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University of Calgary Calendar 2016-2017 COURSES OF INSTRUCTION Course Descriptions S Social Work SOWK
Social Work SOWK

Instruction offered by members of the Faculty of Social Work.

Notes:

  • Social Work 201 is open to all students; all other Social Work courses are restricted to BSW students only.
  • Students must maintain concurrent registration in practica and related integrative seminars.
  • In all BSW routes, students must complete all required 300-level core Social Work courses before registering in practica.
Junior Courses
Social Work 201       Introduction to Social Work
Provides an overview of the profession of social work and the social policy context within which it is practiced.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
Notes:
Alberta Social Work Post-Diploma students cannot take this course as fulfillment of their non-Social Work course requirements.
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Senior Courses
Social Work 300       Generalist Practice in Context Theme Course
Examination of the professional use of self in relation to the knowledge, values, and skills pertaining to the practice of generalist social work practice in rural, remote, and Aboriginal communities.
Course Hours:
6 units; F(6-0)
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Social Work 301       Generalist Practice in Context Portfolio Project
Individual preparation of a self-directed portfolio as an expression of the student’s own understanding of generalist social work practice in relation to the local context. The student’s prior learning experiences will be incorporated in the development of the project.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(1S-2T)
Corequisite(s):
Prerequisite or Corequisite: Social Work 300.
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Social Work 302       Research in Context Theme Course
An introduction to knowledge generation relevant to generalist social work practice. Foundational concepts and approaches of various research methodologies will be introduced as ways of knowledge building to inform practice and influence policy, particularly within rural, remote and Indigenous contexts.
Course Hours:
6 units; F(6-0)
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Social Work 303       Practice With Individuals in Context
Focuses on interviewing and counseling skills from a generalist social work perspective. Emphasis will be given to skill development, critical reflection, practice evaluation, and practical application within rural, remote and Indigenous contexts.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(1S-2T)
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Social Work 304       Diversity and Oppression Theme Course
Examines diversity, colonization, oppression, and intergroup relations associated with the practice of social work in rural, remote, and Indigenous communities. Anti-oppressive frameworks will be introduced for understanding the processes associated with social justice.
Course Hours:
6 units; F(6-0)
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Social Work 305       Diversity and Oppression Portfolio Project
Individual preparation of a self-directed portfolio as an expression of the student’s own critical analysis of diversity, oppression, and social justice in relation to the local context. Honouring the student’s prior learning experiences by acknowledging and incorporating aspects of that learning in the development of the project.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(1S-2T)
Corequisite(s):
Prerequisite or Corequisite: Social Work 304.
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Social Work 306       Social Work Methods Course
Examines various perspectives and theoretical approaches relating to the development, maintenance, and application of empowering relationships in generalist social work practice. Particular emphasis will be placed on local applications in rural, remote, and Indigenous organizations and communities.
Course Hours:
6 units; F(6-0)
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Social Work 307       Practice Skills in Context
Focuses on theory and practice relating to social work with individuals, families and groups in diverse communities. Particular emphasis will be paid to skill development, critical analysis and practical application within rural, remote and Indigenous contexts.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(1S-2T)
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Social Work 355       Research in Context
Students will be introduced to basic research methodology and data analysis within a reflective practitioner model of practice. They will be asked to identify research concepts, methods and skills that promote enquiry-based practice and that enable them to read and apply findings from research. The focus of the course will be on thinking of research as an integral component of practice.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3S-0)
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Social Work 361       Professional Use of Self
Focuses on the examination and integration of theoretical and practical understandings of professional social work practice. Topics covered include: critical thinking; ethical decision-making; knowledge of the associations to which social work professionals belong; professional writing; and self-care.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3S-0)
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Social Work 363       Human Development and Environments
Explores the nature of human behaviour and development in diverse environments and contexts (personal, community, social, and environmental) and explores the implications for social work practice and theory.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3S-0)
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Social Work 365       Critical Approaches to Social Work Practice
Provides theoretical frameworks, including anti-oppressive social work concepts, as a foundation for reflective professional generalist social work.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3S-0)
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Social Work 371       Social Work and Diversity
Students will critically examine the issues of diversity and the power relations that form common links among the experiences of oppression and marginalization in Canadian society.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3S-0)
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Social Work 383       Social Policy and Social Justice
Provides an understanding of Canadian social policy, its impact on social justice and how it influences social work practice.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3S-0)
Notes:
University Transfer route only.
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Social Work 391       Practice and Evaluation with Individuals
An introduction to theories and skills for communicating with people in a professional social work context. Generic interviewing and basic counselling skills from a generalist perspective of social work practice will be developed. 
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3S-0)
Notes:
University Transfer route only.
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Social Work 393       Practice and Evaluation with Families
An introduction to theories and skills for family-centred social work practice with families. There will be an emphasis on diversity in relation to family development issues, the stresses families face, family assessment techniques, and theories and practices of family intervention.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3S-0)
Notes:
University Transfer route only.
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Social Work 395       Practice and Evaluation with Groups
An introduction to theories and skills for working with groups within a context of practice and assessment frameworks. 
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3S-0)
Notes:
University Transfer route only.
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Social Work 397       Practice and Evaluation with Communities
An introduction to theories and skills about community practice. The focus will be on understanding the basic value, ethical, strategic, evaluative and political issues involved in working for community change.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3S-0)
Antirequisite(s):
Credit for Social Work 397 and Community Rehabilitation 583 will not be allowed.
Notes:
University Transfer route only.
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Social Work 399       Practice and Evaluation with Organizations
An introduction to theories and skills in the study of human service organizations. Examines organizational dynamics and how this impacts on professional practice, relationships with clients, and the potential for organizational change.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3S-0)
Notes:
University Transfer route only.
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Social Work 410       Practicum I

