School of Social Work
Faculty of Human and Social Development
Undergraduate Courses
All 300- and 400-level Social Work courses are only open to Social Work students unless otherwise noted in the course description. When a course is oversubscribed, preference will be given to Social Work students who are closest to graduation. Contact the School of Social Work or refer to current timetable for course offerings.
All SOCW courses offered in summer session are delivered via distance education/on-line.
SOCW 200A Units: 1.5 Schedule
An Introduction to Social Work Practice
An introduction to the practice of social work beginning with a critical examination of the ethics, values and historical development of the profession. Students will become familiar with several critical social theories that inform anti-oppressive social work practice. The relationship between private troubles and public issues as well as the concepts of power, oppression, privilege, identity and social justice will be explored. Emphasis on self reflection which will assist students in examining their identities and their interest, motivation and capacity for social work practice.
SOCW 200B Units: 1.5 Schedule
Introduction to the Critical Analysis of Social Welfare in Canada
Students critically analyze the current and historical development of Canadian social welfare policy, and explore the impact of economic and social restructuring trends on patterns of exclusion, structural inequities and increased needs for social protection. Students will become familiar with the ways that systems of oppression have intersected to produce a particular focus on some social problems and not others.
SOCW 304 Units: 3.0 or 4.5 Schedule
Social Work Practicum I
In the first BSW practicum (350 hours) students: practice social work under supervision in an agency setting; apply, integrate and translate theories into practice; and experience the economic, political and policy constraints on practice.
Notes: - Students must submit an application for practicum at least one term in advance of registration in order to ensure adequate time is available for planning and organizing their practicum.
- Credit will be granted for only one of 304, 304A.
- 3.0 unit practicum is 315 hours.
- 4.5 unit practicum is 350 hours.
- A concurrent seminar or approved equivalent will be required.
Prerequisites: 323 or 311 and 312.
Grading: INP, COM, N, F
SOCW 304A Units: 3.0 or 4.5 Schedule
Social Work Practicum by Prior Learning Assessment (PLA)
Students with significant work or volunteer experience in social work may complete the first BSW practicum by Prior Learning Assessment. Students will present evidence of their prior learning and practice which specifically demonstrates their anti-oppressive practice and their acquisition of the skills and knowledge required in 304.
Note: Credit will be granted for only one of 304A, 304.
Prerequisites: 323, or 311 and 312.
Grading: INP, COM, N, F
SOCW 311 Units: 1.5 Schedule
Formerly: part of 323
Understanding Oppression
An examination of key concepts such as 'whiteness', 'oppression', 'marginalization', 'difference', 'rank' and 'power' that animate the practice of social work within a difference-centred, social justice framework. Critical theoretical and conceptual insights from frameworks such as Indigenous, feminist, anti-racist, queer, and postmodern theories will be explored in order to arrive at a nuanced understanding of critical social work.
Note: Credit will be granted for only one of 311, 323.
SOCW 312 Units: 1.5 Schedule
Formerly: part of 323
Collaborative Conversations: Working within Communities
Focuses on developing social work practice skills with individuals and communities in ways that are both difference-centred and collaborative in nature. Students will critically analyze and develop their own individual practice skills in various community contexts, within a social justice framework. Examples of these include social service agencies and their clientele, the classroom, and grass roots organizations. Students will examine ways to further anti-oppressive skills that are effective, participatory and collaborative.
Notes: - Credit will be granted for only one of 312, 323.
- On-campus component required.
Pre- or corequisites: 311.
SOCW 319 Units: 1.5 Schedule
Formerly: part of 318
Research for Social Change
An introduction to research as social justice work. Students will learn about a range of qualitative and quantitative methodologies, with an emphasis on Indigenous, critical and anti-oppressive approaches. Students will be engaged in critically analyzing what counts as knowledge, developing alternative ways of understanding social issues, redefining the relationship between researchers and participants, and developing skills in data collection, data analysis and proposal writing.
Note: Credit will be granted for only one of 319, 318.
Pre- or corequisites: 323, or 311 and 312.
SOCW 350A Units: 1.5 Schedule
Social Work, Social Justice and the Law
Provides an overview of critical perspectives on social justice, law, the legal system, and the legal processes that impact on social work practice. Students will critically examine and self-reflect on the interplay between marginalization and structural inequalities and law. Areas examined may include child welfare, mental health, human rights, youth justice, poverty and restorative practices.
