Course Descriptions
NWLF 1006 E - Introduction to Social Welfare
Course Description: A survey of the history and development of social welfare concepts, of the methods of social work practice and of their relation to social science concepts, and to philosophical, human and religious values. This course may include a volunteer placement whereby the student experiences how a social agency works. (lec 3) cr 3
NWLF 1007 E - Introduction to Native Social Welfare and Social Work Practice
Course Description: This course is a survey of the history and development of Native social welfare and governance in Canadian society. This course examines various colonial policies and their impacts on aboriginal peoples. Finally strategies will be introduced to address changes needed from colonialism to mutual interdependence. PREREQ: NWLF 1006. (lec 3) cr 3
NWLF 2006 E - Native Social Welfare Issues
Course Description: This course draws together perspectives introduced in NWLF 1006 and NWLF 1007. The past and present circumstances of Native communities in Canada are studied. Particular consideration is given to the analysis of the social consequences that have resulted from a long legacy of outside intervention in the self-determining powers of Native collectives. This analysis is presented with a view towards creative restructuring of social service institutions along lines consistent with the objective of Native self-government.
(lec 3) cr 3
NWLF 2007 E - Applied Native Social Work Issues
Course Description: This course provides an overview of the profession of social work from its early beginnings to the present day context including underlying values, beliefs and principles. It examines social work practice and delivery of social services as it pertains to Native people. In addition, attention is given to issues of inequality such as class, gender, race, culture, sexual orientation and other forms of oppression. (lec 3) cr 3
NSWK 2315 E - The Helping Relationship in Indigenous Social Work
Course Description: The Helping Relationship is an introductory course to direct intervention with individuals and families. This course explores the relationship between social analysis and social work intervention and the importance of viewing work with people in a social, political and economic context. It also includes sections on social and case analysis, communication and interviewing skills and other issues related to direct social work practice. This experiential class includes the development of audio and videotapes to increase self-awareness and the development of skills through role-playing.
PREREQ: Admission to professional years of program. cr 6
NSWK 3305 E - Native Theories and Perspectives in Social Work Practice I
Course Description: This course examines theories, concepts, principles and values relevant to social work practice with individuals, groups and communities. The course provides a base for social work practice and integrates knowledge drawn from social sciences and social and clinical intervention methods. This course covers general systems and critical theories. PREREQ: NWLF 2006, 2007 and NSWK 2315. (lec 3) cr 6
NSWK 3605 E - Field Instruction I
Course Description: This course involves planned and supervised learning experience in approved settings, through which classroom learning may be related to the realities of practice and professional development. All field students are required to journal and complete an agency profile assignment. Students are required to attend field seminars. One placement (3rd year/300 hrs, or 4th year/400 hrs) must be completed in a Native agency and one placement to be completed in a non-Native agency. PREREQ: completion of all 1st and 2nd-year requirements, admission to professional years plus NSWK 2315 & 3305 (may be taken concurrently). (exp 24) cr 6
NSWK 3555 E - Indgigenous Social Work Research Methodologies
Course Description: This course focuses on a critical examination of carrying out respectful and responsible social research with aboriginal communities. Critical analysis includes a study of research methods, methodologies and ethical issues. As such, the course is framed within a historical context of aboriginal and Canadian relations. It specifically examines research protocols within aboriginal and indigenous communities with respect to exploring decolonizing social work research methodologies by exploring traditional knowledges, worldviews andepistemologies. The course also explores western-based research methodological approaches with a focus on developing “best practice” approaches to research that is relevant. (lec 3) cr 6
NSWK 4256 E (1st Term)- Culture-Specific Helping with First Nations People
Course Description: This course introduces the student to culture-specific skills and approaches particular to traditional helping with First Nations people. Particular emphasis is placed on self-care, self-reflection, and self-awareness of the individual, Furthermore, students explore traditional Native helping practices and culturally appropriate service approaches.