Application of conceptual framework, experience, knowledge and skills within a specific practice setting.


Course Hours:
6 units; F(300 hours within one term)
Prerequisite(s):
All required 300 level Social Work courses.
NOT INCLUDED IN GPA
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Social Work 411       Integrative Seminar I
Integration of theory and practice within the context of the field practicum.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3S-0)
Prerequisite(s):
All required 300 level Social Work courses.
Corequisite(s):
Social Work 410.
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Social Work 412       Practicum II

Application of professional theory and skills in supervised social work practice settings.


Course Hours:
6 units; F(400 hours within one term)
Prerequisite(s):
All required 300 level Social Work courses. University Transfer Route: Social Work 410 and 411.
NOT INCLUDED IN GPA
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Social Work 413       Integrative Seminar II
Advanced integration of concepts, perspectives and skills with experiences, developing conceptual frameworks of practice.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3S-0)
Prerequisite(s):
All required 300 level Social Work courses. University Transfer Route: Social Work 410 and 411.
Corequisite(s):
Social Work 412.
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Social Work 551       Selected Topics: Social Work Interventions

Course Hours:
3 units; H(3S-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Social Work 353 or 355, 363 or 367, 383, 361 or 385 and 365 or 388, or admission into the Post-Diploma route.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
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Social Work 553       Selected Topics: Fields of Practice

Course Hours:
3 units; H(3S-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Social Work 353 or 355, 363 or 367, 383, 361 or 385 and 365 or 388, or admission into the Post Diploma route.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
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Social Work 555       Selected Topics: Practice with Selected Populations

Course Hours:
3 units; H(3S-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Social Work 353 or 355, 363 or 367, 383, 361 or 385 and 365 or 388, or admission into the Post-Diploma route.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
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Social Work 557       Selected Topics: Contexts for Practice

Course Hours:
3 units; H(3S-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Social Work 353 or 355, 363 or 367, 383, 361 or 385 and 365 or 388, or admission into the Post-Diploma route.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
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Graduate Courses

Note: Not all options are offered every academic year. The number of options will vary across the programs and program locations.

