SOCW 2061
An Introduction to Social Work Practice
3.0 Credits
Description
The purpose of this course is to introduce students to social work practice through an exploration of the history, philosophical foundation, and theoretical perspectives of the profession of social work. This exploration includes a review of the relevant codes of ethics and practice standards that guide practitioners. This course provides an overview of the roles in which social workers become involved, for example, as advocates, policy analysts, administrators, activists, educators, counselors, facilitators, mediators, organizers and researchers. Social workers are committed to working for social justice, therefore the course examines 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.
This course will provide you with the Eurocentric history and an overview of the areas of social services. Social service providers help people obtain services, assist people in understanding the social contexts within which they live, and work for social change. This course explores the knowledge, skills, values, and ethics of social service provision. This includes working with individuals, groups, communities and families. This course also explores population based practice, examining work with youth and children, people with disabilities, women, Aboriginal Peoples, older people, gender diversity, ethnic diversity, and child welfare.
Delivery Method
Delivery is self-paced, allowing you the flexibility to proceed through the course according to your own schedule. The student may choose a print-based or web version of the course.
Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites for this course. It is recommended that you take this course, SOCW 2061 (previously SSWP 200): An Introduction to Social Work Practice, before taking SOCW 2121 (previously SSWP 212): Social Welfare in Canada.
Objectives
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to do the following :
- Describe the ideological influences, values, and historical roots which have shaped social work in Canada
- Describe the nature of social work including the underlying assumptions, values, and ethics that guide the profession
- Describe the relationship between private troubles (personal struggles) and public issues (social structures, social difference, social policy), including how the invisible walls of racism, sexism, heterosexism, classism, colonialism, ageism, and ableism produce and sustain inequalities in society
- Explain the origins and manifestations of social injustices in Canada, and the multiple and intersecting bases of oppression, domination, and exploitation
- Identify oppressions and healing of Aboriginal peoples and implications for social work practice with Aboriginal peoples
- Explain the tasks and phases of the social work practice process
- Describe the evolving nature of theories and practice approaches that inform social work practice (generalist, structural, anti-oppressive, anti-racist, anti-colonial/First Nations perspectives) and analyze the contexts within which social work is practiced (individuals, families, groups, communities, research, and policy)
- Articulate your own suitability for social work as a career option including the delineation of your personal values, ideological perspectives and appetite for working across difference
Course Outline
Module 1: What is Social Work?
- Topic 1: Describing and Defining Social Work
- Topic 2: The Canadian Welfare State and Social Work
- Topic 3: Income Security and Social Welfare
Module 2: You and Social Work
- Topic 1: History of the Social Work Profession and the Emergence of Social Work in Canada
- Topic 2: What Do Social Workers Do and Where Do They Work?
- Topic 3: Is Social Work for You?: Assessing Personal Preparedness
Module 3: Values and Ethics for Social Work
- Topic 1: What are Values?: Connecting Personal to Professional Values
- Topic 2: What are Ethics and Codes of Ethics for the Social Work Profession
- Topic 3: Professionalism in Social Work: The Influence of Social Work Education, Professional Associations, and Regulation of Practice
Module 4: Approaches to Social Work Practice-An Introduction to Common Frameworks
- Topic 1: Working with Individuals, Groups and Communities in a Generalist Framework.
- Topic 2: Approaches to Social Work: Theoretical Frameworks
- Topic 3: Working with Others-Interdisciplinary Practice
Module 5: Anti-Oppressive Practice
- Topic 1: Identity, Social Location and Privilege
- Topic 2: Understanding Oppression
- Topic 3: The Many Faces of Oppression
Module 6: Practice Frameworks
- Topic 1: Anti-oppressive Practice
- Topic 2: Becoming an Ally in Practice
- Topic 3: Introduction to Self Reflective Practice
Module 7: The Social Work Practice Process-Becoming a Creative and Reflective Practitioner
- Topic 1: Becoming A Reflective Practitioner
- Topic 2: Social Work Skills and Communication
- Topic 3: Creative Approaches to Problem-Solving
Module 8: Social Work and Culturally Diverse Practice
- Topic 1: Social Work in a Culturally Diverse Society
- Topic 2: Culturally Competent Practice
- Topic 3: Cultural Attunement and Cultural Safety
- Topic 4: Sexual and Gender Diversity
Module 9: Aboriginal Approaches to Social Work
- Topic 1: Indigenous Peoples in Canada
- Topic 2: Culturally Competent Social Work and Indigenous Communities
- Topic 3: Aboriginal Approaches to Social Work Practice
Module 10: Caring for Children-Concepts in Child Welfare
- Topic 1: Social Work Practice with Children and Youth
- Topic 2: Protecting Vulnerable Children
- Topic 3: Child Welfare and Aboriginal Communities
Module 11: Social Work Practice in Health Care and Disability
- Topic 1: The Canadian Health Care System and Role of the Social Worker
- Topic 2: Disability Issues/Supporting Seniors
- Topic 3: Anti-Ableist Social Work Practice
Module 12: The Future of Social Work-Challenges and Opportunities
- Topic 1: Reviewing Key Concepts in Practice
- Topic 2: Beyond the Borders: International Social Work
- Topic 3: Beyond Today: The Social Worker of the Future
Maximum Completion
30 weeks. Students may choose to complete a course in less than the allowed maximum time.
Required Text and Materials
Students will receive all course materials including the textbooks in their course package.
- Bishop, A. Becoming an Ally - Breaking the Cycle of Oppression. 2nd Edition. Halifax, NS: Fernwood Publishing, 2002.
Type: Textbook, ISBN: 9781552660720
- Hick, S. Social Work in Canada: An Introduction. 3rd Edition. Toronto: Thompson Educational Publishing Inc., 2010.
Type: Textbook, ISBN: 9781550771732
Spangler, B. (2000) Protection, Red Storm Productions, Item # 650136 Type: DVD
Additional Requirements
Web students will require a computer and Internet access.
All students are required to obtain or download films on their own and may require a DVD player.
Computer with Internet access is recommended but not required for the print version of this course.
Open Learning Faculty Member Information
An Open Learning Faculty Member is available to assist students by phone, mail, or email.
Assessment
Assessments will be targeted at course and module objectives. There are three assignments and one final exam. Detailed information regarding assignments can be found in the Assignments section of the Course Guide.
To successfully complete the course, you must achieve a passing grade of 50% or higher on the Final Exam and in the overall course work. Your final grade for the course is determined on the following basis:
| Assignment 1: Short Submissions |
15% |
| Assignment 2: Reflection |
20% |
| Assignment 3: Case Study |
35% |
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