SOWK 110
3 credits
Introduction to Social Work and Social Services
Prerequisite(s): None.
Provides an introduction to social work and social services in Canada. Students will learn the history, values, theoretical perspectives, and ethical principles that inform the profession of social work, and explore social justice approaches to diverse social issues.
SOWK 210
3 credits
Introduction to Social Welfare
Prerequisite(s): SOWK 110
This course provides an overview of social welfare policies and income security programs in Canada. Beginning with a historical review of social welfare, students will analyze the political, economic, and ideological influences on policy development. The role of social work will be explored in the context of a critical examination of the impact of policy on marginalized groups and Indigenous Peoples. The colonization and issues of the income security of Indigenous Peoples as well as the impact of policy on marginalized segments of the population will be critically examined.
SOWK 225
3 credits
Human Behaviour and the Social Environment
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 101 recommended.
Pre- or corequisite(s): SOWK 110
This course emphasizes a critique of theories and knowledge of human bio-psycho-social development, including theories and knowledge about the range of social systems in which individuals live and diversity of human behaviour throughout the life cycle. Students will develop an understanding of the interactions between and among biophysical, social, psychological, and cultural systems as they affect human development. This will include the influence of gender, age, disability, economic class, sexual orientation, and race. The impact of various social and economic forces, including forms and mechanisms of oppression and discrimination, are examined as they affect human development and act to promote or impede optimal health and well-being.
SOWK 283
3 credits
Introduction to Social Work Practice with Families
Prerequisite(s): HSER 120 and SOWK 110.
This course introduces social work practice with families. Students will explore diverse family structures, functioning, and development from a variety of theoretical perspectives. Students will learn to engage with and assess family interactional patterns.
SOWK 297
3 credits
Introduction to Mental Health and Substance Use
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Social Service Worker diploma, HSER 120, and one of (CMNS 125 or ENGL 105)..
An introduction to current theories, models, and practices relating to mental health, substance use, and co-morbidity. Topics include assessment, evidence-based treatment, ecological perspectives, and the impact of practitioner attitudes on service engagement and delivery.
SOWK 300
3 credits
Social Work Practice with Individuals
Prerequisite(s): Admission into the BSW program
This course provides an introduction to the knowledge and competencies underlying generalist social work practice. Students will develop assessment and intervention skills as they relate to working in a human service organization. Advocacy on behalf of clients and skills in brokering of services will also be developed.
SOWK 301
3 credits
Social Work Practice with Groups
Prerequisite(s): One of (Admission to the BSW program, or 45 credits in Human Services or Arts Program); or (Admission to the MSW program).
This course is designed to give students an understanding of group dynamics, experience in group facilitation, and an understanding of the group process in relationship to social work process. Socio-cultural forces, legal and ethical issues, and values unique to working with groups will be explored. This course will introduce skills and techniques as they pertain to types of groups and group phases.
SOWK 302
3 credits
Interdisciplinary Collaborative Practice: Working with Families
Prerequisite(s): 60 university-level credits or instructor's permission.
Instructors from multiple disciplines will teach students the impact of substance misuse, interpersonal violence, and mental health issues on families and the community. Students will learn family-focused collaborative interventions involving services and programs offered by providers including government agencies and community organizations.
SOWK 311
3 credits
Social Work Theory and Ethics
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Bachelor of Social Work or Master of Social Work.
Grounded in the epistemological foundations of social work, this course examines theories of practice and professional ethics. Students articulate their emerging practice frameworks by exploring social construction, ideology, power, oppression, and the intersection of personal, professional, and societal values.
SOWK 312
3 credits
Legal Knowledge for Social Work Practice
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the BSW or CYC degree program; or admission to the MSW program and either (SOWK 110 and 210) or (CYC 201 and 210). Students in other degree programs, with a minimum of 45 credits, may be able to obtain instructor's permission at the first class. However, they should check with their program head to see whether they can apply this course to their degree.
This course uses a critical perspective to introduce students to federal and provincial laws relevant to social work practice. Students will examine legislation in the areas of adoption, child protection, consent and capacity, family law, human rights, immigration and refugees, mental health, social assistance, social work records, victims of violence, and youth criminal justice. Students will be introduced to the Canadian legal system, including the constitutional division of powers, the structure of the courts, and legal procedures, particularly as these affect the social justice aspirations of vulnerable and marginalized populations.
SOWK 320
3 credits
Anti-Racist and Cross Cultural Social Work
Prerequisite(s): Admission into the BSW program; or admission to the MSW program; or permission of the School.
