Social Work Courses
Honours Major: Applied Social Sciences – Social Work (20 courses)
- APS-101, 120, 201, 215, 223, 235, 236, 241, 245, 321, 329, 332, 342, 351, 380, 428, 435, 480;
- Two of APS-432, 441, 455, 470, 471
Minor: Social Work (6 courses)
Note: At least two courses must be at the 300-level
Course Details
Introduction to Social Work and Social Welfare APS-101
This course identifies and critically examines the foundations of social work, its
mission, purpose, knowledge, and value base, and the levels of social work practice
and process, fields of practice, and social policy contexts. These topics will be
examined with an emphasis on integrating theoretical and practical knowledge,
as well as a Christian perspective.
Introduction to Sociology APS-120
An introduction to the nature and study of social relationships and social institutions.
We will study human group behaviour in terms of culture, social interaction,
socialization, ethnicity, and gender. We will also analyze the internal dynamics and
external relations of social institutions including the family, church, school, and state.
Research Methods: Statistics APS-201
An introduction to descriptive statistics and the logic of statistical inference. Statistical
techniques common to behavioural sciences are covered. Includes a weekly one-hour lab.
Prerequisites:
or Grade 11 U or M mathematics or permission of the instructor
Antirequisites:
MAT-201
Introduction to Social Work Practice APS-215
This course provides an introduction to social work practice in Canada. Students will explore social work practice issues within the Canadian context. Topics encompass the social work practice fields of individual, family, group and community, and the dynamic interplay between the social worker, the user of services, the agency and society. The course will emphasize the integration of theoretical and practical knowledge.
Prerequisites:
APS-101
Sociology of Canadian Society APS-223
This course undertakes a detailed sociological analysis of major social trends and issues in Canadian society. Topics including national identity, social inequality, Canada’s relations with Quebec, multiculturalism, indigenous peoples and the United States will provide the focus for advancing our understanding of social life in Canada.
Prerequisites:
APS-120
Sociology of Marriage and Family APS-235
This course provides a survey of the family as part of the created order. Topics include changes to the family through history and cross-culturally, the interaction of the family with the larger society, family roles, and conflicts and tensions within the family.
Prerequisites:
APS-120
Social Work Practice with Communities APS-236
This course explores the theories and methods of social work practice with communities. Topics to be covered include: geographic and functional communities, community assessments, theories and models of community practice, and various
skills related to community practice.
Sociology of Crime and Deviance APS-241
A sociological analysis of deviant and criminal behaviour in society. After an overview of different explanations of crime, this course will concentrate on various dimensions of deviant behaviour such as delinquency, drug abuse, and white collar crime. Police and court response to criminal behaviour will also be analyzed.
Prerequisites:
APS-120
Social Work Practice with Families APS-245
This course explores the theories and methods of social work practice with families. Topics to be covered include: theories required to understand families in social work practice, diversity in family structure and its impact, power dynamics within a family, assessment and intervention with families, and the impact of poverty and other social concerns on families.
Social Research Methods APS-321
This course will provide students with an introductory understanding of social research and its relevance to sociology and social work practice. Quantitative and qualitative research methods will be examined. Students will be introduced to applied research frameworks such as practice/program evaluation and participatory action research.
Prerequisites:
APS-120
Social Work Practice with Individuals APS-329
This course explores the theories and methods of social work practice with individuals. Topics to be covered include: theories pertinent to social work practice with individuals, working with individuals from diverse populations, the development of professional relationships, understanding intervention roles, and the process of intervention (engagement, assessment, intervention, termination, and evaluation).
Prerequisites:
APS-215Year 3 standing
Diversity In Canada: Implications for Social Work APS-332
This course provides students with the knowledge needed for practice with disadvantaged and oppressed groups. This course examines the history, demographics, and culture of various disenfranchised groups. A major theme of the
course is to provide an opportunity for exploration of how prejudice, discrimination, and exclusion affect the experiences of members of these groups. Another theme is the unique strengths and capacities within each group that should be recognized and utilized in effective social work practices. Social injustice occurs and is present at individual, institutional, and societal/structural levels; professional social work ethics and values demand cultural competence and cultural sensitivity practice at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels. Critique of diversity perspectives from a Christian worldview will also be discussed.
Prerequisites:
Year 3 or 4 standing
Social Welfare Policy and Process APS-342
A critical study of the nature and history of social welfare policies and systems, current federal and provincial policies, and the impact of these policies on existing social problems.