Note: Credit will be granted for only one of 350A, 350, CYC 350A. Open to third- and fourth-year non-BSW students with permission of the department.
SOCW 350B Units: 1.5 Schedule
Legal Skills for Social Workers
A skill-based course focusing on the development of legal skills in an anti-oppressive framework. Emphasis is given to a critical analysis of the skills necessary to practice in statutory settings such as child welfare, and may include dispute resolution, advocacy, mediation, investigation, evidence-giving and report writing.
Note: Credit will be granted for only one of 350B, 350, CYC 350B. Open to third- and fourth-year non-BSW students with permission of the department.
Prerequisites: 350A or CYC 350A.
SOCW 354 Units: 1.5 Schedule
Indigenous Perspectives on Practice Issues
Critically examines the historical process of colonization in Canada, the resulting barriers embedded in policy and practice, and alternative ways of viewing the social-psychological position of Indigenous people in Canadian Society. Contemporary issues and the movement toward self-determination will be discussed in relation to social work theory and practice.
Note: Credit will be granted for only one of 354, 454.
Pre- or corequisites: 323, or 311 and 312.
SOCW 356 Units: 1.5 Schedule
Human Development and the Social Environment within a Global Context
An overview of human development within a global context with a focus on social justice and diversity related to gender, race, class, ethnicity, culture, sexual orientation, and disability. In particular, focuses on the impact of the cultural, global, spiritual and natural worlds people inhabit on understanding lifespan development with the implications of this understanding for social work practice.
Notes: - This course meets the Child Welfare Specialization requirements for a development course.
- Open to 3rd and 4th year non-BSW students with permission of the department.
SOCW 400 Units: 1.5 Schedule
Introduction to Social Work in the Health Care Sector
Examines the knowledge and skills required for social workers to be effective advocates while carrying out a range of responsibilities in the health sector within the context of a practice framework that focuses on the social determinants of health. The challenges and opportunities provided by the cultural and organizational contexts of practice in health care will be an important focus while examining the inter-professional nature of practice. Particular aspects of practice such as appropriate documentation, informed consent and community development will be included.
Prerequisites: 323, or 311 and 312.
SOCW 402 Units: 4.5 Schedule
Social Work Practicum II
In the second BSW practicum (350 hours) students have a further opportunity to develop, refine and apply generalist practice knowledge, skills, values and ethics under supervision in an agency setting. Generalist practice can include individual family, group and community work, organizational development and policy change.
Notes: - Students must submit an application for practicum at least one term in advance of registration in order to ensure adequate time is available for planning and organizing their practicum.
- Credit will be granted for only one of 402, 404, 404A.
- Students completing a 3.0 unit SOCW 304 practicum must complete a 420 hour SOCW 402.
- A concurrent seminar or approved equivalent will be required.
Prerequisites: 323, or 311 and 312; 301 or 318 or 319; 304 or 304A.
Pre- or corequisites: One of 354 or 350A or 413 can be taken as a corequisite.
Grading: INP, COM, N, F
SOCW 404 Units: 4.5 Schedule
Child Welfare Specialization: Child Protection Practicum
In this second BSW practicum (350 hours), students will have further opportunity to develop, refine and apply generalist practice knowledge, skills, values and ethics. Under supervision in a mandated child protection setting, students will apply child welfare law and policy to direct practice in child protection investigation, interviewing, assessment and court procedures; guardianship and care plans; and various aspects of case management.
Notes: - Students must submit an application for practicum at least one term in advance of registration in order to ensure adequate time is available for planning and organizing their practicum.
- Credit will be granted for only one of 404, 404A, 402. A concurrent seminar or approved equivalent will be required.
- Students completing a 3.0 unit SOCW 304 practicum must complete a 420 hour SOCW 404.
- BC students may be required to complete a Ministry of Children and Family Development or Indigenous Delegated Authority Partial Delegation Exam prior to or during their practicum placement. Non-BC students may be required to meet the requirements applicable in other jurisdictions.
Prerequisites: 301 or 318 or 319; 323, or 311 and 312; 304 or 304A; 350A, 354, 356, 475, and two of 350B, 469, 471.
