Social Work Course Descriptions
SW 001
Student Wellness Initiative Toward Community Health
Students will work as a team under the supervision of professional mentors to provide after hours primary health care services, with measures in place to ensure continuity of care and health promotion.
SW 099
Bachelor of Social Work Student Orientation
This compulsory pass/fail course orients and prepares students for success in the Bachelor of Social Work and Undergraduate Studies. These modules were introduced as a way to enhance student learning and engagement with the BSW Orientation material. This course is self-paced, so students may proceed through the modules at their own convenience.
*Note: While this course is mandatory for BSW students, it is zero-credit; therefore it does not contribute to the 120 credit hours required in the BSW degree. This course must be completed during the first semester in which students register after they have been accepted into the BSW. Students must register themselves into this class. If they do not do so, they will be registered in the class and still required to complete it on-time. Students who fail, or do not attempt, this class during their first semester of the BSW will have a hold preventing further registration until such time a passing grade is earned.*
SW 100
Foundations in Social Work
This course explores social issues confronting the state, social welfare agencies and social workers in addressing and responding to societal inequalities and human need. Students will also be introduced to the roles and fields of practice in social work in Canada and the values and ethics that guide the profession.
*SW 100 should be taken as the first Social Work course.
SW 200
Introduction to Social Work
(Yukon College only) This course provides an overview of both First Nations and western social work models, historical development, and current practice issues. Students are introduced to a critical analysis of the social work profession, and exposed to a range of social work theories and models.
SW 202
Critical Issues/Critical Thought
This course examines the foundations of critical thinking with application to social work issues in such areas as oppression, poverty, health, child welfare and violence.
***Prerequisite: SW 100.***
SW 345
Human Development in a Social Work Context
This course examines the interface of lifespan human development (biological, emotional, intellectual, spiritual and social) with the social and cultural environment in which people live, with application for social work practice.
***Prerequisite: SW 100 and 202; or SW 200.***
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of SW 345 or SW 421.*
SW 346
Social Work Practice I
This course examines the principles, concepts and skills related to social work with individuals, families, and groups, providing a theoretical framework for generalist social work practice.
*Note: SW 346 must be taken prior to or concurrently with SW 347. For Yukon SW programs, SW 346 is a prerequisite for SW 347.*
***Prerequisite: SW 100 and 202; or SW 200.***
SW 347
Social Work Practice II
This course aims to develop an understanding of the characteristics of organizations, institutions and communities. Students will gain knowledge about macro practice theories and will begin to develop and enhance the social work skills used in various practice settings. Students will think critically about the structural responses to social distress.
***Prerequisite: SW 100 and SW 202; or SW 200; and SW 346. Concurrent enrollment is allowed in SW 346.***
SW 348
Social Work Practicum I
Students, with support of agency supervision, will become directly involved in social work services and systems within the community, and experience professional practice. Seminars assist in the integration of theory and practice through sharing of experience and knowledge.
***Prerequisite: Completion of SW 100, SW 346, SW 390, and 6 other social work credit hours***
*Note: All students must have a minimum GPA of 70% on the social work portion of the BSW to be eligible to register for SW 348.*
*Note: Practicum requires 230 hours in your placement, typically done as 2 days per week over 15 weeks. In addition, a mandatory orientation session is held prior to the field placement and students are required to attend bi-weekly seminars. Graded on a pass/fail basis. No mid-term break. Pre-Social Work students are not eligible to register for SW 348.*
Exception: Yukon and Aurora College have different requirements and procedures for SW 348 and students should speak to their Academic Advisor.
SW 350
Anti-Oppressive Social Work Practice
The aim of this course is to unravel the underlying threads of multiple oppressions and the intersection of various sources and forms of oppression. The course will focus on anti-oppressive theoretical perspectives, laws, actions, advocacy, social work ethics and their application to social work practice and policy.