Prerequisites:
Year 3 or 4 standing
Social Work Practice with Groups and Teams APS-351
This course explores the theories and methods of social work practice with groups and teams. Students will learn the theory underlying social work groups and understand the purposes and uses of different types of groups. Collaboration and interdisciplinary teamwork will be discussed. Students will be introduced to the skills and interventions used with groups/teams.
Prerequisites:
Year 3 standing
Social Work Internship and Integrative Seminar I APS-380
A community-based learning experience in some aspect of Social Work – personal, community, or structural work. The internship is intended to provide experience with a specific population group or field of study. Students learn beginning practice skills through experiential opportunities, applying core knowledge to direct individuals, families or groups, and macro (organizations and communities) social work practice. Each student will normally work 10 hours per week in an agency setting and complete
the placement over one term. The internship course is comprised of a placement (field work) and in-class component. See page 61 for information on internships.
Prerequisites:
APS-101,
APS-215,
APS-329
Poverty: Problems and Perspectives APS-428
This course provides a comprehensive study of poverty as a critical and chronic problem plaguing societies past and present. An interdisciplinary focus will highlight multiple perspectives including sociological, political, historical, environmental, economic, theological, psychological, and biological. Both Canadian and global aspects of poverty will be examined, with a particular emphasis on various approaches to solving poverty at local, national, and global levels. Students will be encouraged to develop their capacity for critical Christian reflection and response to issues of poverty.
Prerequisites:
Year 4 standing or permission of the instructor. APS-428 is the Capstone Course for the Applied Social Sciences Department and is required for all majors in the 4th year.
Disability and Society APS-432
This course will provide an in-depth analysis of advanced-level topics in the field of Disability Studies. The course will examine current themes and issues in disability, including accessibility, education, human rights, and social inclusion. Disability will be examined over time and cross-culturally. The course will examine each of these areas through a critical lens based on the Reformed perspective on faith and culture,
including an emphasis on social justice.
Prerequisites:
Year 3 or 4 standing
Selected Theories of Social Work Practice APS-435
A critical examination of the theoretical bases of social work practice. Students will compare and contrast a range of theories used in social work practice and learn to effectively apply these theories to problem situations. Students will learn various theories used at micro, mezzo, and macro levels of practice.
Prerequisites:
APS-329Year 4 standing
Advanced Issues in Criminal Justice APS-441
This course will provide an in-depth analysis of advanced-level topics in the field of criminal justice, specifically the roles of policing, courts and corrections. Emphasis will be placed on how these elements of the criminal justice system have changed over time, and on current issues including restorative justice, community policing, and incarceration. The course will examine each of these areas through a critical lens
based on the Reformed perspective on faith and culture.
Prerequisites:
APS-241Year 3 or 4 standing
Canadian Indigenous Studies APS-455
This course is an interdisciplinary study of the history and culture of Canadian indigenous peoples (including First Nations, Inuit, and Metis) with emphasis on contemporary issues surrounding Native life. The course involves lectures, films, student presentations, and field assignments.
Prerequisites:
Year 3 or 4 standing
Crisis Intervention APS-470
This course offers a background in theories and strategies of intervention in crisis situations. Topics include suicide intervention, violence within families, sexual assault, child sexual abuse and incest, trauma, illness, death and loss, poverty and homelessness, the client-worker relationship, and community crisis intervention programs. Social work responses will be examined, with reference to the diverse socio-economic, racial and ethnic composition of the community, and the potential role of the church. Students will discuss the different responses to crisis within a Christian framework.
Prerequisites:
APS-215Year 3 or 4 standing
Child Welfare APS-471
This course will address the issues surrounding the welfare of children in our society. The course will provide an understanding of issues regarding child abuse and neglect, poverty, the child welfare system, and the effects of the changing family structure on children’s well being and development. It will address these issues in terms of social work practice, intervention, treatment, legal and social policy perspective.
The Christian worldview, as well as the church’s responsibility, will also be discussed.
Prerequisites:
APS-215Year 3 or 4 standing
Social Work Internship and Integrative Seminar II APS-480
This course provides students who have completed APS-380 with 150 hours of practical experience in a community or organizational setting. A field seminar will be held to develop a familiarity with social work professional ethics and to discuss the ethical issues and tensions related to field work. The purpose of the internship is to assist students in making career decisions and to prepare them for postgraduate educational and employment opportunities. The internship course is comprised of a placement (field work) and in-class component. See page 61 for information on internships.
Prerequisites:
Minimum departmental GPA of 7.0 and a minimum final grade of B+ in
APS-380.
