Social Work

SOCW 200A  (3)  An Intro to Social Work Practice

An introduction to the general practice of social work and the personal troubles that affect well-being, including the history, values, knowledge and skills of the profession. Particular attention is focused on generalist social work practice, interdisciplinary approaches, clients as consumers and partners, and the role of self-help groups. (3:0:0)

Prerequisite: None.

SOCW 200B  (3)  An Intro to Social Welfare in Canada

An introduction to current social welfare policy and the social service and human rights response to social issues, including the problem of poverty. Topics include the impact of poverty, responses to poverty, ideologies in relationship to social policy, responses to income security and personal needs in B.C. and Canada, and skills for analyzing, influencing, and developing social policy. (3:0:0)

Prerequisite: None.

SOCW 211  (3)  Family Studies

An opportunity to broaden understanding of the Canadian family in its many changing forms. Topics include the historical, economic and social factors which shape family life, as well as theories relevant to family practice. Focus is on social issues facing Canadian families today, and intervention strategies utilized by Human Service Workers. Students are encouraged to personalize their learning by relating course concepts to their own families and to their work with families. SOCW 211 was formerly called SSER 211; credit will not be granted for both courses. (3:0:0)

Prerequisite: Admission to Social Services Diploma program or permission of instructor.

SOCW 252  (3)  Interpersonal Communication Skills

An introduction to the dynamics and skills associated with effective interpersonal skills in social work; an understanding of the characteristics and development of relationships both in one-to-one and group settings. Students will apply course materials to enhance their self-awareness and functioning in relationships with others. (3:0:0)

Prerequisite: SOCW 200B (or equivalent) or permission of instructor.

SOCW 270  (3)  Social Work Practice in Mental Health and Addictions

An introduction to the practice of social work with populations with concurrent disorders. Topics include: examination of current theories, delivery of social work services, policy and practice issues, as well as critical review of contemporary perspectives on the ecology of mental health challenges and addictions. SOCW 270 was formerly called SSER 270; credit will not be granted for both courses. (3:0:0)

Prerequisite: Second year standing or permission of instructor.

SOCW 280  (3)  Methods in Social Work Practice

This course builds on the social work values, skills, knowledge, and ethics introduced in SOCW 200A and SOCW 252. With a focus on social work practice methods, students will further develop competencies in the various phases of the helping process: engagement, assessment, planning, intervention, and evaluation. (3:0:0)

Prerequisite: Second year standing in the Social Services Diploma or permission of instructor.

SOCW 281  (3)  Practicum I

A three week field practicum with a Human Service agency/organization. Focuses on integration and application of theory, skills and practice in a supervised setting. An interview may be required by the agency. Normally completed concurrently with SOCW 282 Practicum II. SOCW 281 was formerly called SSER 281; credit will not be granted for both courses. (0:0:0 —105 for 3 weeks)

Prerequisite: Admission to Social Services Diploma program or permission of instructor.

SOCW 282  (3)  Practicum II

A second three week field practicum, normally completed concurrently with SOCW 281 Practicum I. Focuses on integrating and applying theory and skills and building competency, under supervision. Students are expected to demonstrate their ability to understand systemic structures and functions of a service agency in relation to clients, community and other agency workers. SOCW 282 was formerly called SSER 282; credit will not be granted for both courses. (0:0:0 —105 for 3 weeks)

Prerequisite: SOCW 281.

SOCW 300A  (3)  Community Social Work: Theory and Practice I

A critical examination of the fundamental theories of community, community capacity building, and community social work practice from historical/contemporary and local/international perspectives. Focuses on theories central to understanding social work as community practice; examines inequalities in human interactions and social systems, and the role of social work in addressing inequalities. (3:0:0)

Prerequisite: Admission to the BSW or permission of instructor.

