School of Social Work
Dunton Tower 509
Telephone: 520-5601
Fax: 520-7496
The School
Director of the School: Allan Moscovitch
Supervisor of Graduate Studies: Gerald de Montigny
The School of Social Work, accredited by the Canadian Association
of Schools of Social Work, offers a graduate program leading to
the degree of Master of Social Work. The program will normally
be completed in twelve months of full-time study. Part-time study
is also offered and will normally be completed in three to four
years.
Master of Social Work
The Master of Social Work program is based on an analytical and
critical approach to social work practice, and to knowledge related
to practice. The program examines the structural context of personal
and social problems, and of social work practice. The structural
context refers to the interaction between individuals and the
social, political, and economic aspects of society. The program
focuses on the development of forms of practice predicated on
this notion, seeking to intervene to change the nature of the
interaction between people and their structural contexts.
The orientation of the School explicitly includes approaches to
social development and social change which involves working directly
with individuals, groups, and communities. This includes a strong
emphasis on sensitivity to the individual, and on the development
of new and innovative strategies for working with individuals
in the context of their
everyday lives. The School also stresses community analysis and
an awareness and knowledge of the social policies that affect
the lives of all people in our society. Analysis of class, gender,
and race is considered central to the curriculum.
The School of Social Work is committed to educational equity.
The society in which we live and of which social work is a constituent
part is composed of groups of people distinguished by their differential
access to power - economic, political, and social. The School
affirms the principle that all these groups should have the opportunity
to learn in a supportive environment. Educational equity is consistent
with a continuing commitment to meeting high standards of academic
and practice competence.
The central purpose of the graduate program is to provide the
opportunity for those already active in the broad field of social
work to build on their knowledge and experience. Students will
be able to use the program to deepen their understanding of both
methods and context of practice, to build new knowledge, and to
apply this new knowledge in a practical way. The program requirements
are designed to be as flexible as possible. Research will be required
of every student. Otherwise, the course of study for each student
will depend on individual study plans that build on previous academic
and practice experience. Graduates may expect to use their experience
in the School as the basis for continuing to expand their personal
knowledge in a society undergoing rapid change.
Admission Requirements
Applicants to the master's program will normally have received
an accredited Bachelor of Social Work degree with high honours
standing, and have had several years of social work or related
experience. Candidates in the final year of a Bachelor of Social
Work program may be considered if they have substantial social
work or related experience. Experienced applicants who hold undergraduate
or graduate applied social science degrees from a university or
technical institute outside North America may apply. The School
will review the equivalence of such degrees to a Bachelor of Social
Work.
Persons with a Bachelor of Arts degree and human service experience
are directed to apply to the Bachelor of Social Work program.
If accepted in the Bachelor of Social Work program, candidates
may receive advanced standing to allow them to complete the Bachelor
of Social Work degree in two years. Please refer to the Undergraduate
Calendar for further information.
Admission to the School is on a selective basis and is guided
by our objectives with respect to educational equity. Persons
who typically are denied equal access to power - economic, political,
and social - are encouraged to apply. This includes, but is not
limited to, persons of aboriginal and racial, cultural, and/or
ethnic minority origin, persons with disabilities, lesbian, gay,
and bisexual persons, and persons disadvantaged by their gender
or economic condition.
Applicants must have completed one credit in research methods
in their undergraduate program. The School of Social Work will
not grant advanced standing for course work completed prior to
entry into the Master of Social Work program. Work experience
may not be substituted for research or other academic requirements
including the field practicum.
Candidates are advised to apply by November 15 for admission
in September of the following year.
Part-Time Studies
The School offers part-time studies to qualified candidates who,
due to a range of circumstances, cannot participate in a program
of full-time study. The requirements for part-time studies are
identical to the regular program except that part-time students
are limited to a maximum of 1.0 credit per term.