Prerequisites: For Indigenous Child Welfare placements: SOCW 301 or 318 or 319; 323, or 311 and 312; 304 or 304A; 350A, 350B, 354, 356, 391, 491, 492
Pre- or corequisites: 413, 451, 476.
Pre- or corequisites: For Indigenous Child Welfare placements: 323 or 413; 451.
Grading: INP, COM, N, F
SOCW 404A Units: 4.5 Schedule
Child Welfare Specialization: Child Welfare Practicum
In this second BSW practicum (350 hours), students have a further opportunity to develop, refine and apply generalist practice knowledge, skills, values and ethics while working under supervision in a child and/or youth and/or family serving agency with those who are affected by child welfare law, policy and practice.
Notes: - Students must submit an application for practicum at least one term in advance of registration in order to ensure adequate time is available for planning and organizing their practicum.
- Credit will be granted for only one of 404A, 404, 402.
- Students completing a 3.0 unit SOCW 304 practicum must complete a 420 hour SOCW 404A.
- A concurrent seminar or approved equivalent will be required.
Prerequisites: 301 or 318 or 319; 323, or 311 and 312; 304 or 304A; 350A, 354, 356, 475, and two of 350B, 469, 471.
Prerequisites: For Indigenous Child Welfare placements: SOCW 301 or 318 or 319; 323, or 311 and 312; 304 or 304A; 350A, 350B, 354, 356, 391, 491, 492
Pre- or corequisites: 413, 451, 476.
Pre- or corequisites: For Indigenous Child Welfare placements: 323 or 413, 451.
Grading: INP, COM, N, F
SOCW 413 Units: 1.5 Schedule
Critical Social Work Practices
Instruction on how to apply particular practice approaches, including narrative, solution-oriented, and embodied practice, which are considered to be examples of critical social work in action with individuals, groups, children and families, and communities. Provides students with an opportunity to critically analyze the limitations and strengths of these practices when working with issues of marginalization and difference. The assumptions of professionalism and the wider context within which these particular types of interventions are practiced will also be interrogated.
Prerequisites: 323, or 311 and 312.
SOCW 435 Units: 1.5 Schedule
Critical Perspectives in Mental Health Practice
An examination of the concepts of mental health and mental illness from a critical perspective. Provides an overview of key areas in knowledge and theory, as well as practical information about how to work within various service contexts. Particular attention is given to the historical, socio-cultural, and political connections to mental illness and addictions—and this information is presented in a way that reflects a diversity of paradigms and standpoints.
Prerequisites: 323, or 311 and 312.
SOCW 451 Units: 1.5 Schedule
Indigenous Policy Analysis in Social Work
Builds on the structural theories and perspectives of social work practice introduced in 354. Focuses on in-depth exploration and critical analysis of past and present policies of Canadian governments that affect the lives of Indigenous peoples. Contemporary responses and initiatives of Indigenous peoples through their own policies and practices will also be discussed.
Prerequisites: 354.
SOCW 452 Units: 1.5 Schedule
Teaching and Learning for Social Change
What does it mean to think of social workers as educators for social justice? Students will develop a conceptual and experiential understanding of education, teaching and learning. Knowledge and power will be explored from multiple perspectives, including critical, Indigenous, and anti-oppressive perspectives. Opportunities for hands-on application will be an integral part of the course.
Note: Open to 3rd and 4th year non-BSW students with permission of department.
SOCW 460 Units: 1.5 or 3.0 Schedule
Special Topics in Social Work and Social Welfare
Special issues in social welfare and approaches to social work practice.
Notes: - May be taken more than once for credit to a maximum of 3.0 units.
- Offered as resources permit.
SOCW 469 Units: 1.5 Schedule
Introduction to Disability Studies
A critical analysis of theory, policy and practice in the area of disability, focusing on issues affecting children, youth and adults with disabilities. Examination of current issues in human rights, ethics and attitudes toward disability, highlighting the skills and knowledge required for anti-ablist practice. Examination of approaches to the planning and delivery of services, emphasizing those that facilitate consumer choice and decision making.
Notes: - Credit will be granted for only one of 469, HSD 464.
- Open to 3rd and 4th year non-BSW students with permission of department.