SOCW 300B  (3)  Community Social Work: Theory and Practice II

A continuation of SOCW 300A, with particular attention to critical appraisal of theories such as anti oppressive practice, feminist and systemic theories, and their application to practice. Using case studies to illustrate these theories, relationships, feelings, and actions of individuals, families, and groups within a community setting, are examined. (3:0:0)

Prerequisite: SOCW 300A or permission of instructor.

SOCW 301  (3)  Social Work Practice Skills (Effective Mar 2013)

An advanced study of practice skills in social work, such as interviewing for information and change, intervening in crisis, developing supportive relationships, and leading groups. Topics include understanding diversity and disadvantage; confronting oppression of individuals, groups, and communities; understanding personal biases; and strengthening social empathy. (3:0:0)

Prerequisite: SOCW 200A.

SOCW 310  (3)  Contemporary Perspectives on Disabilities

An analysis of how a social model of disability can be put into practice in the current social, political, and economic context in Canada. Students are encouraged to analyze power, inequality and influence, and to develop a personal ethical stance to ground community development practice. (3:0:0)

Prerequisite: SOCW 200B or permission of instructor.

SOCW 322  (3)  Human Development Across the Lifespan

An introduction to human development across the lifespan as a foundation for social work practice. Topics include an overview of major theories and research related to physical, cognitive, emotional, social and relational developmental tasks of childhood, adolescence, early, middle and older adulthood, and their implications for social work practice. Credit will only be granted for one of PSYC 122 or SOCW 322. (3:0:0)

Prerequisite: Admission to the BSW program or permission of instructor.

SOCW 350A  (3)  Law and Social Services (Effective Sep 2012)

A critical examination of criminal and family law as an expression of social policy relevant to anti-oppressive social work practice. Topics include laws affecting adults and children; human rights; organization of the legal system; and the ethical and legal accountabilities of social workers. Credit will only be granted for one of CYC 350A or SOCW 350A. (3:0:0)

Prerequisite: Admission to BSW program or permission of instructor.

SOCW 352  (3)  Interpersonal Communication in Structural Social Work Practice

A focus on the development and effective use of interpersonal communication and interviewing skills for professional social work practice. Topics include foundational basic and advanced communication skills for creating and maintaining meaningful relationships in a helping context. An anti-oppressive lens will be applied to learning and skill development. (3:0:0)

Prerequisite: Admission to the BSW program or permission of instructor.

SOCW 361  (3)  Special Topics: Intro to Alcohol and Drug Clinical Practice

A study of the theoretical and practical framework of working with substance misuse problems that impact adolescents, adults, families, and communities. Topics include the application of theories of addictive behaviour to current collaborative client-centred approaches. Students participate in practice sessions that promote skill development and incorporate peer feedback. (3:0:0)

Prerequisite: Admission to the BSW or permission of instructor.

SOCW 362  (3)  Child Abuse and Neglect Concerns

An exploration of knowledge, skills, attitudes, and beliefs necessary to identify and action child abuse and neglect concerns. Focuses on developing self awareness, main forms of abuse and neglect, and relevant resources available in communities. Both theoretical and practical applications are integrated including evolving philosophical and conceptual orientations. Credit will only be granted for one of CYC 362 or SOCW 362. (3:0:0)

Prerequisite: SOCW 252, CYC 252A, or permission of instuctor.

SOCW 380  (9)  Practicum: Community Social Work Practice (Effective Mar 2013)

Students are required to complete a 350-hour fieldwork placement to develop basic interview, intervention, and advocacy skills within a multidisciplinary framework. Particular emphasis will be placed on formulation of relationships with individual families and groups. (0:0:0 —350)

Prerequisite: Admission to program; SOCW 300A, SOCW 300B, SOCW 301, SOCW 322, SOCW 352, SOCW 350A (may be taken concurrently) and permission of Department Chair.

SOCW 400A  (3)  Advanced Community Practice with Diverse Populations

An opportunity to further community social work practice theory and skills; examine how community practice is adapted to work within particular kinds of communities and special populations. This includes opportunities to work on advanced practice skills including counseling, public communication, group leadership, mediation, and dispute resolution, in addition to proposal development. (3:0:0)

Prerequisite: SOCW 300A and SOCW 300B or permission of instructor.