Students registered on a part-time basis must maintain continuous
registration for a minimum of two terms per year until all course
requirements are completed. Students choosing the thesis option
must maintain continuous registration in accordance with the regulations
of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research. The number of
part-time students admitted in any given year may vary.
Part-time students must register in the Educational Planning and
Integration Seminar (52.536) plus the equivalent of 0.5 credit
of course work in their first fall term.
Change of Status
Students may change from part-time status to full-time, or from
full-time to part-time, with the permission of the Supervisor
of Graduate Studies and the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research.
Students wishing to take a leave of absence should consult the
regulations of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research. Individual
study plans must be amended to reflect changes in status.
Program Requirements
Candidates for the Master of Social Work degree must complete
6.0 credits of course work or the equivalent with a minimum grade
of B- or better in each unit or course.
Students are expected to select a substantive area which will
be addressed in a program of study which balances and links foundation
knowledge for social work and applied knowledge in social work.
In order to graduate, a student must demonstrate both conceptual
and practice skills.
All students in the Master of Social Work program must successfully
complete the following:
- Social Work 52.535T2 (or 52.536F1,W1 and 52.537W1): Educational
Planning and Integration Seminar (1.0 credit)
- Social Work 52.545F2 (or 52.546F1,W1 and 52.547F1,W1): Research
and Evaluation in Social Work (1.0 credit)
- 2.0 credits of course work (or the equivalent) to be chosen
in consultation with the Educational Planning and Integration
Seminar instructor. Of these, a minimum of 1.0 credit must be
taken from graduate-level course offerings in the School of Social
Work and a maximum of 0.5 credit may be taken outside the School
of Social Work. A maximum of 1.0 credit may be taken at the 400
level
- Social Work 52.560F4,W4,S4 (or 52.561F2, W2,S2 or 52.563F1,W1,S1):
Field Practicum (2.0 credits) or Social Work 52.565F4,W4,S4 (or
Social Work 52.566F2,W2,S2 or 52.567F1,W1,S1) : Community Practice
Project (2.0 credits) or Social Work 52.599F4,W4,S4: M.S.W. Thesis
(2.0 credits).
Requirements for students completing the two year Master of Social
Work program will be established on an individual basis. Completion
of a field practicum and either a thesis or an Independent Enquiry
Project (Social Work 52.590) will continue to be required.
Study Plans
Each student's program will be set out in detail in a study plan.
During the first two to three weeks of the fall term, the Educational
Planning and Integration Seminars (Social Work 52.535) will be
devoted exclusively to assisting students in the development of
these plans. Initial study plans must be approved by the student's
Educational Planning and Integration seminar instructor. The study
plan constitutes an agreement between the student and the School
and must contain reference to all academic and practicum work
to be undertaken. It will provide a reference point to ensure
that a student's program includes all of the elements required
for graduation set out under program requirements above. The initial
study plan and any subsequent changes must be approved by the
supervisor of graduate studies.
Academic Standing
The School operates within the evaluation and grading system of
the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research.
Graduate Courses*
The School of Social Work strives to integrate an analysis of
race, class and gender, heterosexism, ableism, and ageism in its
course offerings through a continuous process of curriculum review
and development.
Note: All seminar courses, directed studies, workshops, independent
study courses and community practice courses are governed by Section
7.7, Tutorials, of the General Regulations. Also, please note
that not all courses are offered every year.
- Social Work 52.535T2
Educational Planning and Integration Seminar
All students will be assigned to group seminars. The seminar will
be used initially for development of learning objectives, selection
of study options and articulation of individual study plans. The
seminar will also provide ongoing opportunity for presentation
and discussion of issues related to social work practice that
arise out of each student's work, as well as identification of
new learning objectives. Proposals for changes in individual study
plans must be addressed within the seminar as part of the approval
process.
