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Introduction to Social Service Work Practice

Course CodeSSWR-103
Lecture hours per week3
Lab hours per week
Course AvailabilityOpen
Description

This course introduces students to the philosophies and practice of social service work through an exploration of its history, the philosophical underpinning, and theoretical perspectives within an evolving historical, political, and ideological context. This includes an examination of the regulatory body, the relationship between the code of ethics, professional standards, and professional accountability that govern professional conduct. This course will help students to comprehend how social stratification, the diverse causes and forms of oppression and marginalization impact people’s lives and why the social service work profession has a commitment to social justice, anti-oppressive practice, empowerment, and critical reflection. In addition, students will explore the various fields of practice, and the significance of the use of self within the professional role.

Course Learning Outcomes:

  1. Describe the historical and theoretical influences which have shaped social service work in Canada.
  2. Explain the underlying assumptions, values, and ethics that guide the profession.
  3. Identify and describe the evolving theories and practice approaches that inform social service work practice.
  4. Describe how social stratification, oppression and marginalization intersect and shape people’s identity and access to political, social, economic and personal resources using a social justice and anti-oppressive perspective.
  5. Demonstrate the ability to reflect critically on potential personal biases and contradictions, respect for others, and the need to practice with sensitivity and self-awareness.
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