***Prerequisite: SW 100 and 202; or SW 200.***
SW 352
Cultural Camp
Students live and work together with members of an Indigenous community for seven days to create an experience where they learn about traditional values and the current realities of the hosting community. Students learn how to build community and work with people from different cultural backgrounds.
***Prerequisite: SW 389***
SW 389
Cultural Competence for Northern Social Work Practice
(Taught only at Yukon College and Aurora College.) Cultural theories, concepts and related structural issues are considered from personal and professional perspectives. Knowledge, skills and values of the culturally competent northern social worker are explored. Wellness, family, community and helping within an Aboriginal historical and contemporary context are examined.
SW 390
Communication Skills in Social Work Practice
This course specifically focuses on the development of skills necessary for competent social work communication in a variety of social work roles and settings. An introduction to communication theory is provided with an emphasis on skill development for students. Role plays and recorded sessions are required.
***Prerequisite: SW 100 and 202; or SW 200.***
SW 401
Animals, Social Work & Society
An introduction to the theoretical and practical applications of animals and social work. This course offers a perspective on why and how animals ought to be important to social work. It will explore applications across the lifespan and include attention upon the welfare of animals in and of themselves.
*Note: Formerly numbered SW 480AS. Students may receive credit for one of SW 401 or SW 480AS.*
SW 403
Death and Dying
This course deals with the effects of death and dying on the individual, families, communities and helping professionals. It explores the role of the social worker in providing support and linking clients to resources in a variety of cultural contexts.
SW 405
Social Work with Indigenous Peoples
This course investigates theory and practices for social workers to support Indigenous individuals, families and communities in a variety of settings. The course explores the history of of oppression experienced by Indigenous peoples by government policies. Emphasis is placed on individual self-determination, cultural safety, Indigenous self-governance and societal decolonization.
***Prerequisite: INDG 200 level or higher.***
SW 407
Feminist Social Work Practice
This class provides an exploration of feminist principles and theory and its application to a variety of problems women face. An intersectional anaylsis is used to evaluate the issues faced by people who are confronted with multiple oppressions.
SW 410
Work, Economic Security and Social Justice
This course explores the impact of globalization and the relationship between legislation, unemployment, labour market issues, social welfare policy and social work. A range of social, economic and political theories are discussed with a focus on how human service workers assist individuals and families.
SW 411
Abuse and Violence
This course examines abuse and violence primarily within familial relationships, but will also include discussion on various forms of trauma in a broader context. Individual, familial, institutional and societal responses to abuse and violence will be explored. A victim centered, trauma-informed social work perspective will be emphasized.
*Note: Note: Recommend that students have completed one or more of SW 346, SW 390, SW 407, SW 414 or SW 437.*
SW 412
Mental Health Services
This course examines the structure and function of mental health services in society with particular reference to the historical and theoretical foundations. Current practices, issues, and problems are reviewed.
SW 413
Child Welfare Systems and Immigrant Families
The course will explore the various forms of social work knowledge, theories, values and skills when working with newcomer/immigrant and refugee families. The course emphasis will be to explore ways to support immigrant and refugee families, using both micro and macro approaches.
***Prerequisite: 30 credit hours***
*Note: Formerly numbered SW 480AP. Students may only receive credit for one of SW 413 and SW 480AP.*
SW 414
Child Welfare Practice
This course provides an overview of historical, and current child welfare legislation, policies and services. Regional perspectives are highlighted. Child maltreatment is defined and identified. The effects of child abuse and neglect on the child, family, and society will be explored. Prevention, investigation and intervention approaches are covered.
SW 415
Poverty
This course will examine poverty in Canada: its history, measurement, theoretical explanations, demographics, and impact on specific groups of people. It critically assesses income security programs and services, and explores the role of social workers in reducing poverty through practice methods, policy development and community action.
SW 416
Social Work and Older Adults
This course considers the social work practice, research, legislation and policy with older adults. It will explore issues affecting those living in the community as well as those residing in group or institutional care settings, and the role of family and community supports.