SOCW 471 Units: 1.5 Schedule
Addictions in Society: Theory, Practice and Policy
Critically examines the theoretical perspectives on practice, programs, and policy in the field of addictions. Addiction and recovery will be examined as transactional processes that take place within larger socio-cultural contexts. Places particular emphasis on the historical, social, geographic, and political contexts of addictions among women, youth, seniors, Indigenous peoples, and members of other marginalized social groups. Examines issues in the regulation and control of substances and relevant trends in policy and program development. Students are expected to use critical reflection to articulate their own perspectives on addiction.
Notes: - Credit will be granted for only one of 471, 479.
- Open to 3rd and 4th year non-BSW students with permission of department.
SOCW 475 Units: 1.5 Schedule
Child Welfare Practice
An opportunity to explore all aspects of child welfare practice with a particular focus on balancing the issues of power and authority with helping approaches, identifying and resolving ethical dilemmas, and developing community based approaches to serving families and children. Students will explore their own conceptual and philosophical orientation to child welfare practice.
Prerequisites: 323, or 311 and 312.
SOCW 476 Units: 1.5 Schedule
Family and Child Welfare Policy
Critiques of family and child welfare policy and practice such as the feminist and Indigenous perspectives are challenging the social work profession. Provides an opportunity to critically examine assumptions in family and child welfare policy including notions of family, substitute care, conceptions about violence and neglect, how family and child welfare policy is developed and administered, and the political role of social work.
Prerequisites: 323, or 311 and 312.
Graduate Courses
SOCW 506 Units: 4.5 Schedule
Advanced Practice Practicum
A minimum of 450 hours of advanced social work practice and demonstration of the application of critical analysis to practice are required. Faculty of Human and Social Development regulations concerning practica apply to the MSW practicum.
Prerequisites: Advanced Program Standing, 6 units of coursework (4.5 units of Advanced Program core course plus 1.5 units of elective).
Grading: INP, COM, N, F.
SOCW 506A Units: 4.5 Schedule
MSWI Practicum
A minimum of 450 hours of social work practice and demonstration of the application of critical analysis to practice are required. Faculty of Human and Social Development regulations concerning practica apply to the MSWI practicum.
Prerequisites: Advanced Program Standing, 6 units of Advanced Year core courses.
Grading: INP, COM, N, F.
SOCW 517 Units: 1.5 Schedule
Research Seminar
Focuses on specific methodological, analytical and/or theoretical aspects of research for the thesis or project. Is intended to support graduate students in the thesis or project research and writing that they undertake following the completion of their coursework. Content varies from year to year, depending on students' interests and needs.
Prerequisites: 516.
Grading: INP, COM, N, F
SOCW 540 Units: 4.5 Schedule
Foundation Practicum
A minimum of 450 hours of social work practice and demonstration of the application of critical analysis to practice are required. Faculty of Human and Social Development regulations concerning practice apply to the MSW practicum.
Prerequisites: 4.5 Social Work graduate-level units.
Pre- or corequisites: 546.
Grading: INP, COM, N, F
SOCW 580 Units: 1.5 or 3.0 Schedule
Special Topics in Social Work and Social Welfare
A variable content course that deals with special issues in social welfare and approaches to social work practice.
Notes: - May be taken more than once for credit with different course content.
- Offered as resources permit.
SOCW 596 Units: 3.0 Schedule
Team Graduating Research Project/Report
Students working under social work faculty supervision complete a research project. This can include undertaking a research project for a social agency. Maximum size of team is 3 students.
Prerequisites: Students must have completed 6 units of Advanced coursework, including 516, before registering.
Grading: INC, COM, N, F.
SOCW 598 Units: 3.0 Schedule
Individual Graduating Research Project/Report
Students working under social work faculty supervision complete a research project. This can include undertaking a research project for a social agency.
Prerequisites: Students must have completed 6 units of Advanced coursework, including 516, before registering.
Grading: INP, COM, N, F.
SOCW 599 Units: 6.0 Schedule
Formerly: HSD 599
Thesis
Specialized research on a topic area chosen in consultation with the student's supervisory committee.
Prerequisites: Normally, a student is expected to have completed all course work prior to registration. After 16 months of course work, the student is required to have an approved proposal on file to maintain registration in 599.
Grading: INP, COM, N, F
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