SSW 161 Introduction to Social Policy explores social issues and how they are influenced by cultural ideologies and values. The historical development of social security policies and programs in Canada, within the context of larger global trends is examined. The impact of social policy on populations such as those who live in poverty, people with disabilities and minority populations will be explored with a view to the past, present and potential future status of the social safety net in Canada and other countries around the world.
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.Course Details| Total number of weeks | 15 |
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| Total Credits | |
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| Total Hours | 45 |
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Typical hours per week breakdown| Lecture | 3 |
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Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the learner will be able to:
- Define what is meant by social policy
- Undertake a critical analysis of social welfare issues
- Understand the way social policies influence day to day life in Canada and other countries
- Describe how social welfare can be understood from different ideological points of view, and how an understanding of these perspectives increases the potential for new social policy development
- Become aware of personal attitudes about various social issues and express and accept diverse viewpoints
- Understand the relationship between key influencing factors federal, provincial and international levels of government, policy groups and lobbyists, the economy and the media
- Identify and act on opportunities to advocate for change ad improvement to the social safety net in Canada today
- Identify and discuss a specific area of social welfare and program development, and how it affects a group
- Population of concern, such as those living in poverty
Teaching and Learning Approach
This class requires active participation. Lectures, videos, group presentations and guest speakers are combined
with interactive exercises and group discussions in an online format. Students will have opportunities to apply
newly constructed concepts and understandings through a variety of course assignments.Learning Resources
Required:
Hicks, S., & Stokes, J. (2021). Social Welfare in Canada: Inclusion, Equity, Social Justice (4th ed.). Thompson
Education Publishing Canada.
Loney, S. (2016). An army of problem solvers: Reconciliation and the solutions economy. Library and Archives
Canada Cataloguing in Publication: Canada.
Recommended:
Selkirk Library:
· Canadian Newsstand Database
· Canadian Review of Social Policy: current issues under "C"; Back issues filed at HV 108 C32.
· Canadian Council of Social Development Website: www.ccsd.ca
· Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives Website: http://www.policyalternatives.ca
· Canadian Social Research Link: www.canadiansocialresearch.net
· Social Union: www.socialunion.gc.ca
· The Globe and Mail Newspaper/Website: www.theglobeandmail.com
· CBC Radio/Television/Website: www.cbc.caDetailed Course Content, Topics, and Sequence Covered
1. Introduction to Social Welfare: Course Overview
2. The History of Social Welfare in Canada Social Welfare Theory
3. Advocacy and Social Justice
4. Social Welfare and Mental Well-Being in Canada: No More "Us" and "Them"
5. Canadian Labour Market Policies and Programs: Investing in an Inclusive Labour Market
6. The Welfare and Well-Being of Indigenous Peoples: Creating a Post-Colonial Canada
7. Reading Break
8. The Welfare and Well-Being of Women and Families: Family Policies for the Way We Live Now
9. The Welfare and Well-Being of Children in Canada: Protecting Children from Maltreatment
10. The Welfare and Well-Being of People in Poverty: Dignity for All
11. The Social Welfare of Immigrants and Temporary Residents: Fostering Multiculturalism and Inclusion
12. The Welfare and Well-Being of Persons with Disabilities: Accessibility and Inclusion as a Human Right
13. The Welfare and Well-Being of Older People: Improving the Quality of Life for Positive Aging
14. Well-Being and Social Justice in a Global Context: Ensuring Equitable Opportunities for AllAssessment
| Title | Learning Outcomes | Value |
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| In The News | 2,3,4,5,6,8 | 20% |
| Book Club (An Army of Problem Solvers) | 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8 | 30% |
| Ten Minutes for Advocacy | 2,4,5,6,7,8 | 20% |
| Letter to the Editor | 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8 | 30% |
| Total | 100% |
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.