Professional Degree courses in Dentistry, Education, Law, Medicine and Theology (MTS, MDiv)
6000-6999
Courses offered by Continuing Studies
9000-9999
Graduate Studies courses
* These courses are equivalent to pre-university introductory courses and may be counted for credit in the student's record, unless these courses were taken in a preliminary year. They may not be counted toward essay or breadth requirements, or used to meet modular admission requirements unless it is explicitly stated in the Senate-approved outline of the module.
Suffixes
no suffix
1.0 course not designated as an essay course
A
0.5 course offered in first term
B
0.5 course offered in second term
A/B
0.5 course offered in first and/or second term
E
1.0 essay course
F
0.5 essay course offered in first term
G
0.5 essay course offered in second term
F/G
0.5 essay course offered in first and/or second term
H
1.0 accelerated course (8 weeks)
J
1.0 accelerated course (6 weeks)
K
0.75 course
L
0.5 graduate course offered in summer term (May - August)
Q/R/S/T
0.25 course offered within a regular session
U
0.25 course offered in other than a regular session
W/X
1.0 accelerated course (full course offered in one term)
Y
0.5 course offered in other than a regular session
Z
0.5 essay course offered in other than a regular session
Glossary
Prerequisite
A course that must be successfully completed prior to registration for credit in the desired course.
Corequisite
A course that must be taken concurrently with (or prior to registration in) the desired course.
Antirequisite
Courses that overlap sufficiently in course content that both cannot be taken for credit.
Essay Courses
Many courses at Western have a significant writing component. To recognize student achievement, a number of such courses have been designated as essay courses and will be identified on the student's record (E essay full course; F/G/Z essay half-course).
Principal Courses
A first year course that is listed by a department offering a module as a requirement for admission to the module. For admission to an Honours Specialization module or Double Major modules in an Honours Bachelor degree, at least 3.0 courses will be considered principal courses.
This course addresses key concepts and contemporary issues in social work practice and social welfare in Canada. The ethical underpinnings of the profession along with micro, mezzo and macro levels of intervention is discussed and an emphasis placed on their application to diverse populations in the Canadian setting.
Antirequisite(s): Social Work 1021AB, Social Work 1022A/B, or the former Social Work 1020.
Extra information: 3 lecture hours. This course is open to all students, but is required for admission to the professional Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) program.
Students are introduced to a number of contemporary theories that underlie the practice of social work. A communications laboratory offers a small group experiential means of learning foundational communication and interviewing skills.
Extra Information: 3 lecture hours. This course is open to all students, but is required for admission to the professional Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) program.
A study of the empirical method to provide students with the basic knowledge and skills required to design and implement elementary research projects. Students will also learn how to evaluate research reports to be able to utilize the results in their professional practice. Required for admission to the Social Work program.
Prerequisite(s):Social Work 1025A/B and Social Work 1026A/B, or the former Social Work 1021A/B and the former Social Work 1022A/B, or permission of the School.
A conceptual, theoretical and applied examination of the generalist model of social work practice informed by ethics and framed within an anti-oppressive context. Students will also be introduced to the emotional, intellectual and personal characteristics required to be effective in pursuing a social work career. Required for admission to the Social Work program.
Prerequisite(s): Social Work 1021A/B and Social Work 1022A/B, or permission of the School.
Students are introduced to a number of contemporary theories that underlie the practice of social work. A communications laboratory offers a small group experiential means of learning foundational communication and interviewing skills. Required for admission to the Social Work program.
Prerequisite(s): Social Work 1021A/B and Social Work 1022A/B, or permission of the School.
Pre-or Corequisite(s):Social Work 2214A/B.
This course provides a conceptual, theoretical and applied examination of the generalist model of social work practice informed by ethics and framed within an anti-oppressive context. Students are introduced to a number of contemporary theories that underlie the practice of social work. Required for admission to the Social Work program.
This course describes and analyzes multiculturalism as a unique feature of Canadian society. The roots and dynamics of Canada's multiculturalism will be examined as will the issue of racism and the challenges involved in confronting racist attitudes and practices, especially in the human services' sector. Understanding and communication in a culturally diverse context will also be addressed, especially as regards human service workers.
