm reduction, and health promotion programs.
SCWK-4903. Theory for Social Work Practice II
This is a mandatory course for all post-degree BSW students. The course provides a base for professional practice by introducing the values and ethics of the profession, and theories relevant to social work practice with individuals, groups, and communities. Knowledge from the social sciences and other disciplines will be integrated with methods of intervention. Prerequisite: Theory for Social Work Practice I.
SCWK-4923. Trauma & Social Work Practice
This course introduces social work practice with individuals, families, groups, and communities who are coping with the impact of trauma in their lives. The goals of this course involve students developing and demonstrating a critical understanding of trauma theory in its historical, political and social contexts; knowledge of practice approaches to trauma work; application of this knowledge through assessment and beginning intervention skills; self-awareness in relation to traumatic material. Exploration of trauma theory beyond the dominant individualized, westernized, and medical model will be emphasized in the course. Ethical issues and exploration of personal and professional values, as they pertain to trauma work, will be incorporated into class material.
SCWK-4963. Narrative for Social Workers
This course explores the theory and practice of narrative as it relates to social work. Integrating narrative theory with personal and professional experience, the course provides an opportunity for students to explore how narrative can provide a creative and constructive way of working with service users, both individually and collectively. The course covers narrative theory, narrative therapy, thinking with stories for personal and professional development, and working with narratives in groups and with those who are narratively dispossessed.
SCWK-5006. Preparation for Professional Social Work Practice (F)
The purpose of this course is the development of personal and professional skills that prepare students for professional critical social work practice. This includes a focus on increasing self-awareness and mindfulness as important knowledge for practice; an emphasis on developing skills for experiential learning; an orientation to the values and characteristics of a competent social work professional and social work practice; and the development of beginning competency in generic crisis intervention theory and skills common to all levels of social work practice. Additionally, the course will prepare students for their initial field education experience through the clarification of expectations of students in a field placement that includes an emphasis on preparation of learning contracts.
SCWK-5012. Field Instruction III (K)
This course provides practical experience in the field, in an approved setting, under faculty supervision. Students are expected to develop knowledge and skills in the field sufficient for initial professional practice with various client constituencies. 700 hours. Note: This course is 12 credit hours.
SCWK-5013. Group Work in Action: A Structural Framework for Social Workers
This course is a structurally informed group work course for students enrolled in the foundational year of the 2 year-MSW degree program. It critically analyzes social work group-based practice through an anti-oppressive and structural lens, and students will develop skills in group membership, leadership, and being a reflective social worker. Practical group experiences and reflection activities are utilized to demonstrated theories of group dynamics and development, and to enhance group assessment, facilitation, and evaluation skills.
SCWK-5023. The Profession of Social Work in Context (F) (K)
This is a mandatory course for all students upon entry into the BSW program. It introduces students to the foundations of the BSW program, and provides broad conceptual frameworks for a critical understanding of social work in Canadian contexts. The course is an introduction to the purpose, history, values, ethics, and methods of professional social work practice, and to the social welfare system that influences this practice. The scope of generalist practice with a range of populations in diverse settings will be explored.
SCWK-5036. Theory of Social Work Practice I (F) (K)
This is a mandatory course for all post-degree BSW students. A central assumption of this course is that social work as a profession needs to be self-critical in order to guard against continuing and increasing oppression experienced by members of various groups as they access social welfare programmes and social work intervention. Therefore a critical analysis of social welfare, social services and social work practice (primarily in the Canadian context) will be a central focus in the course.
SCWK-5046. Theory for Social Work Practice II (F) (K)
This is a mandatory course for all post-degree BSW students. The course provides a base for professional practice by introducing the values and ethics of the profession, and theories relevant to social work practice with individuals, groups, and communities. Knowledge drawn from the social sciences and other disciplines will be integrated with methods of intervention. Prerequisites: SCWK 5036.
SCWK-5053. Field Instruction I
This course will provide practical experience in the field, in an approved setting, three days per week. Students are expected to develop knowledge and skills in small teams utilizing a community based approach to practice under the supervision of a faculty liaison. Prerequisite: Available to BSW students only.
SCWK-5059. Field Instruction II
This course will provide practical experience in the field, in an approved setting, three days per week. Students are expected to develop knowledge and skills in small teams utilizing a community based approach to practice under the supervision of a faculty liaison. Prerequisite: Available to BSW students only.