Pre- or corequisite(s): SOWK 311
This course is intended to introduce students to the knowledge, theories, and skills necessary for social work practice in diverse cultural settings. Within a framework that incorporates an anti-oppressive perspective and a critical analysis of social justice and inclusion, this course engages students in self-reflection and an exploration of their own experiences, knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes about race, culture, and ethnicity. This course involves students in an examination of various theories and practice frameworks required for anti-racist social work practice. Historical and current events, policies, and social work practices affecting ethno-cultural groups and marginalized peoples will be analyzed and critiqued.
SOWK 330
6 credits
BSW Practicum I
Prerequisite(s): Admission into the Bachelor of Social Work, SOWK 300, and SOWK 311.
Pre- or corequisite(s): SOWK 312, SOWK 320, and SOWK 392
A supervised field placement in an approved setting to introduce multilevels of professional social work practice. Students will integrate and critically reflect on social work knowledge, skills, theory, ethics, and values.
Note: Attendance in pre-placement activities, practicum, and seminars is required.
Note: This course is offered either as SOWK 330 or (SOWK 330A and 330B). When run as a full year course SOWK 330A and SOWK 330B are offered over two terms in the same academic year. Students must take both SOWK 330A and SOWK 330B to receive credit.
SOWK 380
3 credits
Social Work and Community Development
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Bachelor of Social Work or admission to the MSW program;(admission to the Bachelor of Arts in Global Development Studies and 45 university-level credits) or instructor’s permission.
This course focuses on community development approaches that build local capacity and empower marginalized populations. Students will be encouraged to develop an anti-oppressive framework to examine the impact of social location, identity, and intersectionality on community dynamics and processes.
SOWK 392
3 credits
Aboriginal Social Work
Prerequisite(s): SOWK 311 and admission to the BSW program. Students in other degree programs, with a minimum of 45 credits, may be able to obtain instructor’s permission at the first class. However, they should check with their program head to see whether they can apply this course to their degree.
The purpose of this course is to examine theories and methods of social work practice used by and for Aboriginal people within contemporary society. Historical issues including colonialism will be reviewed, and the effects of these issues on Aboriginal peoples today will be examined. Other topics will include current methods of intervention, roles and operations of social services in Aboriginal communities, conventional and alternative approaches to social work, and the impact of the media on social work policy and practice with Aboriginal peoples. Self-exploration and self-disclosure will facilitate students' integration of culturally-sensitive theory and practice into their practice frameworks. The role of helper within the community context will be developed, with an emphasis on the principle of "healing" (individuals, families, and communities).
SOWK 394
3 credits
Substance Misuse Issues
Prerequisite(s): 45 university-level credits, including PSYC 101, with a CGPA of 2.5 or greater;
or admission to the MSW program; or permission of the School.
This course will provide students with the theoretical knowledge and introductory social work practice skills needed to work with people with substance use/misuse concerns and/or addictive behaviours from an evidence-based, social work perspective. Students will explore various theoretical perspectives of substance use, including the bio/psycho/social/spiritual model, strengths-based practice, and harm reduction. Other specific topics include an overview of psychoactive drugs; the use/misuse/abuse continuum; individual, family, and community issues; ethics in the field of addiction; social costs and policy issues related to substance use/misuse; co-occurring disorders; HIV/AIDS; prevention issues; and treatment of addictions (including motivational interviewing and the stages of change). The particular focus of social work and related professions in the continuum of care will also be examined. Students are expected to actively participate in class discussions and problem-based learning activities. There will be emphasis on issues related to indigenous people, gender, ethnicity, culture, LGBTQ persons, age, and disability.
SOWK 404
3 credits
Research Methods and Evaluation
Prerequisite(s): SOWK 330 or admission to the MSW program.
Provides the fundamentals to understanding research in a social work context including composing a research question, applying research methods, preparing a literature review, critiquing evidence, and disseminating research.
SOWK 410
3 credits
Social Policy Analysis
Prerequisite(s): Admission into the BSW program and SOWK 330 and SOWK 392, or permission of the School of Social Work and Human Services.
This course examines the dynamic interplay of social policy and social work practice with diverse populations, including both rural and urban Indigenous communities. Students analyze social issues, policies, and policy development processes in the postmodern capitalist state and study how these are affected by political and bureaucratic decisions, the media, citizens, communities, and a variety of interest groups. The role of the social worker in influencing the development of policy that promotes social justice is also examined.
SOWK 412
3 credits
Legal Skills for Social Work Practice
Prerequisite(s): [CYC 310A & B, or SOWK 330; and CYC 350 or SOWK 312. Students must be enrolled in either the Bachelor of Social Work or the Bachelor of Arts (Child and Youth Care).
