Courses

SCWK-6013. Advanced Theory for Direct Practice

This course is an advanced theory and practice course for students enrolled in the MSW degree program. It critically analyzes social work practice including discourse, anti-oppressive and structural practice theories, and the nature of practice knowledge. The course also emphasizes the integration of theory and practice and an understanding of the structural contexts in which social work operates.

SCWK-6023. Advanced Theory for Direct Practice II

This course is an advanced theory and practice course for students enrolled in the MSW degree program. It critically analyzes social work practice including discourse, anti-oppressive and structural practice theories, and the nature of practice knowledge. The course also emphasizes the integration of theory and practice and an understanding of the structural contexts in which social work operates. Pre-requisites: SCWK 6013, Adv. Theory of Direct Practice I.

SCWK-6033. Advanced Theory for Social Administration

This course is designed to provide an in-depth and advanced understanding of organizational management in human services. We will review and critically analyze major theories of organizational change and administration including ethics and diversity, promoting positive organizational culture, program design and administration, funding and accountability, strategic management, change management, and the analysis of power and empowerment in supervisory positions.

SCWK-6043. Advanced Theory for Social Policy

This course is designed to provide an in-depth and advanced understanding of Canadian social policy including: ideological and economics factors influencing policy; key structures, policies and issues in Canadian social policy; and how social workers can effect policy change. We will examine various paradigms in social policy analysis, introduce basic concepts and theories, explore specific areas of contemporary policy and real world aspects of policy analysis and development as well as critically examine the structural intersectionality of social policy issues.

SCWK-6053. Research & Evaluation in Social Work

This course prepares students to understand and critically use research in evaluating social work direct and indirect practice. In addition to critically reviewing the theoretical underpinnings of social work practice, there will be an emphasis on the integration of research and practice. Relevant qualitative methods for social work practice will be explored.

SCWK-6063. Research & Evaluation in Social Work II

This course stresses the importance of evidence-based theory and practice approaches. It also builds on research knowledge and skills learned in prior research methods courses. The course draws on materials from social work practice and social work research principles to develop a professional practice evaluation methodology for social work practice. Prerequisite: SCWK SCWK6053 Research and Evaluation in Social Work I

SCWK-6073. Social Work in Health Care

This course introduces the multiple roles social workers play in health care delivery, and explores challenges faced by social workers in these settings. The course highlights a multidimensional approach to health, and describes the social determinants of health framework to link critical social work to health care. Legal and clinical issues social workers encounter within a complex and rapidly changing health care system will be explored. Students will have an opportunity to explore health care policies, as well as foundational clinical skills commonly used in hospitals, rehabilitation, family practice and long-term care.

SCWK-6083. Leadership & Supervision in Human Service Organizations

Most professional social workers must learn to practice within the framework of human service organizations. This course will provide students with knowledge and practical skills to assume leadership and management positions in public and nonprofit organizations. Students will learn how to develop and lead effective and ethical teams and organizations that value diversity and build the capacities of staff and service users.

SCWK-6093. Seminar for Research Proposals

This course prepares students for undertaking a thesis. It is a student-led seminar series, providing students the opportunity to share ideas and support each other through the research process. The seminars will cover: Planning and writing your thesis; Research ideas and design; Literature searching and review; Choosing methods appropriate to your study; Applying for ethics approval; Knowledge transfer.

SCWK-6103. Field Education Seminar

This course focuses on critical integration and transfer of knowledge, values, and skills derived from academic course work, experience, and within field placements. Students will be expected to identify, apply, critique, and evaluate social work practice methods and conceptual frameworks in a practice setting, using structured reflection and self-evaluation to understand their own practice in terms of ethics, values, policies, theoretical models, structural models, and agency expectations. Emphasis is placed on critical reflection and evidence informed advanced practice theory and skill development.

SCWK-6119. Advanced Field Placement

This course provides practical field experience working with individuals, groups, and/or communities at an advanced level, in an approved field placement setting, under agency and faculty supervision focusing on the integration of classroom and field learning. The Advanced Practicum provides Students with an opportunity to be placed in a social work field setting where they receive professional field instruction and supervision. The focus is on developing advanced knowledge and skills for direct practice with individuals, families and groups.

SCWK-6129. Thesis

The Master's thesis should demonstrate that the student has mastery of a particular field and is fully conversant with the relevant literature. The thesis is based on independent study and scholarly research which is of a theoretical, empirical or historical focus. The purpose of the thesis option is to build or test theory, explore an issue or concept, or address an aspect of social work history through a focused independent study.

Master of Social Work Courses