SW 417
Substance Abuse: Impacts and Interventions
This course will explore the impact of alcohol, drugs, and behavioral addictions on individuals, families, and society. Using a bio-psycho-social perspective, students will critically examine a range of models of assessment, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery used to address the addictions related issues in diverse populations.
SW 418
Social Work with Immigrants and Refugees
This course examines the experiences of immigrants and refugees and the role of social work. Issues of multiculturalism within Canadian society and regional perspectives are recognized as well as cultural and religious diversity and issues of systemic oppression.
SW 419
Social Work in Rural, Remote and Northern Communities
Rural social problems and issues will be explored within legal, political and economic contexts in which these problems occur. Theories and concepts useful for rural and northern social work practice will be the major focus of this class.
SW 420
The Legal Environment of Social Work Practice
The practice of social work has long been intertwined with the practice of law and the legal systems of society. This course will review legislation pertinent to social service programs that govern the professional practice of social work, and the related duties and obligations of social workers.
SW 425
Group Work
This course is an introduction to group work, providing the student with an understanding of concepts, theories and development of beginning group work skills for social work practice.
*Note: SW 346 and SW 390 are recommended*
SW 427
Expressive Arts in Social Work Practice
This course explores expressive arts [art, dance, drama, music, narrative, play] as a way of enhancing communication with a variety of age groups and client populations. It blends theory with classroom activities, promotes self-knowledge, and examines practical and ethical considerations of using expressive arts with individuals and groups.
*** Prerequisite: Completion of SW 390. ***
* Note: Formerly numbered SW 480AA. Student may not receive credit for both SW 427 and SW 480AA *
SW 437
Social Work with Families
This course is an introduction to working with families. Family systems theory is used for assessing various dynamics in family functioning. Family strengths, resilience and challenges will be explored. Theories, models and strategies of intervention are discussed from a social work perspective. *Note: SW 346 is recommended.*
SW 440
Counselling Theories and Skills
This course examines counselling theories and skills with a specific emphasis on their application to social work practice. The counselling relationship and counselling process in a variety of helping situations will be explored. Ethics involved with counselling will also be discussed.
*Note: Completion of SW 346 and SW 390 is recommended.*
SW 448
Social Work Practicum II
Students, with support of agency supervision, will become directly involved in social work services and systems within the community, and experience professional practice. Seminars assist in the integration of theory and practice through sharing of experience and knowledge. ***Prerequisite: SW 100, SW 202, SW 346, SW 347, SW 348, SW 350, SW 390, SW 405, SW 421, SW 451, SW 460, SW 469.***
*Note: All students must have a minimum GPA of 70% on the social work portion of the BSW.*
*Note: Practicum requires 470 hours in your placement, typically done as 4 days per week over 16 weeks. In addition, a mandatory orientation session is held prior to the field placement and students are required to attend bi-weekly seminars. A part-time practicum, completed over two terms, may be arranged. Graded on a pass/fail basis. No mid-term break.*
*Note: Yukon University and Aurora College have different requirements and procedures for SW 448 and students sh
SW 448AA
SW Practicum II - p/t 1st semester
Students, with support of agency supervision, will become directly involved in social work services and systems within the community, and experience professional practice. Seminars assist in the integration of theory and practice through sharing of experience and knowledge.
***Prerequisite: SW 100, SW 202, SW 346, SW 347, SW 348, SW 350, SW 390, SW 405, SW 421, SW 451, SW 460, and SW 469***
*Note: All students must have a minimum GPA of 70% on the social work portion of the BSW.*
*Note: Practicum placement is equivalent to 16 weeks part-time beginning in the term, including a mandatory orientation session which is held prior to the field placement. Arrangements for completion of assignments and seminars will be made with the course instructor. Graded on a pass/fail basis.*
SW 448AB
SW Practicum II - p/t2nd sem.