Social, educational, work-related, and economic trends affecting children and their families. Focus on how these trends have been turned into "issues" and "problems" by various advocacy and service groups, agencies, and government bodies. Resulting advocacy, program and policy interventions will be examined.
Prerequisite(s): Social Work 1021A/B and Social Work 1022A/B; or a first-year Social Science.
This course will provide the opportunity to develop direct practice skills within a strengths-based and critically reflective framework, building upon foundational interviewing skills developed in pre-program courses and learning and practising the skills of engagement, use of self, goal setting, as well as the production of written assessments and recordings.
Prerequisite(s): Registration in the third year professional BSW (Honours) program.
Introduces and examines human growth and development within socio/ecological and family contexts. Multiple theoretical frameworks will engage students in assessment of how individuals function during everyday social life within families, communities and cultures. Emphasis placed on the combination of personal and social conditions that enhance or inhibit adaptive developmental functioning.
An analysis of major political, social and economic aspects of Canadian society relevant to the development and implementation of social welfare policies and the practice of Social Work. This course will include an emphasis on globalization, the role of the media as an interpreter, and practice elements such as advocacy, coalition building, lobbying, and political involvement.
Prerequisite(s): Registration in the third year professional BSW (Honours) program.
Framing Indigenous social work practice in the context of human rights, social justice and the political framework and underpinnings of colonialism, this course is designed to prepare 4th year students with the knowledge and skills to effectively practice Indigenous-Centred social work at the individual, family and community level.
Antirequisite(s):Social Work 4465A/B if taken in 2015-16, 2016-17, 2017-18, 2018-19, 2019-20, 2020-21, 2021-22.
Prerequisite(s): Registration in the third year professional BSW (Honours) program.
Prerequisite(s): Social Work 1021A/B and Social Work 1022A/B, or the former Social Work 1020, Social Work 2214A/B and Social Work 2215A/B, or the former Social Work 2204, and Social Work 2206A/B and Social Work 2207A/B, or the former Social Work 2205 or equivalent.
This course explores various practice approaches in working with individuals and families. Assessment and intervention skills, techniques and methods are emphasized within a broader structural, social, economic, and political context.
Prerequisite(s): Registration in the third year professional BSW (Honours) program.
Prerequisite(s): Social Work 1021A/B and 1022A/B, or frm Social Work 1020, Social Work 2214A/B and 2215A/B, or frm Social Work 2204, and Social Work 2206A/B and 2207A/B, or frm Social Work 2205 or equivalent, Social Work 3311A/B, 3315A/B
The scope of this course includes values, knowledge and skills related to developmental and change processes at the community level in Canadian society. Students will focus particularly on theory and practice relevant to fostering knowledge about "community" and competency in dealing with issues at the "community" level.
Prerequisite(s): Registration in the third year professional BSW (Honours) program.
This course engages students in a process of ethical reasoning relevant to professional social work practice. Theories of ethical reasoning are explored in day-to-day practice and in confronting controversial social issues affecting vulnerable populations. Legislation, court systems and procedures are examined in the light of their ethical and legal aspects.
Prerequisite(s): Registration in the third year professional BSW (Honours) program.
A beginning, structured, practice experience in selected human service agencies which reflects demonstrable competency in professional practice. Bi-weekly seminars focusing on integration of practice issues and theory.
Antirequisite(s): Social Work 3350B.
Corequisite(s): Second-term Social Work courses.
Prerequisite(s): Registration in the third year professional BSW (Honours) program.
Corequisite(s): Second-term Social Work courses.
Extra Information: 2 hour Integration Seminar every other week all year. Practicum in second term Monday, Wednesday and every other Friday.
An examination of group structure, process, skills and development as they relate to theory and practice. Emphasis on understanding relationships between structural elements, interactional sequences, group purpose and functions; relationship between group process and group task activities will be examined in depth, including conflict resolution in group settings.
This course explores diversity in the context of anti-oppressive practice at micro, mezzo and macro levels. A critical theoretical perspective is used to examine conceptual frameworks related to diversity, such as social inclusion and multiculturalism. Students will learn culturally competent approaches to working with individuals and diverse communities.
A beginning, structured, practice experience in selected human service agencies which reflects demonstrable competency in professional practice. The opportunity for integration of practice issues and theory will be incorporated to coordinate with the student's practicum schedule.
