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This is an archived copy of the 2021-2022 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://calendar.carleton.ca.

School of Social Work
(Faculty of Public Affairs)

Social Work (SOWK) Courses

SOWK 1001 [0.5 credit]
Introduction to Social Welfare

Explores definitions of social welfare and the structure of the Canadian welfare state; evolution and devolution of the welfare state in Canada; social welfare and its relationship to social work, social change, and social justice.
Precludes additional credit for SOWK 1000 (no longer offered).
Lecture three hours a week.

SOWK 1002 [0.5 credit]
Introduction to Social Work

Introduction to the profession of social work; evolution of the social work profession in Canada; social work knowledge,values and skills. Explores professional and regulatory social work bodies and international linkages.
Precludes additional credit for SOWK 1000 (no longer offered).
Lectures three hours a week.

SOWK 2001 [0.5 credit]
Structural Analysis and Social Work

Evolution of structural social work, theories and critiques of structural social work and contemporary issues and challenges.
Precludes additional credit for SOWK 2000 (no longer offered).
Prerequisite(s): SOWK 1001 and SOWK 1002. For Bachelor of Social Work students only.
Lecture three hours a week.

SOWK 2005 [0.5 credit]
Values and Ethics for Social Work

Focuses on knowledge and skills for ethical decision-making in social work; understanding social work values and ethics, accountability and the professional use of self.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
Precludes additional credit for SOWK 2000 (no longer offered).
Prerequisite(s): SOWK 1001 and SOWK 1002. For Bachelor of Social Work students only.
Lecture three hours a week.

SOWK 2100 [0.5 credit]
The Political Economy of the Social Welfare State

Political economic theories as lenses for structural analysis of social problems and policies affecting social work practice in Canada.
Prerequisite(s): SOWK 1001 and SOWK 1002 or permission of the School of Social Work.
Lecture three hours a week.

SOWK 2202 [0.5 credit]
Introduction to Social Work Practice with Individuals and Families

Understand and develop skills required for working with individuals and families; active listening; use of self; engagement; rapport-building; interviewing and interventions; empathy; interpersonal and professional collaboration; supervision.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
Precludes additional credit for SOWK 3201 (no longer offered).
Prerequisite(s): SOWK 1001 and SOWK 1002. For Bachelor of Social Work students only.
Lecture three hours a week.

SOWK 2203 [0.5 credit]
Introduction to Social Work Practice with Groups and Communities

Introduces students to theory and practice skills for group work and community work; structural social work with groups and communities.
Precludes additional credit for SOWK 3200 (no longer offered).
Prerequisite(s): SOWK 1001 and SOWK 1002. For Bachelor of Social Work students only.
Lecture three hours a week.

SOWK 2300 [0.5 credit]
Drugs in Society: Theory, Policy , Practice

Examines extent and nature of alcohol, prescription and illicit drug use, theories of drug dependence, history of drug policy; contemporary drug strategies and treatment in Canada.
Precludes additional credit for SOWK 2003 (no longer offered).
Prerequisite(s): SOWK 1001 and SOWK 1002.
Lecture three hours a week.

SOWK 2301 [0.5 credit]
Working with Children and Youth

Preventative and protective social work intervention with children and youth. Issues addressed include child neglect, abuse and violence in the context of family; organizational mandate and social political contexts. Programs and services for children and youth.
Precludes additional credit for SOWK 2201 (no longer offered).
Prerequisite(s): SOWK 1001 and SOWK 1002.
Lecture three hours a week.

SOWK 3001 [0.5 credit]
Introduction to Research Methods in Social Work

Research methods used in social work; research paradigms; quantitative and qualitative analysis in social work and social welfare; stages in conducting research.
Precludes additional credit for SOWK 2501 (no longer offered)and SOWK 2500 (no longer offered).
Prerequisite(s): third-year standing or permission of the School of Social Work.
Lecture three hours a week.

SOWK 3002 [0.5 credit]
Introduction to Statistical Analysis in Social Work

Fundamentals of statistical analysis; descriptive and inferential statistics and their use in social work research. Statistical tests including Chi-Square, t-tests, correlations and simple linear regressions.
Precludes additional credit for SOWK 2500 (no longer offered), SOWK 2502 (no longer offered).
Prerequisite(s): third-year standing or permission of the School of Social Work.
Lecture three hours a week.

SOWK 3100 [0.5 credit]
Social Policy and Administration

Understanding the welfare state and social policy in Canada; exploring issues in administration including program design and implementation; understanding and developing skills in policy-making and policy analysis. Canadian focus; recognition of the distinctiveness of social policy in Quebec.
Prerequisite(s): SOWK 2100 and third-year standing or permission of the School of Social Work.
Lecture three hours a week.

