SOCW 2061: An Introduction to Social Work Practice

• Describe the historical roots and social forces that have shaped generalist social work practice in Canada.
• Describe the ideological influences that shape social work practice Describe the nature of social work including the underlying assumptions, values, and ethics that guide the profession.
• Describe social work from an ecosystems perspective.
• Explore a variety of professional roles that generalist social workers practice.
• Describe the evolving nature of theories and practice approaches that inform social work practice.
• Examine and contrast the problem-solving approach with a strengths-based perspective.
• Identify components of the client-social worker helping relationship with voluntary and involuntary clients.
• Examine the development and practice of social work in child protection.
• Analyze the social structures that influence people's lives and how various sources and forms of oppression and marginalization impact the lives of people in Canadian Society.
• Understand the significance of feminism in social work and the place of feminism in general social work practice.
• Identify oppressions and healing of Aboriginal people and implications for social work practice with Aboriginal peoples.
• Examine culturally safe social work practice elements when working with diversities such as race, age, and ability.

Module 1: Generalist Social Work in Canada

Module 2: The Ideological Foundations and Professional Values of Social Work

Module 3: Social Work Roles

Module 4: Approaches to Social Work: Theoretical Frameworks

Module 5: Beyond Problem Solving to an Empowering Strengths Approach

Module 6: Helping Relationships in Social Work - Voluntary and Involuntary

Module 7: Connecting Practice to Policy: Child Protection Social Work

Module 8: Structural and Anti-Oppressive Social Work Practice

Module 9: Feminist Theory and Gender Diversity

Module 10: Working with Aboriginal Communities and Indigenous People

Module 11: Social Work and Practice with Diversity - Race, Age, and Ability

Module 12: Putting it all together - Being a Reflexive Practitioner

Students require the following e-textbook, which can be purchased directly from the TRU bookstore site

1. Heinonen, T. & Spearman, L. (2010). Social Work Practice: Problem Solving and Beyond (3rd ed.). Toronto, ON: Nelson.
   Type: E-Textbook. ISBN: 9781774126196

Note: After purchasing the access code there will be further instructions provided in Moodle.

Audiovisual Materials:

1. Thompson Rivers University, Open Learning SOCW 2061 USB. Type: USB

Note: USB is included only in the print version of the course; in the web version, the clips of the audio and video materials are provided online.

To successfully complete this course, you must achieve a passing grade of 50% or higher on the overall course and 50% or higher on the mandatory final project.

The final grade for the course is determined on the following basis:

An Open Learning Faculty Member is available to assist students. Students will receive the necessary contact information at the start of the course.