Students, with support of agency supervision, will become directly involved in social work services and systems within the community, and experience professional practice. Seminars assist in the integration of theory and practice through sharing of experience and knowledge.
***Prerequisite: SW 448AA***
*Note: Practicum placement is equivalent to 16 weeks part-time during the next term. Arrangements for completion of assignments and seminars will be made with the course instructor. Graded on a pass/fail basis. No midterm break.
*Note: All students must have a minimum GPA of 70% on the social work portion of the BSW.*
SW 450
Advanced Practice with Communities
This course examines the historic role of social work in community development/ community activism. Principles, models and skills in working in community development are explored with consideration of geographical location and personal and collective identities. Emphasis is placed on mobilizing communities for equality and social justice.
SW 451
Social Work Research
This course focuses on the contributions of research to effective social work practice and social policy. Emphasis is placed on understanding and critical assessing social work research, and on how to employ a variety of quantitative, qualitative, and community-based research methodologies to advance social work knowledge and practice.
***Prerequisite: SW 100 and 202; or SW 200.***
SW 452
Management Practice in Social Work
Social Administration is one of the recognized areas of social work practice in a generalist framework. This course provides the introductory knowledge and skills to participate in the administration and management of human service organizations. Topics include leadership, supervision, organizational planning, financial planning and team building.
*Note: Formerly numbered SW 480AB. Student may not receive credit for both SW 452 and SW 480AB.*
SW 460
Ethics in Social Work
This course is designed to sensitize students to the central role of ethics in contemporary social work. Theoretical foundations in social work ethics and the relationship between diverse value systems in Canadian society will be critically analyzed. Emphasis is on various ethical dilemmas and ethical issues facing social workers.
***Prerequisite: SW 100 and 202; or SW 200.***
SW 469
Social Policy
This course examines the dimensions and practical implications of social policy in the lives of Canadians. Political, economic, and cultural influences over social policy are explored, as well as the skills needed to develop social policy and its relationship with the profession of social work.
***Prerequisite: SW 100 and 202; or SW 200.***
SW 470
Social Work in Health Settings
The course will focus on the knowledge, attitudes, and skills social workers need in order to practice effectively in health care settings. Students will apply critical thinking in understanding the intricacies of issues in health care, the impact of various systems and the role of policy development on social work.
SW 479
Social Work and Disability Issues
This course will critically analyse the concept of disability and various conditions defined as disabling. It will also outline concerns and activism within disabilty communities, and strategies for social work practitioners to support independence and social inclusion of persons who live with disabilities.
SW 480AU
Critical Social Work Practice with 2SLGBTQ+ Communities
This course critically examines the historical, political, and socio-cultural systems and forces that structure the everyday lives and experiences of 2SLGBTQ+ communities. Students analyze relevant theories, frameworks, and discourses to formulate critical, culturally-relevant micro, mezzo, and macro social work approaches with 2SLGBTQ+ communities.
***Prerequisite: SW 346, 350, and 469.***
SW 480AV
Critical Social-Ecological Social Work
This course examines the interconnectedness of all people, species and ecosystems in emerging social-ecological challenges. Social, structural and ecological justice issues will be examined in relation to human health and well-being. Implications for direct practice will be explored and include the development of critical holistic social work practice approaches.
***Prerequisite: SW 202, SW 346, SW 350, SW 390, and SW 460.***
SW 486AA
Social Work Research Project
In this course, each student will work on a social work research project and complete the research on campus. He/she will develop a research question, proposal, collect and analyze data and write a final report.
***Prerequisite: SW 451***
SW 495
Individual and Group Inquiries
This course offers tutorials, directed readings, "learning contracts", and other agreements stipulating specified objectives negotiated between an instructor and individual students or groups of students.
SW 496
Individual and Group Inquiries
This course offers tutorials, directed readings, "learning contracts" and other agreements stipulating specified objectives negotiated between an instructor and individual students or groups of students.