Note: Priority enrolment is reserved for Bachelor of Social Work students in the Child Welfare specialization; other Social Work students may register with department permission, based on seat availability.
This course focuses on both the development and demonstration of statutory social work practice skills in child welfare, youth criminal justice, and family court counselling. Students learn and demonstrate skills related to the various mandates that govern their work as professional social workers. The course involves experiential learning related to dispute resolution, advocacy, and legal skills such as investigation, evidence-giving, and report writing. Fundamental to practicing these skills is an understanding of empowerment, partnership, working across differences, and individual and systemic change. The course uses a critical perspective and promotes an understanding of the strengths and limitations of these skills and the legal system.
SOWK 430
9 credits
BSW Practicum II
Prerequisite(s): SOWK 312, SOWK 320, SOWK 330, SOWK 392, SOWK 404, and SOWK 410.
Note: Students in the Child Welfare Specialization must have the following additional prerequisites: SOWK 412, SOWK 483, and SOWK 491.
Note: Students should take this course in the final semester of their program.
Supervised field placement in an approved setting to further develop professional social work practice. Students will critically reflect upon and integrate knowledge, skills, theory, policy, research, and ethics.
Note: Attendance in pre-placement activities, practicum, and seminars is required.
Note: This course is offered either as SOWK 430 or (SOWK 430A and 430B). When run as a full year course SOWK 430A and SOWK 430B are offered over two terms in the same academic year. Students must take both SOWK 430A and SOWK 430B to receive credit.
SOWK 431
9 credits
MSW Foundational Year Practicum
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Master of Social Work Foundational stream.
Pre- or corequisite(s): SOWK 300, SOWK 311, SOWK 312, SOWK 320, SOWK 392, SOWK 404, SOWK 410, and two of the following: (SOWK 301, SOWK 302, SOWK 380, SOWK 394, SOWK 412, SOWK 450, SOWK 483, SOWK 490. SOWK 491, SOWK 493, SOWK 496, or SOWK 497).
Supervised field placement in an approved setting to develop a foundation for professional social work practice. Critical reflection and integration of the knowledge, skills, and theory learned in social work curriculum is required.
Note: Attendance in pre-placement and integrative seminars is required.
Note: This course is offered either as SOWK 431 or (SOWK 431A and SOWK 431B). When run as a full year course, SOWK 431A and SOWK 431B are offered over two terms in the same academic year. Students must take both SOWK 431A and SOWK 431B to receive credit.
SOWK 450
3 credits
Social Work in Health Care
Prerequisite(s): SOWK 330
This course will provide students with an understanding of the scope of social work in health care settings. Students will examine the social determinants of health, understand family systems in relation to social work in health care, and explore relevant legislation and policies that guide social work practice in health care settings. This course will also examine the historical context of the health care system. Students will develop a critical analysis of health policy and health services as they relate to meeting the health care needs of marginalized populations. Topics will include understanding the continuum of care, health care issues across the life span, chronic illness, mental health issues, psychosocial assessment and intervention models, ethical health care decision making, adult guardianship, end of life care, and diversity issues including health care issues related to indigenous peoples, the elderly, ethno-racial groups, people with disabilities, lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans-gendered people, and other marginalized groups.
SOWK 460
3 credits
Special Topics in Social Work
Prerequisite(s): 60 university-level credits or the instructor's permission. Prior studies in SOWK or HSER courses are recommended.
An examination of selected topics in social work research and/or practice that is not addressed in current course offerings. Topics may embrace an interdisciplinary approach, which would integrate perspectives from disciplines other than social work such as, but not limited to, environmental studies, global development studies, migration and citizenship, or political science.
Note: Offered under different letter designations (e.g. C-Z) representing different topics. With approval of the BSW Committee and Director, may be repeated for credit provided the letter designation differs. May be offered over two consecutive semesters.
SOWK 483
3 credits
Social Work Practice with Families
Prerequisite(s): SOWK 300 or admission to the Master of Social Work.
Introduction of core concepts and skills necessary for social work practice with families, including critically reflecting on how past family experiences influence their work. Students will apply skills of engagement, assessment, and evaluation within a range of diverse family systems.
SOWK 490
3 credits
Gerontological Social Work
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the BSW program; or admission to the MSW program. (Students in other degree programs, with a minimum of 45 credits, may be able to obtain instructor’s permission at the first class. However, they should check with their program head to see whether they can apply this course to their degree.)