PREREQ: NSWK 2315, 3305 & 3605, or coordinator’s permission. (lec 3) cr 3
NSWK 4216 E (2nd Term) - Programs and Issues in Native Social Work Practice
Course Description: This course investigates specific issues and concerns relevant to the practice of social work among First Nation communities in Canada, including community development and social change. Students explore and design various alternative programs to promote healthy holistic lifestyles. The emphasis is on various strategies which are consistent with traditional values and cultural continuity through Native empowerment and content of programs. PREREQ: NSWK 3305 & 3605; or coordinator’s permission. (lec 3) cr 3
NSWK 4305 E - Native Theories and Perspectives for Social Work Practice II
Course Description: This course aims to deepen and refine the student’s knowledge of Native and non-Native social work practice. Content consists of an in-depth analysis of selected theories and concepts and their interrelationships in Native and non-Native social work intervention methods are explored. This course is compulsory for all 4th-year students. PREREQ: NSWK 2315, 3305 & 3605. (lec 3) cr 6
NSWK 4605 E - Field Instruction II
Course Description: A continuation of NSWK 3605 which aims to deepen and extend the student’s learning and development. All field students are required to do journaling and complete an assignment (substantial piece of work). Students are required to attend field instruction seminars. One placement (3rd year/300 hrs or 4th year/400 hrs) must be completed in a Native agency and one placement to be completed in a non-Native agency. Compulsory for all students. PREREQ: NSWK 3605 & 4305 (this course may be taken concurrently). (exp 32) cr 6
NSWK 4507 E (1st Term) - Native Social Work: Groups and Families
Course Description: This course examines relevant social work intervention strategies and techniques for working with Native groups and families.
PREREQ: NSWK 2315, 3305, 3605 & 4256 (this course may be taken concurrently); or coordinator’s permission. (lec 3) cr 3
NSWK 4517 E (2nd Term) - Management and Administration in Native Social Work
Course Description: This course is intended to provide the student with a beginning understanding of developing sound, respectful and appropriate management and administrative processes as they relate to Native organisations. Framed within a historical, political and socio-cultural framework, the course will cover a range of topics including human resource management, planning, administrative functions and program evaluation within the context of Native social organizations. PREREQ: NSWK 2315, 3305 & 3605. (lec 3) cr 3
Electives -Choice of 2 of the following 3 credit courses to equal 6 credits
NSWK 4416 E (1st Term)- Conflict Resolution and Peacemaking in Native Social Work Practice
Course Description: This course will explore the interrelationships with various fields of Native social work practice through the “Braid Method.” Students will braid the personal, the professional and the pragmatic into an understanding of how conflict is present in their everyday lives. Students will explore conflict resolution among Native peoples with emphasis on issues of trust and distrust as sub-themes. This course will allow students to critically examine how to use holistic methods of peace-making to address the issues which are present in their environment.
PREREQ: 3rd or 4th Year equivalent from Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences (lec 3) cr 3
NSWK 4406 E (1st Term) - Colonizing/Decolonizing Issues of Violence in Native Communities
Course Description: Set within a colonizing/decolonizing framework, this course provides an overview of the historical, social, economic and political context that have led to increased levels of violence in the lives of Native people. A brief historical review of the colonization process will aid students in understanding the impacts on family and community systems. Additionally, an exploration of the dynamics associated with violence will provide students with an increased awareness of the barriers that affect helping strategies.
PREREQ: 3rd or 4th Year equivalent from Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences (lec 3) cr 3
NSWK 4426 E (Term 2) - Mental Health Policy and Services - The Native Context
Course Description: This course examines the history of mental health policy and mental health service development in Ontario with specific emphasis on Native peoples. Alternative definitions of mental health will be explored with attention paid to how these vary within various stakeholder groups and, more specifically, within Native communities.
PREREQ: 3rd or 4th Year equivalent from Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences (lec 3) cr 3
NSWK 4436 E (Term 2) - Addressing Grief and Loss in Native Social Work Practice
Course Description: This course will examine the most current theoretical perspectives on palliative care, bereavement and grief and loss with a specific interest in working with Aboriginal populations. The course will review basic palliative care, bereavement and grief concepts as well as interventions appropriate for use with aboriginal populations. This course will present the various ways that culture, spirituality, gender and development affect the grieving process and determine the use of selected interventions.
PREREQ: 3rd or 4th Year equivalent from Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences (lec 3) cr 3