SOWK 3206 [0.5 credit]
Community Development and Social Change in an International Context

Introduction to theories, models and methods of community organizing as a strategy for social change in an international context.
Prerequisite(s): SOWK 1001 and SOWK 1002; or PAPM 2000, or permission of the School of Social Work.
Lecture three hours a week.

SOWK 3207 [0.5 credit]
Human Rights Practice in Civil Society

Examines the advocacy role and capacity of organizations in civil society to increase popular participation in promoting and protecting human rights; includes transnational and national non-governmental organizations, grassroots movements, community organizations, and virtual or Internet-based organizations.
Prerequisite(s): SOWK 1001 and SOWK 1002 or PAPM 1000 or HUMR 1001 or permission of the School of Social Work.
Lecture three hours a week.

SOWK 3400 [0.5 credit]
Special Topics in Social Work

Theory, policy or direct practice topics not covered in the regular course program. Choice of topics varies from year to year.
Prerequisite(s): SOWK 1001 and SOWK 1002 or permission of the School of Social Work.
Lecture three hours a week.

SOWK 3600 [2.0 credits]
Practicum I (Fall and Winter)

Focus on integrating theory and practice in an approved community setting supervised by a field supervisor. Graded as Sat/Uns.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
Precludes additional credit for SOWK 3601, SOWK 3602.
Prerequisite(s): SOWK 2001, SOWK 2005, SOWK 2100, SOWK 2202, SOWK 2203, and permission of the School of Social Work. Student must be in good academic standing in the BSW program and have a 6.00 CGPA in the Social Work major.
352 hours of field work over two terms and concurrent practicum seminars.

SOWK 3601 [2.0 credits]
Practicum I (Winter Term)

Focus on integrating theory and practice in an approved community setting supervised by a field supervisor; 352 field hours and compulsory field seminars. Graded as Sat/Uns.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
Precludes additional credit for SOWK 3600, SOWK 3602.
Prerequisite(s): SOWK 2001, SOWK 2005, SOWK 2100, SOWK 2202, SOWK 2203, and permission of the School of Social Work. Student must be in good academic standing in the BSW program and have a 6.00 CGPA in the Social Work major.
352 hours of field work over one term and concurrent practicum seminars.

SOWK 3602 [2.0 credits]
Practicum I (Fall term)

Focus on integrating theory and practice in an approved community setting supervised by a field supervisor; 352 field hours and compulsory field seminars. Limited enrolment in this course subject to discretion of Field coordinator. Graded as Sat/Uns.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
Precludes additional credit for SOWK 3601, SOWK 3600.
Prerequisite(s): SOWK 2001, SOWK 2005, SOWK 2100, SOWK 2202, SOWK 2203, and permission of the School of Social Work. Student must be in good academic standing in the BSW program and have a 6.00 CGPA in the Social Work major.
352 hours of field work over one term and concurrent practicum seminars.

SOWK 3804 [0.5 credit]
Law of the Family

Legal framework surrounding the family and family relationships in Canadian society. Topics include marriage and cohabitation, matrimonial support, custody and access, and dissolution of marriage. State interventions through law; law and change in family structures; equality issues; dispute resolution processes.
Also listed as LAWS 3804.
Prerequisite(s): LAWS 1000, LAWS 2201 and LAWS 2003.
Lectures three hours a week.

SOWK 4000 [0.5 credit]
Social Work and Indigenous Peoples

Social work in partnership with Indigenous peoples in Canada; impact of the past on current relationships; rebuilding through dialogue and respect; understanding Indigenous social work.
Precludes additional credit for SOWK 4200.
Prerequisite(s): third-year standing in Bachelor of Social Work.
Lecture three hours each week.

SOWK 4001 [0.5 credit]
Advanced Social Work Practice with Individuals and Families

Advanced theory, methods, techniques, and skills for direct social work practice with individuals and families; individual and family assessments, treatment planning, intervention skills, and evaluation.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
Prerequisite(s): SOWK 2202 and fourth-year standing in the Bachelor of Social Work.
Seminar three hours a week.

SOWK 4002 [0.5 credit]
Advanced Social Work Practice with Groups

Advanced theory, methods, techniques, and skills for social work with groups; knowledge of group work and various group formats; and social work interventions in group process.
Prerequisite(s): SOWK 2203 and fourth-year standing in the Bachelor of Social Work.
Seminar three hours a week.