- Social Work 52.536, 52.537F1,W1
Educational Planning and Integration Seminar
Same description as 52.535
- Social Work 52.545F2
Research and Evaluation in Social Work
Research and evaluation are political, theoretical, and philosophical
as well as technical activities. This course examines the debates
between differing research paradigms, their approaches to knowledge,
their contributions to evaluation of social work practice, and
their potential linkages. It will enable students to understand
the inquiry process and to understand different ways of creating
and understanding knowledge. Students will be expected to develop
a research proposal related to their choice of a thesis, field
practicum, or community project.
- Social Work 52.546F1,W1
Research and Evaluation in Social Work
This course is the first half of 52.545.
- Social Work 52.547F1,W1
Research and Evaluation in Social Work
This course is the second half of 52.545.
Prerequisite: Social Work 52.546.
- Social Work 52.553T2,F2,W2,S2
Directed Studies - Group
Exploration of selected theoretical perspectives relevant for
social work practice that are offered subject to the availability
of faculty. Arranged for small groups of students who are interested
in a similar substantive area.
- Social Work 52.554T2,F2,W2,S2
Directed Studies - Individual
Exploration of selected theoretical perspectives relevant for
social work practice that are offered subject to the availability
of faculty. This option is for individual students whose interests
coincide with, and who wish to work under the direct supervision
of, a member of faculty or visiting scholar.
- Social Work 52.555F1,W1,S1
Directed Studies - Group
Exploration of selected theoretical perspectives relevant for
social work practice that are offered subject to the availability
of faculty. Arranged for small groups of students who are interested
in a similar substantive area.
- Social Work 52.556F1,W1,S1
Directed Studies - Individual
Exploration of selected theoretical perspectives relevant for
social work practice that are offered subject to the availability
of faculty. This option is for individual students whose interests
coincide with, and who wish to work under the direct supervision
of, a member of faculty or visiting scholar.
- Social Work 52.557F1,W1,S1
Workshop on Selected Topics in Social Work Practice
Approved workshops organized in the School and in the community
may be offered subject to the availability of faculty. Evaluation
of students will be based on the student's role in the workshop
and the nature of the assignment(s) required of the student.
- Social Work 52.558T2,F2,W2,S2
Studies in Social Work
Studies in Social Work may be comprised of any combination of
Directed Studies - Group, Directed Studies - Individual, Workshops
on Selected Topics in Social Work Practice, Independent Study,
and Community Practice projects. Studies in Social Work is designed
to allow students to develop study plans to combine study formats
for one credit. Registration in Studies in Social Work is by permission
of the supervisor of graduate studies and will be granted only
when the student has negotiated an approved study contract with
social work instructor(s). Study contracts must outline the form
and content of study formats, estimated contact hours, the intensity
of contact hours as well as the requirements for course fulfilment.
(See below for a general description of the alternative ways in
which study formats are organized). Studies in social work must
be included in the student's approved plan of study.
- Social Work 52.559F1,W1,S1
Studies in Social Work
Studies in Social Work may be comprised of any combination of
Directed Studies - Group, Directed Studies - Individual, Workshops
on Selected Topics in Social Work Practice, Independent Research
Study, and Studies in Community Practice. Studies in Social Work
is designed to allow students to develop study plans to combine
study formats for one half credit. Registration in Studies in
Social Work is by permission of the supervisor of graduate studies
and will be granted only when the student has negotiated an approved
study contract with social work instructor(s). Study contracts
must outline the form and content of study formats, estimated
contact hours, the intensity of contract hours as well as the
requirements for course fulfilment. (See below for a general
description of the alternative ways in which study formats are
organized). Studies in social work must be included in the student's
approved plan of study.
- Social Work 52.560F4,W4,S4
Field Practicum
The Field Practicum facilitates the integration of academic and
practical aspects of social work education. The practicum is designed
to be a form of guided learning, providing students with an opportunity
to apply, test, and develop theory and practice skills in the
practical, everyday realities of social work. Students are expected
to build on, and to go beyond, their present knowledge and skills.
