Social Work - Certificate

ENGL 110 introduces students to the world of scholarly writing -- reading it, thinking about it, and producing it as academic researchers. Students will explore how professional and/or academic writers across disciplines communicate to a variety of audiences. Students will practice active reading, writing and critical thinking skills by conducting scholarly research on a topic. This course aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge they need to write effectively within academic contexts.

FAM 180 Family Dynamics is designed to provide students with a variety of theoretical perspectives to understanding families. It considers the diversity of families through the lenses of the life course perspective and political policies. Family formation, parenting, separation and divorce and aging are all examined. Family issues are also considered, including marriage and death rituals, work and poverty, same sex relationships, disabilities and immigrants. Policies that affect families are explored through an examination of violence in the family and political trends. The course is intended to be a foundation for further study of families.

HSER 174 Interpersonal Communications provides the student with an opportunity to examine personal goals, values and attitudes; develop and practice listening and responding skills, and become more aware of personal strengths and limitations. This course is designed to help students gain self-understanding in order to be more effective in working with people.

PSYC 100 Introductory Psychology I is an introduction to the methods, theory and practice of psychology as a science. Among others, topics will include motivation and emotion, learning and memory, biological foundations, sensation and perception. Other topics are added at the discretion of the individual instructor. Class demonstrations and activities are used to illustrate concepts. Teaching methods and resources in the course vary with the instructor.

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.

ADD 184 Introduction to Addictions is designed as an introductory exploration of both substance and behavioural addiction. The five perspectives of addiction are identified and explored. Current research in the biological, psychological, social and spiritual factors of addiction are considered, and treatment models are specified that correspond with the five perspectives of addiction. Emphasis is placed on social factors, including marginalization, stigmatization, poverty, and dislocation and are identified and explored through the lens of First Nations, LBGTQ, women, disabilities, men, older adults, etc. Historical factors of addiction are explored and their influence on current drug policies are identified. Advocacy and empowerment skills for working with those with addictions are identified. Professional behavior skills within the addictions field are practiced.

ENGL 111 Introduction to Literature is about living more intensely. Rather than providing answers, literature prompts us to ask better questions of ourselves and each other. Drama, poetry, short stories, and novels will guide us in discussion, reflection, and writing about literature.

PSYC 101 Introductory Psychology II covers topics include thinking and other cognitive processes, development of the individual, personality, mental disorders, health and social psychology. Other topics are added at the discretion of the instructor. Class demonstrations and activities are used to illustrate concepts. Teaching methods and resources in the course vary with the instructor.

SSW 157 Group Skills, offers knowledge and skill development that can be applied to a large number of settings: in the workplace as a team member; working with specific client groups including children, adolescents, families, special interest groups; leading and/or participating in learning and discussion groups; planning, implementing and evaluating community development work. Effective social service workers need a good understanding of working in groups and group facilitation skills. The focus will be on increasing students' awareness of their own interaction in groups and on demonstrating their ability to use effective facilitation skills with groups.

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.

SSW 167 Field Work I integrates classroom learning with supervised field experience to develop foundational competencies in social work practice. Through a competency-based placement in a social service agency, students apply social work theory, ethical principles, and professional standards in practice. Students gain familiarity with the mandate, policies, and services of their practicum agency, as well as relevant community resources. The course emphasizes the application of knowledge and skills from prior coursework, including effective communication, collaboration, and professional relationship-building. Students also engage in inclusive and culturally responsive practice, demonstrate ongoing professional development, and reflect on the relationship between theory and practice in social work.

SSW 168 Field Work II is a full-time field placement of five weeks following the winter semester, designed to consolidate and extend skills developed in the previous two semesters. Through this placement, students apply and demonstrate core competencies in social work practice within a professional setting. The practicum supports students in meeting competency expectations aligned with entry-level practice in social service agencies. Weekly learning activities provide structured support for integration of theory and practice, reflection, and professional development.