SW 497
Individual & Group Inquiries
Tutorials, directed readings, "learning contracts" and other agreements stipualting specified objectives negotiated between an instructor and individual students or groups of students.
SW 498
Individual & Group Inquiries
Tutorials, directed readings, "learning contracts" and other agreements stipulating specified objectives negotiated between and instructor and individual students or groups of students.
SW 499
Individual & Group Inquiries
Tutorials, directed readings, "learning contracts" and other agreements stipulating specified objectives negotiated between an instructor and individual students or groups of students.
SW 803
End of Life Issues
This course deals with impacts of end of life issues on individuals, families, social workers and health practitioners. Cultural, societal and personal perspectives of death and dying will be explored, along with roles of social workers and health professionals in practice, research, education and policy in end of life care.
SW 810
Social Policy Analysis
Through lectures and seminars students will undertake a comprehensive review of ideological basis for policy making and social planning in the delivery of human services. Although primary attention will be given to the Canadian Prairies experience, comparisons will be made with needs, policies and services elsewhere in Canada and internationally. This course will devote primary attention Social Administration Case Studies.
SW 811
Family&Child Policies&Programs
Historical, theoretical, comparative and current literature will be used to gain a comprehensive overview of the development of policies relevant to families and to children. A critical analysis of family and child policies developed within the liberal welfare state will be incorporated into this course. The development of alternative policies and programs will be considered.
SW 812
Organ Theories Social Admin
This course is designed to provide MSW students with the conceptual and technical skills to conduct appropriate interventions in human service organizations. Topics include: the role of social work in organizational intervention, organizational theories, ethics, organizational development as well as critical review of management roles and practices.
SW 816
Aging, Society & HS Work
This course considers social work practice research, education and policy with seniors in the community and in institutions. The focus of the course will be the role of the social work perspective in each of these professional activities with seniors.
SW 817
Critical Issues in Addiction
This course explores research, theory, and policy in addictions and examines individual, group and community levels interventions within the Canadian political and economic realities. The complex interactions of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors will be examined to provide knowledge and skills in advanced social work practice in the field of addiction.
SW 820
Feminist Theory & Analysis
This course will provide a feminist analysis of the historic and current issues pertaining to women's lives and to critique patriarchal institutions and structures of society. A specific emphasis will be on feminist therapy as it pertains to practice and the contributions of feminist research.
SW 835
Current Aboriginal SW Practice
This course will critically examine current counselling models through the lens of colonization, decolonization and employing cross-cultural, structural and anti-oppressive approaches to social work practice with specific attention given to the historical legacies of colonization and residential school in examining practice issues of power, cultural competence and sensitivity.
SW 849
SW Practice with Families
This course will review various approaches of family therapies and discuss how they can be used in a variety of practice settings and for a wide array of issues and problems. Limitations, criticisms and ethical issues for each approach will be explored.
SW 851
Soc Justice/Human Rights & SW
The course will focus on the evolution of human rights as tools for promoting social justice. Some of the areas to be explored include: inequalities as they relate to gender, racialized minorities, children, individuals with special needs, those living in poverty. The course will give careful consideration to the impact of human rights laws on the job of the social worker.
SW 852
Advanced Social Work Practice with Children and Youth
This class will review child and adolescent development, ethical considerations in working with children and youth, diversity, group work and other theories of intervention. Students will be expected to focus on common problems for children and youth.
SW 853
Antiracist Perspectives in Social Work Practice
This course provides a framework for the historical and contemporary contexts of transformative antiracist social work theory and practice. Students examine how broader historical social relations of power and inequity are (re)inscribed, contested and disrupted at the intersecting sites of individual, organizational and structural social work theory and practice.
