SSW 160 Introduction to Social Work I

School of Health and Human Services

SSW 160 Introduction to Social Work I is designed to introduce students to the practice of social work, emphasizing a generalist approach and considering the ideological and historical influences which have shaped social work in Canada. The values, knowledge, and skill foundations to this challenging profession are investigated. Further, it explores the roles of social workers and their methods of intervention based on several practice frameworks, including systems, strengths perspective, structural, anti-oppressive, feminist and Aboriginal approaches. This exploration includes a review of the relevant codes of ethics and practice standards that guide practitioners. Social structures that influence people's lives are also examined along with how various sources and forms of oppression and marginalization impact the lives of people in Canadian society.

Prerequisites: Admission to the Social Service Worker Program.

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
Lecture3

Learning Outcomes

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

  1. Examine key theoretical perspectives that inform Social Work thinking and practice
  2. Describe the skills and tasks associated with the different phases of practice with individuals and families
  3. Demonstrate awareness of underlying assumptions, basic values and ethics that guide the profession of Social Work
  4. Identify inequalities in society that perpetuate the oppression of others
  5. Demonstrate the application of critical thinking within the context of Social Work practice

Teaching and Learning Approach

This class requires active participation. Throughout the course group work and discussions, hands on activities and realistic scenarios will provide the learner with the opportunity to engage in a multitude of learning styles. Written critical analysis along with zoom class discussions will be used to develop critical thinking skills. Professionals from the field will be brought in to offer students the opportunity to further explore, question and investigate old ideas of thinking and constructing new conclusions.

Learning Resources

Required: th Hicks, S. & Stokes, J. (2017) Social Work in Canada: An Introduction. (4 ed). Thompson Educational publishing. Kennedy-Kish, Sinclair,Carniol, B,& Baines. (2017) Case Critical: Social Services and Social Justice in Canada (7th ed.) Toronto: Between the Lines

Detailed Course Content, Topics, and Sequence Covered

1. Introduction to Course Content, Assignment Package, Class Expectations 2. Ch. 1 - Social Work and Social Welfare in Canada 3. Ch. 2 - Towards a History of Social Work in Canada 4. Ch. 3 - Social Work Theories and Practice Models 5. Ch. 4 - Individuals, Groups and Communities 6. Ch. 5 - Social Work and Child Welfare 7. Ch. 6 - Social Work and the Health of Canadians Read Case Critical Chapter 6 Review Moodle Resources 8. Ch. 7 - Mental Health and Social Work Practice 9. Ch. 8 - Social Work with Women in Canada 10. Ch. 9 Social Work and Indigenous People 11. Ch. 13 Social Work & Peron with Disabilities 12. Ch. 12 Social Work & Sexual and Gender Diversity 13. Ch. 13 - Social Work with Older Canadians 14. Chapter 10: Anti-Racist Social Work Practice

Assessment

TitleLearning OutcomesValue
Self Care Assignment1,3,,515%
Social Location Assignment1,,3,4,520%
Book Club Assignment1,2,3,4,540%
Case Study1,2,3,4,520%
Self-Assessment1,3,55%
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.