SOCW 400B  (3)  Advanced Seminar in Reflective Social Work Practice

An analysis of practice theories and insights to promote understanding of reflective practice within a community setting; and develop plans for ongoing learning as social workers. This seminar course is offered in conjunction with SOCW 480. (0:3:0)

Prerequisite: SOCW 400A or permission of instructor.

Co-requisites: SOCW 480

SOCW 401  (3)  Social Policy and Communities

An analysis of the ways that citizens attempt to address social and systemic problems. Topics include examining efforts by government to involve communities in social policy development and implementation, as well as a focus on developing critical thinking skills by exploring issues such as competing definitions of citizenship and community. (3:0:0)

Prerequisite: SOCW 200B.

SOCW 402  (3)  Research Methods for Social Change in Community Social Work

An exploration of methods and methodology for community based research with a focus on exploring and changing social situations/issues. Grounded in critical social work, this course will allow students opportunities to integrate the concepts and skills they have developed. Topics include participation methods, ethically sensitive research, power, and oppression. (3:0:0)

Prerequisite: None.

SOCW 403  (3)  Child Abuse and Neglect II

A continuation of SOCW 362, focusing on assessment, intervention, legalities, and evaluation in child abuse and neglect. Credit will only be granted for one of CYC 403 or SOCW 403. (3:0:0)

Prerequisite: SOCW 350A and SOCW 362 or permission of instuctor.

SOCW 404  (3)  Advanced Skills for Social Work Practice in Legal Contexts

A study of the law as it affects the human service professions. Topics include specific legislation concerned with child welfare practice, young offenders, adoption and family relations matters; the law as an expression of social policy; legal principles and the human service professional's role within the legal system. (3:0:0)

Prerequisite: SOCW 350A.

SOCW 410  (3)  Understanding and Supporting Persons with Disabilities

An exploration of the ethical issues pertaining to people with disabilities. Topics include ethical considerations in responding to cultural differences; public policy issues including resource distribution and privatization; and choice and self-determination noting the societal perceptions regarding the value of the lives of people with disabilities. Credit will only be granted for one of CYC 360K or SOCW 410. (3:0:0)

Prerequisite: SOCW 310 or permission of instructor.

SOCW 421  (3)  Social Work Practice with First Nations Communities

A social and historical review of the effects of European-Canadian culture on child welfare, including family and child-rearing practices, among First Nations people of Vancouver Island, British Columbia and Canada, from the period preceding first contact to present day. SOCW 421 was formerly called SOCW 321; credit will not be granted for both courses. (3:0:0)

Prerequisite: Admission to the BSW or permission of instructor.

SOCW 440  (3)  Social Work and Mental Health

A critical examination of historical and contemporary theoretical perspectives on mental illness, Canadian mental health law and policy, cultural and diversity aspects, classification and treatment, ethical issues, and an exploration of approaches to substance use, prevention, and treatment. (3:0:0)

Prerequisite: Admission to the BSW or permission of instructor.

SOCW 460  (3)  Older Adults, Aging and Society

An in-depth examination and analysis of topics, policy, and issues related to working with, and on behalf, of older adults from anti-oppressive and interdisciplinary perspectives. Topics include class, gender, care giving, policy, practice models, and ageism with both theoretical and practical dimensions. (3:0:0)

Prerequisite: Admission to the BSW or permission of instructor.

SOCW 480  (9)  Practicum: Community Practice II (Effective Mar 2013)

Students are required to complete a 350-hour field experience to continue to develop skills and refine abilities to practice in a supported environment. Professional standards and ethics are expected to be maintained. (0:0:0 —350)

Prerequisite: SOCW 300A, SOCW 300B, SOCW 301, SOCW 322, SOCW 350A, SOCW 352, SOCW 380 and permission of Department Chair.

Co-requisites: SOCW 400B.