SCWK-5063. Field Integration Seminar I (F)
Mandatory for post-degree BSW students, this seminar enables students to relate practice issues to social theory, and to develop a personal credo for social work. Students will explore solutions to actual issues encountered during their practicum placements by drawing upon their social work knowledge and value and skill bases.
SCWK-5073. Field Integration Seminar II (F)
This seminar, which runs parallel with the Social Action Field Placement, enables students to connect practice and practice issues with the theory and concepts of social action and social change. Students will critically analyze practice situations and contexts, the nature of the desired change, and strategies and actions to pursue it. They will collectively explore practice challenges and problem-solve to generate solutions and action plans. Case studies of successful participatory research and social action will be analyzed.
SCWK-5083. Field Instruction I
This course will provide practical experience in the field, in an approved setting, two days per week. Students are expected to develop knowledge and skills in small teams utilizing a community based approach to practice under the supervision of faculty liaison. Available to Post-Degree BSW students only.
SCWK-5089. Field Instruction II
This is a mandatory course for all post-degree BSW students. The course provides a base for professional practice by introducing the values and ethics of the profession, and theories relevant to social work practice with individuals, groups, and communities. Knowledge drawn from the social sciences and other disciplines will be integrated with methods of intervention. Prerequisites: SCWK 5036. Note: This course is 9 credit hours.
SCWK-5113. Generalist Social Work Practice Skills (F) (S)
This is a mandatory course for all BSW students. An introduction to the theory and skills of helping individuals. The course will focus on understanding the stages of the helping process and on the acquisition of specific skills in communicating, assessing problems, planning, contracting, implementing change, and terminating the process. The skills of writing social work records will also be emphasized.
SCWK-5116. Generalist Social Work Practice Skills (F) (K)
This course is an introduction to the theory and skills of helping individuals and families. The course will focus on understanding the stages of the helping process, ethics, and the acquisition of specific skills in communicating, assessing problems, planning, contracting, implementing change, and terminating the process. In addition, the course will include theory and skills related to practice situations that arise in almost all social work contexts - family interviews, grief work, crisis intervention, and work with people from cultures, religions and orientation other than one's own. The skills of writing social work records will be emphasized.
SCWK-5123. Social Work Practice in Diverse Contexts (F)
The purpose of this course is two-fold. The first being to prepare students for their initial field practice experience. The second is to explore the theory and skills relevant to crisis intervention, work with family diversity, spirituality, issues of gender, sexual orientation and culture. This includes an orientation to the values and characteristics of anti-oppressive practice, with a focus on understanding the basic principles and skills of an empowering approach to practice. It is intended that students will be able to generalize both knowledge and skills to diverse populations and contexts in which they may intervene. Students will also develop a beginning competency in generic skills common to all levels of social work practice.
SCWK-5213. Fundamentals of Community Organizing (F)
This course introduces students to the theory and practice of community organization. It provides a beginning knowledge base and skills for facilitating social change in the context of community. Content areas include the nature of community, the process of community organizing, strategies such as social action, diversity and social change, and the role of the community worker.
SCWK-5223. Organizing for Action with Diverse Groups (F) (K)
The pursuit of social justice is a core value of both social work education and social work practice. The purpose of this course is to teach students the historical context, the fundamental concepts, and the direct skills necessary for organizing and enacting social change efforts within diverse contexts and with diverse groups. Students will be exposed to various theories of social change, multiple modes of working for social change, and techniques for strategizing for maximum effectiveness in pursuing change efforts. Students will be expected to use their knowledge in an applied manner and will engage in hands on change efforts with diverse groups and in various diverse contexts. This course is to be offered in Semester III along with SCWK 5083 Field Instruction I (Social Action Placement). The evaluation method for this course is Pass/Fail.
SCWK-5263. Social Work in Rural Areas (F)
Much of the social work knowledge and practice was developed in large urban areas and has limited relevance to non-urban areas such as rural New Brunswick. This course will examine the unique nature of rural areas and the implication that this unique nature holds for the social work practitioner. The emphasis of the course will be on the generic nature of rural interventions and the need to maintain an orderly and well-defined problem-solving approach which is sensitive to individual and community issues.
