Community Social Service Work Courses
These courses are only for those students enrolled in the Community Social Service Work Program. In addition to the courses listed below, students are required to take CFCS 1110 (Introduction to Community), CFCS 1130 (Change and Development: Lifespan), CMNS 1110 (Workplace Writing) and two university transfer electives.
CSSW 1100 Introduction to Social Work Practice (3 credits)
This course provides an introduction to and an analysis of the history and structure of major social policies and programs in Canada. The problems of social justice and economic disadvantage in particular will be examined within the broader realm of service delivery in the non-profit sector. Initiatives to increase self-determination, the redistribution of wealth, gender equity, and reduction of prejudice will be explored as themes within the dynamic of creating a more egalitarian and humane society.
Prerequisite: None
CSSW 1122 Interviewing and Counselling Skills (3 credits)
This methods course emphasizes the development of versatility in working with individuals in social service settings. Students will explore and apply interviewing and counselling skills for information gathering, relationship development, goal setting, and problem solving. Students will reflect on their interactions with others and explore ways to promote self-determination and empowerment. Understanding of culture, diversity, and world view will be viewed as essential elements for understanding and responding to clients.
Prerequisite: None
CSSW 1200 Introduction to Social Welfare (3 credits)
This course provides an introduction to the development of social welfare policy in Canada. Social service and human rights reactions to social problems in general will be examined, and to the problems of poverty and economic disadvantage in particular. The role of the social service worker in influencing policy development will be examined in both its technical and theoretical aspects appropriate to the role of a generalist practitioner.
CSSW 1221 Wellness: Self and Professional Practice (1.5 credits)
The course emphasizes a developmental approach to self-care and self-awareness in professional practice. It provides students with a framework to explore and apply wellness themes. Strategies to prevent and manage workload stress will be explored. Students will learn to use reflective writing as a tool for personal wellness and professional practice.
Prerequisite: None
CSSW 1222 Working with Groups (3 credits)
This course is designed to assist students to develop their understanding of group dynamics and to gain skills that will enable them to be more effective leaders and participants in groups. Students will have the opportunity to explore and apply the skills of group participation, design and facilitation. Models that promote empowerment, mutual aid, and self-awareness will be examined.
Prerequisite: CSSW 1122
CSSW 1240 Practicum I (4.5 credits)
This course provides opportunities for students at a beginning level to practice skills in selected sites under supervision. Students will integrate and reflect upon their educational, personal and professional experiences in practicum and seminar.
Prerequisite: CSSW 1122
CSSW 2322 Community Practice: Employment (3 credits)
In this course students will examine the process of employment counselling based on four areas of focus: job loss, career planning, job search skills, and life skills. Students will have an opportunity todevelop the practical skills necessary to assist people to make career transitions and to obtain employment. They will also examine the social and psychological effects of unemployment.
Prerequisite: None
CSSW 2333 Families: Change and Development (3 credits)
In this course students examine families from a systems perspective. Starting with students’ own families, participants are offered tools to use in understanding and reflecting on their own family experience and its impact on professional practice. The concepts of family strengths, diversity, natural support networks, community, social context and culture are examined. Emphasis is placed on the collaborative and supportive roles that social service workers have with families.
Prerequisite: CFCS 1130
CSSW 2340 Practicum II (6 credits)
This course provides opportunities for students to build on their practice skills from Practicum I in selected sites under supervision. Students will integrate and reflect upon their educational, personal and professional experiences in practicum and seminar.
Prerequisite: CSSW 1240
CSSW 2363 Community Practice: Mental Health (3 credits)
This course explores the values, attitudes, knowledge and skills required to understand mental illness and promote recovery of individuals in the community who have mental disorders. Students will have opportunities to explore the nature of mental illness through the eyes of individuals who have experienced mental health problems. Students will learn about the causes, symptoms and treatment of mental illness. Community resources and an overview of mental health services will be discussed.
Prerequisite: CSSW 1122
CSSW 2422 Specialized Interventions (3 credits)
This methods course offers students an opportunity to further develop their practice skills and knowledge introduced in earlier CSSW courses. Students will examine evidenced based best practice strategies in a variety of practice situations.Students will further refine their interviewing and counselling skills used in a variety of theoretical approaches. The use of supervisory relationships will be explored as a tool for professional development.
Prerequisite: CSSW 1222
CSSW 2433 Families in Community Contexts (3 credits)
Building on the course content in CFCS 2333, Families: Change and Development, students will examine critical issues families and communities may encounter, including child abuse and partner violence, legalities involved in separation and divorce, child custody, fostering, addictions, illness, multiculturalism and First Nations’ families. Students will explore the role of the social service worker in providing support, assessment and referrals to families requiring services.
Prerequisite: CSSW 2333
CSSW 2462 Gerontology (3 credits)
This course is designed to provide students with an overview of practice and policy issues in applied gerontology. The emphasis is on the roles of social service workers assisting older adults and/or their families in home, community, or residential care settings. The learner will recognize the normal challenges and changes experienced by aging Canadians, examine their own aging process and become more familiar with current theories and principles in working with seniors in a multicultural society. Larger political and legislative forces will be examined in terms of how they impact services.
Prerequisite: CFCS 1130