NGO Education Survey
Algoma University
Contact Information:
Dr. Linda Savory-Gordon
Associate Professor
Algoma University
D e p t . o f S o c i a l W o r k
SH 211B
1520 Queen Street East
Sault Ste. Marie
Ontario P6A 2G4
Canada
Northern America
Americas
https://algomau.ca/social-work/
Global/Local Relations: Critical Approach to Community Development
Credit Bearing: 3 creditsLevel: 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.
Human Services Organizations (SWRK2107)
Credit Bearing: 3 creditsLevel: 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.
Political Economy of Social Welfare (SWRK2106)
Credit Bearing: 3 creditsLevel: 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.
Social Work Research and Program Evaluation (SWRK3456)
Credit Bearing: 3 creditsLevel: 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.
Special Topics in Social Work I - Community Advocacy and Social Justice
Credit Bearing: 3 creditsLevel: 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.
Program Information:
Department of Community Development & Social Work
Services
Practica
Degree and Certificate Information
Degrees
Degree: Bachelor of Social Work
Credit Hours: 111
Working Language: English
History:
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
None listed
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.