This course is an introduction to social work practice with older adults and their families with emphasis on a strengths perspective in relation to other perspectives on aging, including the medical model of aging. Attention will be given to a variety of theories and policies related to aging and their application in social work assessment and intervention. The course will define the role of the social worker from a gerontological perspective with focus on social justice, ethics, empowerment, and collaboration with community professionals. A framework for examining policy, organization, and delivery of services to the elderly in both institutional and non-institutional settings will be explored. The course will introduce students to the economic, social, and psychological concerns of well and vulnerable elderly, including aging women, and aging populations across a range of diverse social identities.
SOWK 491
3 credits
Child Welfare
Prerequisite(s): Admission into the Bachelor of Social Work program and SOWK 330.
This course will look at the major historical, ideological, legal, and professional themes that inform child welfare policy. Issues including current legislation, history of child welfare, and the meaning of the “continuity of care” will be examined. In particular, the course will focus on the social construction of mothering, in the context of child neglect and of child abuse. Contemporary policies and programs for populations disproportionately engaged with child welfare services including Aboriginal children, immigrant and refugee children, and children of single parents will be examined. Students will be expected to engage in a process of integrating factors of gender, class, disability, race, culture, and sexual orientation into the critical analysis of the ideological nature of Child Welfare.
Note: Students in the Child Welfare Specialization must take this course within two years prior to taking SOWK 430.
SOWK 493
3 credits
Feminist Social Work
Prerequisite(s): Admission into the Bachelor of Social Work program; or admission to the MSW program. (Students with a minimum of 45 credits in other degree programs may be able to obtain instructor’s permission at the first class. However, they should check with their program head to see whether they can apply this course to their degree.)
The course will examine social work issues from a feminist perspective, incorporating an analysis of the ideology and conceptual practices underpinning social welfare policy in Canada. Beginning with the historical development of feminist social work and feminist theories as they relate to social work practice, the class will explore gender role stereotypes, social welfare policies, ethics, research as empowerment, and specific issues experienced by women in areas such as disability, sexual orientation, and violence.
SOWK 495
3 credits
Directed Study in Social Work
Prerequisite(s): Fourth year standing in the BSW program and department's permission.
Students who have a special interest in a topic area not offered through identified social work electives or core curriculum, may request to do directed social work study under the supervision of a faculty instructor.
SOWK 496
3 credits
Social Work and Critical Approaches to Disability
Prerequisite(s): Admission into the Bachelor of Social Work program or Admission to the MSW program.
Students will critically examine disability theories, policies, and practice models to inform a social work perspective on disability issues. Societal discourses about disability, normalcy, and inclusion/exclusion are explored through an analysis of social justice, ethics, intersectionality, and citizenship.
Note: Students with credit for CYC 496 cannot take this course for further credit.
SOWK 497
3 credits
Social Work in Mental Health
Prerequisite(s): Admission into the Bachelor of Social Work program, PSYC 101, and either PSYC 250 or SOWK 225. (Students in other degree programs, with a minimum of 45 credits, may be able to obtain instructor's permission at the first class. However, they should check with their program head to see whether they can apply this course to their degree).
Students will develop an understanding of mental health issues in Canada across the lifespan and the legal and policy framework in which mental health services are provided. Contributing factors in the experience of mental illness arising from systemic forms of oppression and factors affected by social class, ability, age, gender, race, and sexual orientation will be considered. Issues related to stigma, poverty, and housing will be explored. Approaches to social work assessment including risk of suicide and self-harm will be included as well as consideration of classification and diagnosis of mental health problems and psychiatric medications. Students will learn about evidence-based social work practice and approaches to assisting individuals and families experiencing mental health problems. Challenges and opportunities related to working in multidisciplinary teams will be discussed. Students will learn of a Recovery Model approach to mental health and the importance of hope and the belief that people can and do recover from severe mental illness.
SOWK 700
3 credits
Advanced Clinical Social Work Practice
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the MSW Program
Students will be prepared for advanced professional practice as a clinical social worker through a critical analysis of various models of change and change applications when intervening with diverse populations. Models of change will be examined utilizing a lens of outcome research and emerging evidence. The impact of structural factors, agency policy and mandates, and various elements of oppression and privilege will be considered. An examination of the professional use of self by the social worker in the helping relationship will be critically analyzed. Students will identify their own developing model of change and leadership within the context of advanced clinical practice.
SOWK 704
3 credits
Research Methods in Social Work
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Master of Social Work, SOWK 404 or equivalent, and one of (STAT 104, STAT 106, PSYC 110, or equivalent).
Note: Students must have taken a research and statistics course prior to taking this course. Students should also have a basic understanding of literature review and research design.
