HSER 281 Directed Studies Methods

School of Health and Human Services

HSER 281 Directed Studies Methods is a self directed course where students are expected to demonstrate a basic understanding of the specific theoretical approaches to working with a specific client population. Further, students are expected to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the specific concerns and issues related to this distinctive group, and demonstrate an understanding of the specific approaches and skills used with this group. Learning strategies include library research, exploration of relevant journals, interviewing practitioners and other individual's small group discussions with the instructor and presentation of results. Typical focus areas may include, but are not limited to, people with specific disabilities, people dealing with substance use/addictions, people who experience violence, community-based advocacy, people who perpetrate violence, people with mental illnesses, people with co-occurring disorders, family preservation and support, individual counselling, geriatrics, preparing people for employment, specific ethnic populations, multicultural work, children and adolescents and First Nations work.

Prerequisites: Successful completion of an ECCE, SSW, or EACSW certificate

Accessibility Services Notice

Students who would like an academic accommodation and who have a documented disability should contact Accessibility Services, if they have not already done so.

Transfer Agreements

Course to Course transfer – YesBlock Transfer – Nobctransferguide.ca
Course Details
Total number of weeks15
Total Credits
Total Hours45
Typical hours per week breakdown
Lecture45

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the learner will be able to:

  1. Clearly identify the target group and issue
  2. Define and discuss the major practice theories for the target group
  3. Develop an annotated bibliography
  4. Discuss and support with research the major issues and concerns of the target group
  5. Discuss and support with research the major intervention strategies used to serve the target group
  6. Discuss the ways in which the service is provided for the client
  7. Use critical thinking in addressing the issues of the target group
  8. Use the process of directed study in completion of research and final paper

Teaching and Learning Approach

Studied concepts will be practiced through assignments which are designed to take the learning outside the classroom, allowing the student to apply newly constructed concepts and understandings. This course will also require students to connect individually with the instructor throughout the semester for support and to ensure their independent study project is meeting the learning outcomes.

Learning Resources

Required: Extensive use of library resources is expected.

Detailed Course Content, Topics, and Sequence Covered

1. 1. Introduction to Directed Studies

2. 2. Developing a Research Question

3. 3. APA Clinic

4. 4. Outline Review

5. 5. Research Clinic

6. 6. Evaluating Your Sources Annotated Bibliographies

7. 7. READING BREAK - NO CLASS

8. 8. Independent Study

9. 9. Research Clinic #2

10. 10. Independent Study

11. 11. Peer Review

12. 12. Independent Study

13. 13. Independent Study

14. 14. Final Presentations

Assessment

TitleLearning OutcomesValue
Outline1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 810%
Research Proposal1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 820%
Peer Review1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 810%
Research Paper Final Presentation (10%), Abstract (5%),1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and40%
Participation (5%)1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 820%
Total100%

Grading Table

Standard Academic and Career Programs Grading Table

Percentage Letter Grade GPA
90-100 A+ 4.33
85-89 A 4.00
80-84 A- 3.67
76-79 B+ 3.33
72-75 B 3.00
68-71 B- 2.67
64-67 C+ 2.33
60-63 C 2.00
55-59 C- 1.67
50-54 P 1.00
0-49 F 0.00
DNW 0.00

See the Academic Calendar for General Information including how to withdraw from course(s) and other regulations.

Disclaimer

Information contained in this course outline is correct at the time of publication. Content of the course is revised on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance to changing educational, employment and market needs. The instructor will endeavor to provide notice of changes to students as soon as possible. The instructor reserves the right to add or delete material from courses.