It may be in a familiar area of practice or it may be entirely
new to the student. It is intended that there shall be a wide
range of options available, so that students may design a practicum
to meet their needs. A field seminar may be included.
- Field Practicum 52.561F2,W2,S2
Same description as 52.560. Students must register for this course
in two consecutive terms. May not be initiated in the first fall
term of registration.
- Field Practicum 52.563F1,W1,S1
Same description as 52.560. Students must register for this course
in four consecutive terms.
- Social Work 52.565F4,W4,S4
Community Practice Project
The Community Practice Project combines small group classroom
instruction, social research, and community work practice. It
requires the combination of the practice skills of a social work
practicum and the research skills of a thesis. It is based both
in the classroom and in the community. The broad purpose will
be to develop and implement a comunity based project to be undertaken
by a small group of students that addresses issues of social justice
for those disadvantaged by social inequalities. This option will
be offered subject to sufficient registration.
- Social Work 52.566F2,W2,S2
Community Practice Project
Same description as 52.565. Students must register for this course
in two consecutive terms. May not be initiated in the first fall
term of registration.
- Social Work 52.567F2,W2,S2
Community Practice Project
Same description as 52.565. Students must register for this course
in four consecutive terms.
- Social Work 52.568F1,W1,S1
Studies in Community Practice
Short term Studies in Community Practice may be offered subject
to the availability of faculty. Studies in Community Practice
are supervised by faculty. A written proposal is required that
must include learning objectives, practice objectives, time of
completion, and criteria and method for evaluation.
- Social Work 52.569F1,W1,S1
Studies in Community Practice
Short term Studies in Community Practice may be offered subject
to the availability of faculty. Studies in Community Practice
are supervised by faculty. A written proposal is required that
must include learning objectives, practice objectives, time of
completion, and criteria and method for evaluation.
- Social Work 52.570, 52.571, 52.572, 52.573F1,W1,S1
Special Topics in Social Work
The School will offer lecture courses on substantive topics related
to social work and social welfare. Topics will vary each year
depending on the interests of faculty and students. Students from
outside the School of Social Work may register with permission
of the School.
- Social Work 52.581F1,W1
Social Work Practice Seminar: Feminist Social Work Practice with
Individuals, Couples and Families
This course will explore theory and practice of feminist approaches
to social work with individuals, couples and families. It will
include attention to issues of diversity, such as race and class,
as well as gender. A problem based learning approach is used in
a small seminar format.
- Social Work 52.582F1,W1
Social Work Practice Seminar: Cross-Cultural Analysis of Policies
and Practices.
An examination of national and international policies and practices
from a cross-cultural perspective. Although social policies and
practices will be the primary focus of this seminar attention
will be paid to national and international economic, health-care,
telecommunication and educational policies and practices. The
goal of this seminar is to identify and analyze some of the fundamental
principles that guide modern and post-modern world-views. A problem
based learning approach is used in a small seminar format.
- Social Work 52.583F1,W1
Social Work Practice Seminar: Child Protection Policies and Interventions
This course explores the social organization of child protection
services in Canada. It will address front-line child protection
practices and the relationship with organizational contexts, the
forms of a legal apparatus, the rules for documentary production,
and the effects of social power differentials. A problem based
learning approach is used in small seminar format.
- Social Work 52.584F1,W1
Social Work Practice Seminar: Organizing for Social Change
Hands on introduction to theories, models, and methods of organizing
for social change from grass roots groups to national coalitions.
Practical skills for helping people mobilize to influence the
social issues relevant to their lives. A problem based learning
approach is used in small seminar format.
- Social Work 52.585,52.586,52.587,52.588,52.589F1,W1
Social Work Practice Seminar
Applied knowledge for social work practice will be addressed in
small group seminars utilizing problem based learning or enquiry
and action learning methods. This method uses examples drawn from
the experience of social work practitioners and relies on self-guided
study individually, and as a group, under the direction of a faculty
tutor. The seminar provides for building on the experience of
individuals in the group, as well as mutual learning and shared
experience. The substantive area of practice will vary depending
on student interest.
