NGO Education Survey

Diversity and Northern Social Work Practice

This course pursues the concept of diversity, its relationship to social work practice, and its conceptualization in northern, rural and remote contexts. Topics to be examined may include colonialism, regionalism, multiculturalism, sexual orientation, ethnic diversity, racial diversity, gender construction and "ableism".

Master's Project

The project requires a limited review and analysis of existing knowledge pertaining to the student's chosen project topic. The project may take various forms such as policy analysis; development of a program or practice model; implementation of a program evaluation plan; analysis of a practice issue/problem; development of a module or preparation of a journal article.

Social Policy for Provincial Norths: People, Power and Politics

An exploration of social policy from a critical perspective which seeks to expose those systemic inequalities in society which encourage social injustice, social inequality and social stratification, especially in Canada's provincial norths. The domination and permeation of social values and social constructions will also be examined as well as the relationship among power, social policy, social planning and social change theories. The subsequent impact for geographic and cultural communities will be examined, in particular for the provincial norths, and in general for rural Canada and the far north. Emphasis will be given to the exploration of context-sensitive strategies that promote social policies which are relevant to northern communities and populations.

Social Work Theory for Northern Practice

A critical assessment of social work practice theory in relation to its relevance for advanced generalist practice in northern, rural and remote contexts. Within this analytical framework, consideration is given to such areas of diversity as sexual orientation, racial and ethnic plurality, gender construction, ability, age, socioeconomic class, and regionalism. Applications of generalist northern practice studied may include clinical work with individuals, families or groups; community development, social service administration, social policy research, and social planning.

Strategies for Social Development in Northern Environments

An examination of practice theory and social change strategies that build on a social development perspective. The course draws on social planning and development theory as well as practice experience of change in northern urban and rural environments. Topics include: community strengthening through capacity building, empowerment by networking and coalition building, sustainable development to balance socio-economic development and environmental protection, and combatting oppression and social injustice in communities.