Social Work 621       History and Foundation of the Profession
An examination of the relationship between knowledge, values, ethics and power and how they shape interventions in social work.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3S-0)
Notes:
Restricted to Social Work MSW students or consent of the Faculty.
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Social Work 625       Practice with Individuals, Families and Groups
A basic understanding of social work practice theory with respect to work with individuals, families and groups.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3S-0)
Notes:
Restricted to Social Work MSW students or consent of the Faculty.
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Social Work 627       Practice with Organizations and Communities
A basic understanding of social work practice theory with respect to work with organizations and communities.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3S-0)
Notes:
Restricted to Social Work MSW students or consent of the Faculty.
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Social Work 629       Professional Communication and Interviewing
Offers experiential learning aimed at developing basic professional competencies and practice skills along with critical self-reflection.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3S-0)
Notes:
Restricted to Social Work MSW students or consent of the Faculty.
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Social Work 632       Social Policy and Social Justice
An exploration of the social, political and economic forces, social movements and social structures that are transforming the Canadian welfare state and the practice of social work.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3S-0)
Notes:
Restricted to Social Work MSW students or consent of the Faculty.
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Social Work 633       Foundational Field Practicum
Direct and indirect social work practice opportunities with professional supervision.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(426 hours-2T)
Notes:
Restricted to Social Work MSW students or consent of the Faculty.
NOT INCLUDED IN GPA
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Social Work 637       Human Behaviour in the Environment
Human development and diversity within a social work context.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3S-0)
Notes:
Restricted to Social Work MSW students or consent of the Faculty.
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Social Work 641       Models of Practice
Provides the conceptual and theoretical foundation for students to acquire the skills to practice in Social Work.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3S-0)
Notes:
Restricted to Social Work MSW students or consent of the Faculty.
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Social Work 645       Issues in Social Work Research
An overview of social work research topics and issues.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3S-0)
Notes:
Restricted to Social Work MSW students or consent of the Faculty.
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Social Work 651       Policy as Context for Clinical Work
Policies and their impacts on the delivery of clinical work will be examined.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3S-0)
Notes:
Restricted to Social Work MSW students or consent of the Faculty.
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Social Work 653       Comparative Approaches to Change
Various clinical change applications will be examined and critiqued.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3S-0)
Notes:
Restricted to Social Work MSW students or consent of the Faculty.
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Social Work 655       Thesis Research
An introduction to preparing a thesis proposal.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3S-0)
Notes:
Restricted to Social Work MSW students or consent of the Faculty.
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Social Work 657       Clinical Social Work Applications
Specific issues involved in the effective application of clinical approaches will be studied.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3S-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Social Work 653.
Notes:
Restricted to Social Work MSW students or consent of the Faculty.
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Social Work 659       Evidence and Clinical Practice
Research as utilized in the clinical arena will be the focus of this course.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3S-0)
Notes:
Restricted to Social Work MSW students or consent of the Faculty.
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Social Work 665       Influencing Policy Development

The focus of this course is leadership in policy practice and in particular policy advocacy at all levels of policy (i.e., organizational, community, and provincial or national levels).


Course Hours:
3 units; H(3S-0)
Notes:
Restricted to Social Work MSW students or consent of the Faculty.
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Social Work 667       Leadership Theories in Action

Directed toward helping prepare leaders for “best practice” across the range of sectors and roles in which human service leaders work.