- Social Work 52.590F2,W2,S2
Independent Enquiry Project
This course is available only for those students registered in
the previous two-year program.
(See 1993-94 Graduate Calendar for description).
- Social Work 52.592F4,W4,S4
Thesis
This course is available only for students completing a thesis
under the previous two-year program.
- Social Work 52.593T2,F2,W2,S2
Independent Research Studies in Social Work
Individually arranged Independent Research Study may be offered
subject to the availability of faculty. This one credit option
must be based on a written proposal that outlines a research project
with clear learning objectives, and practice objectives where
relevant, method, time of completion, and criteria and methods
for evaluation.
- Social Work 52.594,F1,W1,S1
Independent Studies in Social Work
Individually arranged Independent Research Study may be offered
subject to the availability of faculty. This one-half credit
option must be based on a written proposal that outlines a research
project with clear learning objectives, and practice objectives
where relevant, method, time of completion, and criteria and methods
for evaluation.
- Social Work 52.599F4,W4,S4
Thesis
Students selecting this option should familiarize themselves with
the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research handbook for thesis
and dissertations.
Study Formats
Note: All seminars, directed studies, workshops, independent
studies and community practice courses are governed by Section
7.7, Tutorials, General Regulations.
Social Work Practice Seminars
Applied knowledge for social work practice will be addressed in
small group seminars utilizing problem based learning or enquiry
and action learning methods. This method uses examples drawn from
the experience of social work practitioners and relies on self-guided
study individually, and as a group, under the direction of a faculty
tutor. The seminar provides for building on the experience of
individuals in the group, as well as mutual learning and shared
experience. The substantive area of practice will vary depending
on student interest.
Directed Studies Group
Exploration of selected theoretical perspectives relevant for
social work practice that are offered subject to the availability
of faculty. Arranged for small groups of students who are interested
in a similar substantive area.
Directed Studies Individual
Exploration of selected theoretical perspectives relevant for
social work practice that are offered subject to the availability
of faculty. This option is for individual students whose interests
coincide with, and who wish to work under the direct supervision
of, a member of faculty or visiting scholar.
Bachelor of Social Work Courses and Directed Studies
Students in the Master of Social Work program may participate
in a fourth year Bachelor of Social Work course in two ways. First,
Master of Social Work students may register in a fourth year course.
Students registered in the fourth year course will be expected
to fulfil the assignments of the undergraduate course as listed.
Second, Master of Social Work students may enter into a Directed
Studies - Group, or Directed Studies - Individual with the instructor
of an undergraduate course. Students who register in the graduate
course will contract to attend the classes of the undergraduate
course as partial fulfilment of the requirements for the graduate
course; be required to do supplementary or different readings
and requirements than those assigned in the undergraduate course;
and be evaluated using criteria appropriate for a graduate program.
The contract outlining the requirements of the graduate course
must identify the number of the undergraduate course whose classes
the student(s) will be attending as additional credit for that
undergraduate course is precluded.
Workshop on Selected Topics in Social Work Practice
Approved workshops organized in the School and in the community
may be offered subject to the availability of faculty. Evaluation
of students will be based on the student's role in the workshop
and the nature of the assignment(s) required of the student.
Independent Research Study
Individually arranged Independent Research Study may be offered
subject to the availability of faculty. This option must be based
on a written proposal that includes learning objectives, practice
objectives where relevant, method, time of completion, and criteria
and methods for evaluation.
Studies in Community Practice
Short term Studies in Community Practice may be offered subject
to the availability of faculty. Studies in Community Practice
are supervised by faculty. A written proposal is required that
must include learning objectives, practice objectives, time of
completion, and criteria and methods for evaluation.