Algoma University
Course Information:
Political Economy of Social Welfare (SWRK2106)
3 credits
2nd year |
The course begins with a review of the emergence of the welfare state and traces the development of social programs in Canada from our colonial inheritance to the present day. It includes an analysis of the origins, influences, present forms and relative effectiveness of social programmes designed to meet human needs. It examines the destructive impact of welfare state policies on Anishinaabe communities. Particular attention is given to structural and ideological factors that have combined to shape social policies, including issues related to social inequality, the impact of globalization, race, gender, class and sexual orientation. |
Human Services Organizations (SWRK2107)
3 credits
2nd year |
This course focuses on issues related to the delivery of human services, including agency mandates, structures, inter-relationships, and professional practice issues. The course will introduce students to Anishinaabe organizational cultures and structures which are alternatives to mainstream models. It will also consider anti-oppressive and feminist considerations and strategies for working within and outside of oppressive structures with the goal of promoting progressive social transformation. |
Special Topics in Social Work I - Community Advocacy and Social Justice
3 credits
2nd year |
The course will examine advanced coverage of particular topics in social work. Specific content will vary from year to year depending on faculty expertise and research. This course is restricted to students in the professional years of the BSWK programme or permission from the instructor. |
Global/Local Relations: Critical Approach to Community Development
3 credits
2nd year |
This course focuses on the integration of interdisciplinary theoretical concepts, providing students with an intermediate level of understanding of CESD. It includes an examination of how globalization and the relations that underpin capitalism affect people in diverse communities, both locally and internationally, with a focus onFirst Nation and smaller Canadian communities, housing, employment, poverty, health, agriculture, culture, the environment, and land/resource rights are examples of areas to be explored. |
Social Work Research and Program Evaluation (SWRK3456)
3 credits
2nd year |
This course recognizes the ethical and professional responsibility of social workers to evaluate the effectiveness of their practice and the programs in which it takes place, to contribute to social works knowledge base and to use research literature to guide decision-making in anti-oppressive practice and program development. Students will learn to critically evaluate the findings of social work research and to develop their competence in various approaches to qualitative and quantitative research. The course will consider the particular challenges of conducting research and program development in Northern, remote/rural, Anishinaabe and Franco-Ontarian communities. Prerequisites: SWRK 2106/2107. This course is restricted to students admitted into the professional years. |
Program Information:
Department of Community Development & Social Work
Services
Practica
Degree and Certificate InformationDegrees
Degree/
Level | Title/
English Correspondence | Subject | Credit Hours | Working
Language | History |
|---|
| Bachelor of Social Work |
|
Social Work |
111 |
English |
The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program
prepares students for generalist social
work practice with individuals, families,
groups, organizations, communities, and
societies. The program has a particular
focus on social work in and with Northern,
rural, remote, Indigenous, and FrancoOntarian
communities. Graduates of the
program will be prepared to practice antioppressive
social work at the entry level
with diverse populations in a Canadian
context.
The rich and innovative curriculum reflects
a sound generalist program, while
maintaining a focus on newer directions in
social work. Students will use structural,
Indigenous, and feminist approaches to
critically analyse the ways that social
contexts shape personal and social
problems. Graduates will have a deep
awareness of how their personal
experiences are embedded in social
structures. The program includes a 700-
hour field placement that will link social
work concepts, values, and theory to
practice.
The program was designed in partnership
with Sault College in Sault Ste. Marie
and Northern College in Timmins. College
transfer students will enjoy seamless
pathways to the BSW that build on prior
learning at the diploma level, and will be
able to apply to complete their degree
in Sault Ste. Marie or Timmins. Classes
in Timmins will be offered on the
Northern College campus primarily through
face-to-face instruction, with occasional
video conference-based learning. College
graduates in Sault Ste. Marie and Timmins
are now able to complete their BSW degree
without leaving their home communities. |
Certificates
| Certificate in Social Welfare |
Information on Training and Other Services
Additional Information
Why Study Social Work?
Most people attend university to get an education that will help guarantee them meaningful employment. A degree in social work is highly sought after in the work world given the high demand for social workers in Canada, particularly in northern, rural, remote regions. Plus, social workers are found in the broadest range of workplace settings: public agencies, private businesses, hospitals, clinics, schools, nursing homes, private practices, police departments, courts, etc. Social work graduates have an easier time finding employment after graduation than graduates in most other fields.
Not only are social workers in high demand in Canada, but social workers with a Bachelor of Social Work degree will be rewarded monetarily! Governmental studies show that social workers with a university education can earn up to $16 more an hour than someone who does not. Thus, studying social work is a financially smart decision.
Plus, many social workers have a greater feeling of self-worth since they promote positive development for individuals, families, communities, and societies. Social work is a personally rewarding career choice, especially for those who have an interest in working with people and in addressing social and community issues and problems. Social work and social policy play vital roles in Canada, as issues of unemployment, an aging population, and economic uncertainty impact our economy and society daily.
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