SOWK 4003 [0.5 credit]
Advanced Social Work Practice with Communities

Advanced theory, methods, techniques and skills for engaging in community-based practice. Politics and challenges of social work community organizing and strategies and skills for community work.
Prerequisite(s): SOWK 2203 and fourth-year standing in the Bachelor of Social Work.
Seminar three hours a week.

SOWK 4004 [0.5 credit]
Social Policy Development and Practice

Social policy development processes in government and non-governmental agencies; refining skills in evaluating and critiquing processes of policy formation; role of lobbying and social activism.
Prerequisite(s): SOWK 3100 and fourth-year standing in the Bachelor of Social Work.
Seminar three hours a week.

SOWK 4102 [0.5 credit]
Indigenous Peoples and Social Policy

History of colonization, legacy of colonialism, Royal Proclamation, BNA Act, treaties, impact of residential schools; implications of government social policy for Indigenous peoples in Canada; importance of self-determination and Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Prerequisite(s): third-year standing or permission of the School of Social Work.
Lecture three hours a week.

SOWK 4103 [0.5 credit]
Practice and Policy in Immigration

History of immigration policies in Canada; direct practice with immigrants and refugees; diaspora, settlement and integration issues; immigrants and refugee women; intergenerational family relations; resources and community organizing.
Prerequisite(s): third-year standing or permission of the School of Social Work.
Lecture three hours a week.

SOWK 4105 [0.5 credit]
Management of Non-Profit Organizations

Introduction to theories, models and methods of managing non-profit organizations; role, nature and values of the non-profit sector in a market society; practical knowledge of management in different types of non-profit organizations (e.g. cooperatives, voluntary associations, public advocacy and community service organizations).
Prerequisite(s): third-year standing or permission of the School of Social Work.
Lecture three hours a week.

SOWK 4204 [0.5 credit]
Social Work and Aging

Social perspectives on aging with focus on models of practice that contribute to the independence of elderly people. Social programs and policies, such as social insurance, social services, housing, public health and health care. Social, psychological and political issues related to independence in later life.
Prerequisite(s): third-year standing or permission of the School of Social Work.
Lecture three hours a week.

SOWK 4206 [0.5 credit]
Feminist Counselling

Examines theory and practice of feminist counselling, feminist counselling skills development.
Prerequisite(s): third- year standing or permission of the School of Social Work.
Lecture three hours a week.

SOWK 4209 [0.5 credit]
Special Topics in Direct Social Work Practice

Theory and knowledge development of direct practice topics not in the regular course program. Topics may vary from year to year.
Prerequisite(s): third year standing or permission of the School of Social Work.
Lecture three hours a week.

SOWK 4210 [0.5 credit]
Special Topics in Direct Social Work Practice

Theory and knowledge development of direct practice topics not in the regular course program. Topics may vary from year to year.
Prerequisite(s): third-year standing or permission of the School of Social Work.
Lecture three hours a week.

SOWK 4211 [0.5 credit]
Special Topics in Social Policy

Theory and knowledge development of social policy topics not in the regular course program. Topics may vary from year to year.
Prerequisite(s): SOWK 3100 and third year standing or permission of the School of Social Work.
Lecture three hours a week.

SOWK 4212 [0.5 credit]
Special Topics in Social Policy

Theory and knowledge development of social policy topics not in the regular course program. Topics may vary from year to year.
Prerequisite(s): SOWK 3100 and third year standing or permission of the School of Social Work.
Lecture three hours a week.

SOWK 4213 [0.5 credit]
Special Topics in Social Work

Theory and knowledge development of a combination of practice and policy topics not in the regular course program. Topics may vary from year to year.
Prerequisite(s): third-year standing or permission of the School of Social Work.
Lecture three hours a week.

SOWK 4214 [0.5 credit]
Special Topics in Social Work

Theory and knowledge development of a combination of practice and policy topics not in the regular course program. Topics may vary from year to year.
Prerequisite(s): third-year standing or permission of the School of Social Work.
Lecture three hours a week.

SOWK 4300 [0.5 credit]
Social Work and Persons with Disabilities

Social work theory and practice with persons with disabilities. Structural analysis of theory, models, policies and practices; disability rights; critical analysis of medical model and ableism.
Prerequisite(s): fourth-year standing in the Bachelor of Social Work.
Lecture three hours a week.

SOWK 4301 [0.5 credit]
Racialization and Social Work

Social work and racialization; racism and consequences; critical analysis of cultural formations, difference, and identities; critical examination of whiteness and privilege.
Prerequisite(s): fourth-year standing in the Bachelor of Social Work.
Lecture three hours a week.