SCWK-5313. Social Policy in the Canadian Context (F) (K)
Concepts in policy planning are studied, along with an examination of the process of planned change from problem identification to programming. Consideration will be given to the political arena, the bureaucracy and roles of the politician, and the public servant. Three hours per week.
SCWK-5323. Social Policy - Current Issues and Global Contexts (F)
This course will provide an opportunity for students to develop a beginning awareness, sensitivity, and understanding of the scope and impact of global or international issues on the lives of people in other parts of the world and our own lives, as well as on social policies and social work practice at all levels. As well, this course will explore the efforts of organizations (at the local, national, and international levels) which address international concerns.
SCWK-5513. Social Work, Organizations and Native People (K)
This course will assist social workers to practice in human service organizations in Native communities. The course will include a theoretical and historical analysis of why and how specific organizations such as the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development (DIAND) affect First Nations communities. There will be an emphasis on issues of leadership and on the political organizations that are relevant to First Nations. Issues of self-determination and implications for social work practice will also be discussed.
SCWK-5713. Introduction to Research Menthods and Statistics in Social Work (Indigenous Focus) (F) (K)
This class provides an introduction to Indigenous and Western research paradigms and methods with an emphasis on social workers as social justice researchers. Students will learn about a range of qualitative and quantitative research methods. The focus will be on social justice oriented qualitative research methods, mainly Indigenous, anti-oppressive, and other critical approaches. Some quantitative methods endorsed by Indigenous scholars and communities will be highlighted.
SCWK-5723. Child Welfare (F)
This course is designed to introduce students to the child welfare system in New Brunswick and Canada, and to examine the policies, procedures, and practices which have been developed to respond to the needs of children and adolescents. As such, another purpose of the course is to critique existing policies, procedures, and practices and to discuss ways in which the child welfare delivery system could be more responsive to the needs of children and their families. Alternative responses and innovative programmes will be examined and students will be challenged to be creative in developing ideas which would lead to evolving the child welfare system in the direction of better meeting children's needs.
SCWK-5783. Law and Social Work (F)
An examination of the relationship between the institutions of law and social welfare. The role of social work in the administration of justice. Basic legal concepts useful to social workers.
SCWK-5813. Native Child Welfare (F) (K)
This course will provide theoretical frameworks and practice skills relevant to the field of child welfare in Native communities in Canada. As well, the course will review historical development and cultural factors which influence Native child welfare policies, services, and programmes.
SCWK-5823. Ecology and Social Justice (F)
This course will examine the relationship between ecological devastation and social injustice. The course will review the forces, both national and global as well as governmental and nongovernmental, which contribute to the exploitation of the environment and people. Values, policies, and interventions which are conducive to bringing about social and ecological justice will be examined. Potential roles for social work, particularly at the individual, community, and societal levels, will be discussed.
SCWK-5943. Ethics in Social Work Practice (F)
Using a case study approach that draws upon practice experiences of New Brunswick social workers, this course explores ethical issues and dilemmas across population groups, and levels and fields of practice. The goals of this course involve students developing and demonstrating a critical understanding of ethics theory situated within a sociopolitical and cultural context; knowledge of common ethical issues in social work practice and ethical guidelines impacting on practice; application of this knowledge through assessment and ethical decision making skills; and self-awareness in relation to these issues.
SCWK-6013. Advanced Theory for Direct Practice
This course is an advanced theory and practice course for students enrolled in the MSW degree program. It critically analyzes social work practice including discourse, anti-oppressive and structural practice theories, and the nature of practice knowledge. The course also emphasizes the integration of theory and practice and an understanding of the structural contexts in which social work operates.
SCWK-6023. Advanced Theory for Direct Practice II
This course is an advanced theory and practice course for students enrolled in the MSW degree program. It critically analyzes social work practice including discourse, anti-oppressive and structural practice theories, and the nature of practice knowledge. The course also emphasizes the integration of theory and practice and an understanding of the structural contexts in which social work operates. Pre-requisites: SCWK 6013, Adv. Theory of Direct Practice I.
SCWK-6033. Advanced Theory for Social Administration
This course is designed to provide an in-depth and advanced understanding of organizational management in human services. We will review and critically analyze major theories of organizational change and administration including ethics and diversity, promoting positive organizational culture, program design and administration, funding and accountability, strategic management, change management, and the analysis of power and empowerment in supervisory positions.