Course Hours:
3 units; H(3S-0)
Notes:
Restricted to Social Work MSW students or consent of the Faculty.
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Social Work 669       Leading Organizations and Communities
A practical course that will emphasize networked and collaborative approaches to leadership in a global context.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3S-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Social Work 667.
Notes:
Restricted to Social Work MSW students or consent of the Faculty.
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Social Work 671       Social Policy
Explores social welfare policy in Canada and in a globalizing world, the current roles of social welfare policy, and the roles they should have.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3S-0)
Notes:
Restricted to Social Work MSW students or consent of the Faculty.
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Social Work 673       International Social Development
Examines issues in international social development.  There will be an emphasis on analysis of the social forces and conditions giving rise to different models of social development, and on what each of these alternative models tends to produce in terms of social welfare policies and programs.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3S-0)
Notes:
Restricted to Social Work MSW students or consent of the Faculty.
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Social Work 675       Advanced International Social Work Modules
This set of modules will give students tools for social change.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3S-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Social Work 673.
Notes:
Restricted to Social Work MSW students or consent of the Faculty.
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Social Work 677       Social Work Research for International and Community Methods
International and Community Development Research is designed to provide methodological knowledge and skills specifically oriented to community-based practice abroad or in Canada.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3S-0)
Notes:
Restricted to Social Work MSW students or consent of the Faculty.
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Social Work 679       Special Topics Seminar I
Selected topics related to area of specialization or interest.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3S-0)
Notes:
Restricted to Social Work MSW students or consent of the Faculty.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
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Social Work 682       Special Seminar II
Selected topics related to an area of specialization or interest.
Course Hours:
0.75 units; E(3S-0)
Notes:
Restricted to Social Work MSW students or consent of the Faculty.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
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Social Work 693       Research as a Foundation for Leadership
This course will provide students with a working understanding for the study and nature of the theoretical and practical issues underlying the application of the research process to professional and leadership practice.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3S-0)
Notes:
Restricted to Social Work MSW students or consent of the Faculty.
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Social Work 695       Becoming an Evidence-Based Leader
Extends students’ abilities to identify, assess, and utilize research knowledge as a problem-solving tool in social work.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3S-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Social Work 693.
Notes:
Restricted to Social Work MSW students or consent of the Faculty.
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Social Work 696       Advanced Practicum
Direct and indirect Social Work practice opportunities with professional supervision in student's area of specialization or interest.
Course Hours:
6 units; F(525 hours within two consecutive terms)
Prerequisite(s):
Admission to the MSW program.
Notes:
Restricted to Social Work MSW students or consent of the Faculty.
NOT INCLUDED IN GPA
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Social Work 697       Diversity, Oppression and Social Justice
Critical examination of the issues of diversity and the power relations that form common links among the experiences of oppression and marginalization in Canadian society.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3S-0)
Notes:
Restricted to Social Work MSW students or consent of the Faculty.
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Social Work 699       Special Topics Seminar II
Advanced selected topics related to area of specialization or interest.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3S-0)
Notes:
Restricted to Social Work MSW students or consent of the Faculty.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
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Social Work 721       Integrative Research Colloquia
A concluding course offered as final component of student's course work. Allows doctoral students and the instructor to engage in a series of research colloquia, thereby facilitating critical analysis, feedback and synthesis of materials covered and skills learned in other course work. This process will help students to develop conceptual and methodological skills.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3S-0)
Notes:
Restricted to Social Work PhD students. Social Work 721 can only be taken once all other required (core and option) courses have been completed.
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Social Work 741       Research Foundations: Epistemology and Professional Knowledge-Building
An exploration of major philosophical issues that have shaped social work's diverse approaches to knowledge building and research methods. The relevance of this exploration to the student's area of interest is emphasized.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3S-0)
Notes:
Restricted to Social Work PhD students. PhD students from other disciplines may register with consent of the Faculty.
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Social Work 743       Theory, History and Philosophy: Values, Ethics and Professional Beliefs
An exploration of the philosophical and ideological issues that have been historically important to the profession with respect to its conception of its ethics, mandate and practices. The relevance of this exploration to the student's area of interest in emphasized.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3S-0)
Notes:
Restricted to Social Work PhD students. PhD students from other disciplines may register with consent of the Faculty.
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Social Work 745       Research Methods I: Quantitative
Quantitative methodological and design options in social work research.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3S-0)
Notes:
Restricted to Social Work PhD students. PhD students from other disciplines may register with consent of the Faculty.
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Social Work 747       Research Methods II: Qualitative
Qualitative methodological and design options in social work research.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3S-0)
Notes:
Restricted to Social Work PhD students. PhD students from other disciplines may register with consent of the Faculty.
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Social Work 749       Quantitative Data Analysis
Statistical analysis of quantitative data.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3S-0)
Notes:
Restricted to Social Work PhD students. PhD students from other disciplines may register with consent of the Faculty.
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Social Work 799       Special Topics Seminar
Advanced selected topics related to the PhD focus area.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3S-0)
Notes:
Restricted to Social Work PhD students.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
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