SOWK 4302 [0.5 credit]
Poverty and Social Welfare Policy

Social work analysis of theories of poverty and economic inequality; labour force participation; poverty and wealth and income distribution in Canada and international comparisons; Canadian social policies and poverty.
Precludes additional credit for SOWK 4101(no longer offered).
Prerequisite(s): fourth-year standing in the Bachelor of Social Work.
Lecture three hours a week.

SOWK 4303 [0.5 credit]
Gender and Sexuality

Social work and social, political, institutional and economic relations shaping everyday experiences of gender and sexuality and implications for contemporary social work.
Prerequisite(s): fourth-year standing in the Bachelor of Social Work.
Lecture three hours a week.

SOWK 4600 [2.0 credits]
Practicum II (Fall or Summer Terms)

Development, application, testing and integration of knowledge, theory and skills in practice with individuals, families, groups and communities, in research or in social administration and policy. Graded Sat/Uns.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
Precludes additional credit for SOWK 4601, SOWK 4602.
Prerequisite(s): third-year standing in the BSW program; SOWK 2001, SOWK 2005, SOWK 2100, SOWK 2202, SOWK 2203, SOWK 3100; SOWK 3600 or 3601 or 3602, and permission of the School of Social Work. Student must be in good academic standing in the BSW program and have a 6.00 CGPA in the Social Work major.
352 hours of fieldwork and concurrent practicum seminars.

SOWK 4601 [1.0 credit]
Practicum IIA

Development, application, testing,integration of knowledge, theory and skills in practice with individuals, families, groups and communities, in research or social administration and policy. Graded Sat/Uns. Part one of two part practicum taken consecutively with SOWK 4602.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
Precludes additional credit for SOWK 4600.
Prerequisite(s): third-year standing in the BSW program; SOWK 2001, SOWK 2005, SOWK 2100, SOWK 2202, SOWK 2203, SOWK 3100; SOWK 3600 or 3601 or 3602, and permission of the School of Social Work. Student must be in good academic standing in the BSW program and have a 6.00 CGPA in the Social Work major.
176 hours of fieldwork and concurrent practicum seminars.

SOWK 4602 [1.0 credit]
Practicum IIB

Development, application, testing, integration of knowledge, theory and skills in practice with individuals, families, groups and communities, in research or social administration and policy. Graded Sat/Uns. Part two of two part practicum taken consecutively with SOWK 4601.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
Precludes additional credit for SOWK 4600.
Prerequisite(s): third-year standing in the BSW program; SOWK 2001, SOWK 2005, SOWK 2100, SOWK 2202, SOWK 2203, SOWK 3100; SOWK 3600 or 3601 or 3602, SOWK 4601 and permission of the School of Social Work. Student must be in good academic standing in the BSW program and have a 6.00 CGPA in the Social Work major.
176 hours of fieldwork and concurrent practicum seminars.

SOWK 4701 [0.5 credit]
Special topic in Criminal Justice and Social Policy

Selected topic in criminal justice and social policy. Topics announced in advance. Part of the Summer School in Criminal Justice and Social Policy and offered by the Department of Law.
Also listed as LAWS 4701.
Prerequisite(s): fourth-year Honours standing or permission of the School of Social Work.


SOWK 4702 [0.5 credit]
Special topic in Criminal Justice and Social Policy

Selected topic in criminal justice and social policy. Topics announced in advance. Part of the Summer School in Criminal Justice and Social Policy and offered by the Department of Sociology.
Also listed as LAWS 4702, SOCI 4702.
Prerequisite(s): fourth-year Honours standing or permission of the School of Social Work.


SOWK 4703 [0.5 credit]
Special topic in Criminal Justice and Social Policy

Selected topic in criminal justice and social policy. Topics announced in advance. Part of the Summer School in Criminal Justice and Social Policy and offered by the School of Social Work.
Also listed as LAWS 4703.
Prerequisite(s): fourth-year Honours standing or permission of the School of Social Work.


SOWK 4908 [1.0 credit]
Honours Essay

Research essay under supervision of accredited faculty member. Project may be in the form of case study, historical study or other form that meets the approval of faculty advisor.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
Prerequisite(s): fourth-year standing in the Bachelor of Social Work and permission of the School of Social Work.


Summer session: some of the courses listed in this Calendar are offered during the summer. Hours and scheduling for summer session courses will differ significantly from those reported in the fall/winter Calendar. To determine the scheduling and hours for summer session classes, consult the class schedule at central.carleton.ca

Not all courses listed are offered in a given year. For an up-to-date statement of course offerings for the current session and to determine the term of offering, consult the class schedule at central.carleton.ca