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of SW 853 or SW 850AC.*
SW 855
Critical Social-Ecological Social Work
This course examines the interconnectedness of all people, species and ecosystems in emerging social-ecological challenges. Social, structural and ecological justice issues will be examined in relation to human health and well-being. Implications for direct practice will be explored and include the development of critical holistic social work practice approaches.
SW 860AG
Critical Social Work Practice with 2SLGBTQ+ Communities
This course critically examines the historical, political, and socio-cultural systems and forces that structure the everyday lives and experiences of 2SLGBTQ+ communities. Students analyze relevant theories, frameworks, and discourses to formulate critical, culturally-relevant micro, mezzo, and macro social work approaches with 2SLGBTQ+ communities.
SW 867
Critical Indigenous Analysis of Social Welfare Policy
This course focuses on critical and theoretical analyses of historical and contemporary social welfare policies and practices affecting Indigenous people in Canada. A wide array of Indigenous theory writings and public policies are introduced and reviewed to facilitate understanding of Indigenous and decolonizing frameworks for social welfare policy analysis.
SW 872
Community Organizing & SW Prac
This course explores various theories, principles, models and strategies of community organizing, and their importance for social work. Emphasis is placed on issues of power and the reallocation of power within society.
SW 873
Social Work Practice with Couples
This is a graduate level course on social work practice with couples. This course is theory and practice driven and equips students with couple's therapy assessment and treatment skills. The course focuses on experiential learning and students will have multiple opportunities to practice counselling skills in class.
SW 876
Perspectives and Models of Social Work for Direct Practice
Major SW practice perspectives/models are subject to a critical comparative analysis with respect to the epistemological background and the basic values and premises about people. Applicability of the major practice perspectives/models to SW practice is examined, with a concentrated focus on relevant approaches for differing situations of practice.
SW 879
Social Work, Empowerment and Disability
Drawing on a critical realist perspective, this course will examine a pluralist, engaged and nuanced approach to disability in relation to practice, policy, research and education. Key topics discussed will include dichotomies such as disabled people versus non-disabled people, identity politics, bioethics in disability, and care and social relationships.
SW 880
Quantitative Methods in Social Work Research
This course will provide an overview of design and methodology options in quantitative research with an emphasis on the application to social welfare policy and social work practice issues. In addition to the methodological issues, the course will review the appropriate use and interpretation of statistical techniques in social work research.
SW 881
Qual & App Research Methods
These courses may be offered by the Faculty of Social Work of planned in co-operation with other Faculties of the University. Such courses will be arranged as needed when the student's research interests are determined.
SW 885
Thesis Proposal
Students registered in the thesis route will complete a comprehensive thesis proposal.
SW 890CA
A Narrative Approach to Social Work Practice
This course will explore a narrative approach to clinical social work practice. Specific strengths and limitations of Narrative Therapy will be reviewed. The content of this course will include a thorough literature review, assigned readings, critical analysis, application and reflection in practice; as well as design and facilitation of a narrative therapy teaching seminar.
SW 890CE
Exploring Disability and Sexuality
In preparation for student MSc thesis project, this directed readings class will seek to better prepare the MSc student for work with people who experience disability, and struggles regarding sexuality, abuse and consent.
SW 890CF
Indigenous Perspectives towards Synthesizing Traditional & Contemporary Healing Modalities
Course will advance critical thought & deep anti-colonial & anti-racism analysis of contemporary mental health treatment modalities. Will enable student to engage in reflection for decolonizing their own practice. Examine & critically assess the existing knowledge (research, literature, treatment models) of decolonizing mental health & assess strengths, limitations, and gaps.
SW 901
Thesis
This is the student's MSW thesis.
SW 910
Research Practicum
Registration for the project will follow the same pattern and conditions as the registration for a thesis. Projects are conducted in a field setting under the supervision of a social work professional associate.
SW 920
Field Practicum
Students register in the practicum which will take place over one or two semesters in a social work practice setting under the supervision of an experienced social work field supervisor. Students work under the direction of a faculty member over the duration of the practicum.