SCWK-6043. Advanced Theory for Social Policy
This course is designed to provide an in-depth and advanced understanding of Canadian social policy including: ideological and economics factors influencing policy; key structures, policies and issues in Canadian social policy; and how social workers can effect policy change. We will examine various paradigms in social policy analysis, introduce basic concepts and theories, explore specific areas of contemporary policy and real world aspects of policy analysis and development as well as critically examine the structural intersectionality of social policy issues.
SCWK-6053. Research & Evaluation in Social Work
This course prepares students to understand and critically use research in evaluating social work direct and indirect practice. In addition to critically reviewing the theoretical underpinnings of social work practice, there will be an emphasis on the integration of research and practice. Relevant qualitative methods for social work practice will be explored.
SCWK-6063. Research & Evaluation in Social Work II
This course stresses the importance of evidence-based theory and practice approaches. It also builds on research knowledge and skills learned in prior research methods courses. The course draws on materials from social work practice and social work research principles to develop a professional practice evaluation methodology for social work practice. Prerequisite: SCWK SCWK6053 Research and Evaluation in Social Work I
SCWK-6073. Social Work in Health Care
This course introduces the multiple roles social workers play in health care delivery, and explores challenges faced by social workers in these settings. The course highlights a multidimensional approach to health, and describes the social determinants of health framework to link critical social work to health care. Legal and clinical issues social workers encounter within a complex and rapidly changing health care system will be explored. Students will have an opportunity to explore health care policies, as well as foundational clinical skills commonly used in hospitals, rehabilitation, family practice and long-term care.
SCWK-6083. Leadership & Supervision in Human Service Organizations
Most professional social workers must learn to practice within the framework of human service organizations. This course will provide students with knowledge and practical skills to assume leadership and management positions in public and nonprofit organizations. Students will learn how to develop and lead effective and ethical teams and organizations that value diversity and build the capacities of staff and service users.
SCWK-6093. Seminar for Research Proposals
This course prepares students for undertaking a thesis. It is a student-led seminar series, providing students the opportunity to share ideas and support each other through the research process. The seminars will cover: Planning and writing your thesis; Research ideas and design; Literature searching and review; Choosing methods appropriate to your study; Applying for ethics approval; Knowledge transfer.
SCWK-6103. Field Education Seminar
This course focuses on critical integration and transfer of knowledge, values, and skills derived from academic course work, experience, and within field placements. Students will be expected to identify, apply, critique, and evaluate social work practice methods and conceptual frameworks in a practice setting, using structured reflection and self-evaluation to understand their own practice in terms of ethics, values, policies, theoretical models, structural models, and agency expectations. Emphasis is placed on critical reflection and evidence informed advanced practice theory and skill development.
SCWK-6113. Practice Teaching and Learning in Social
This course is aimed at MSW students who want to develop their knowledge and skills in supervising students on placement. It covers the key elements of adult education: andragogy (adult learning), experiential learning, paragogy (peer learning), and heutogogy (self-directed learning); practice teaching and learning; theory and practice of social work supervision; establishing learning contracts; ethics in supervision; organizational aspects of student placements; and, EDIA in practice teaching and learning.
SCWK-6119. Advanced Field Placement
This course provides practical field experience working with individuals, groups, and/or communities at an advanced level, in an approved field placement setting, under agency and faculty supervision focusing on the integration of classroom and field learning. The Advanced Practicum provides Students with an opportunity to be placed in a social work field setting where they receive professional field instruction and supervision. The focus is on developing advanced knowledge and skills for direct practice with individuals, families and groups.
SCWK-6129. Thesis
The Master's thesis should demonstrate that the student has mastery of a particular field and is fully conversant with the relevant literature. The thesis is based on independent study and scholarly research which is of a theoretical, empirical or historical focus. The purpose of the thesis option is to build or test theory, explore an issue or concept, or address an aspect of social work history through a focused independent study.
SCWK-6193. Narrative Scwk:Theory&Application
This course introduces students to key elements of narrative theory and how these might be applied to both social work as a discipline and in social work practice. In three parts, the course covers narrative theory; the basics of narrative therapy; and, narrative in social work organizations and professional development. The course will build on students' experience of working in social work agencies through lectures, case studies, reflection, experiential exercises, and group work.