An overview of research design, methods and implementation of research. Explores ethical issues, the role of the researcher, and the limitations of research. Students complete a research project based on secondary data: policy analysis, document/literature analysis, discourse analysis, or historical review. Students will develop the practical skills of a researcher.
SOWK 710
3 credits
Advanced Social Policy
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the MSW program
This course examines governmental and organizational policy development processes, the impact of policy on clients and practitioners, and the intersection between policy and social work practice, including how policy shapes and is influenced by practice. Social policy development and implementation will be considered in the context of public and institutional discourses that maintain racism, sexism, and other forms of oppression. Students will develop policy analysis skills as a base for advocating changes to existing programs and policies.
SOWK 711
3 credits
Social Work Leadership
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Master of Social Work.
An exploration of the theories and skills of effective social work leadership as well as management, administration, and supervision. Styles of leadership, leadership theories, and models of social work supervision and management will be critically examined.
SOWK 720
3 credits
Critical Perspectives on Social Justice and Anti-Oppresive Social Work
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Master of Social Work.
By advancing their understanding of social justice, discrimination, and oppression, students will acquire ways to address, resist, and counter oppression through conceptual and theoretical analyses of privilege, marginalization, intersectionality, and inclusion/exclusion. These anti-oppressive frameworks will be used to examine and critique the roles of institutions, corporate news media, social media, and policy producing/reproducing oppression and construction of the “other”.
SOWK 730
9 credits
Practicum and Advanced Direct Practice Seminar
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the MSW program and (SOWK 700, 704, 710, 711, and 720) and (one of the following: SOWK 750, 783, or 797).
This is a two-semester social work-supervised graduate level practicum. The online seminar runs for a total of 30 weeks and students are required to complete 450 practicum hours. During the seminar, students will engage in critical, reflective, and creative analysis of advanced social work issues.
SOWK 750
3 credits
Advanced Intervention in Health
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the MSW program
This course examines various models, cultural concepts and determinants of health from a social work perspective. It prepares students for advanced practice through skill building, critical analysis of Canadian health policies, interactive case studies, ethical evaluation, and the study of social work and health issues through the lifespan. Specific topics addressed include the social determinants of health, pregnancy, child and youth issues, acute and chronic conditions, vulnerable populations, aging, and end of life issues. This course focuses on person-centred care, social work leadership, culturally relevant approaches, stigma, prevention and advocacy, and communication in health care.
SOWK 760
3 credits
Special Topics in Advanced Social Work
Prerequisite(s): Admission to Master of Social Work or Director's approval.
An examination of issues of current interest and importance in graduate Social Work education, research and/or practice.
Note: Offered under different letter designations (e.g. C-Z) representing different topics. With approval of the MSW Committee and Director, may be repeated for credit provided the letter designation differs. May be offered over two consecutive semesters.
SOWK 783
3 credits
Advanced Social Work Practice with Children and Families
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the MSW program
This advanced practice course will provide an in-depth understanding of the theory and practice of family therapy. Students will learn the different models of family therapy and theoretical assumptions, as well as the practice of conducting assessments and interventions, and evaluating intervention with families. A variety of approaches will be utilized to demonstrate different family therapeutic styles, such as role-plays, discussion of case-study interventions, and when available, videos and film. Students will also critically examine the strengths and weaknesses of various family theories and therapeutic techniques, the role of the social worker with families, and the cultural perspective of the client family, including Indigenous orientations. The family therapy approach will be critiqued using multiple theoretical frameworks.
SOWK 797
3 credits
Advanced Social Work Practice in Mental Health
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the MSW program
Students will develop knowledge and a critical analysis of mental health, social attitudes about mental illness, and service delivery models in Canada, with a particular emphasis on British Columbia. Through various theoretical lenses, students will examine the ideological, social, and political perspectives of mental illness and advanced social work practice. Students will develop skills, knowledge, and ability to critique mental health diagnosis and assessment.
SOWK 799A
1.5 credits
Major Paper/Project
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the MSW program and (SOWK 700, 704, 710, 711, and 720) and (one of the following: SOWK 750, 783, or 797).
This is a two-semester, faculty supervised graduate level course. It is an independent research study, under the supervision of a faculty Senior Supervisor and Second Reader, as required by the General Regulations for Graduate Studies.
SOWK 799B
1.5 credits
Major Paper/Project
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the MSW program and (SOWK 700, 704, 710, 711, and 720) and (one of the following: SOWK 750, 783, or 797).
This is a two-semester, faculty supervised graduate level course. It is an independent research study, under the supervision of a faculty Senior Supervisor and Second Reader, as required by the General Regulations for Graduate Studies.