An advanced, structured, practice experience in selected human service agencies which reflects demonstrable competency in professional practice. Bi-weekly seminars focusing on integration of practice issues and theory.
Prerequisite(s): Registration in fourth year Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) program.
Extra Information: 2 hour Integration Seminar every other week, all year. 3 days per week Practicum.
An introduction to the policy development process at government, agency and individual levels and the manner in which these policies are translated into programs and actions.
Prerequisite(s): Registration in the professional BSW (Honours) program.
An examination of the agency as the context for professional practice. Provides an overview of various organizational structures and processes, and considers such work-related topics as supervision, personnel policies, employee motivation, performance appraisal, life-long learning, and worker stress and professional burn out.
Prerequisite(s): Registration in the professional BSW (Honours) program.
Exploration of theoretical frameworks and required competencies to assess, understand and intervene in families where children may be at risk of maltreatment or neglect. Emphasis on knowledge and skills applicable to delivery of child protection services in a multicultural environment.
Prerequisite(s): Registration in the professional BSW (Honours) program, or permission of the School.
Explores the complex interplay of multiple forms of oppression, the interlocking nature of oppression and social work practice, and strategies that seek to challenge or interrupt oppression.
Prerequisite(s): Registration in the professional BSW (Honours) program, or permission of the School.
This course explores current theories and practices within the area of social work practice with immigrants and refugees. Within an equity and social justice framework, this course will provide insight on the pre-migration, transit, and post-migration journeys of newcomers to support clients in the resettlement and adaptation process.
Antirequisite(s): Social Work 4423A/B, Social Work 4424A/B.
Prerequisite(s): Registration in the professional BSW (Honours) program, or permission of the School.
This course will enable students to develop an understanding of the research process from a social work standpoint, gain insights into the stages quality research includes, and critically appraise social work research. The goal is to develop students’ capacity to find, understand, critique, and apply research findings to their practice.
Prerequisite(s): Registration in the professional BSW (Honours) program.
An examination of the addiction field with a focus on addiction as oppression. The use, misuse, and abuse of psychoactive substances will be examined from a biopsychosocial perspective. The course will review addiction-specific and general community resources as well as the range of addiction-specific models of intervention and counselling.
Prerequisite(s): Registration in the professional BSW (Honours) program, or permission of the School.
Theoretical frameworks and required competencies to assess, understand and intervene in families where children may be at risk of maltreatment or neglect are explored at an advanced level. Knowledge and skills applicable to the delivery of child protection services in a multicultural environment will be emphasized.
An exploration of the knowledge, attitudes and skills social workers need to practice effectively in health care settings. A case study approach is used.
Prerequisite(s): Registration in the professional BSW (Honours) program, or permission of the School.
Practice as it relates to specific populations and issues, such as: involuntary clients, rural populations, culturally diverse populations, native issues, lesbian/gay issues, and so on. Special topics to be selected by the instructor and students.
Prerequisite(s): Registration in the professional BSW (Honours) program, or permission of the School.
An examination of social, physiological, psychological, economic and cultural factors in aging, as required in Social Work practice with the aged. Current policies and services will be critically studied in relation to needs of the aged in our society.
Prerequisite(s): Registration in the professional BSW (Honours) program, or permission of the School.
An analysis of Social Work methodologies related to children and adolescents as vulnerable groups in society. Emphasis is on the use of specialized techniques with traumatized and bereaved children. Concepts of attachment, resilience, adaptation and coping are explored.
Prerequisite(s): Registration in the professional BSW (Honours) program, or permission of the School.
Individual reading at an advanced level under faculty supervision. The student is responsible for arranging independent study credit through the Director of the School.
Prerequisite(s): Registration in the professional BSW (Honours) program, or permission of the School.
Individual reading at an advanced level under faculty supervision. The student is responsible for arranging independent study credit through the Director of the School.
Prerequisite(s): Registration in the professional BSW (Honours) program, or permission of the School.
Integration of theory with social work practice in understanding the complexity of family violence as a major social concern. This course examines various forms of violence in families across the lifespan, including child, spousal and elder abuse. Issues related to cultural diversity, marginalization and social work practice are examined.
Prerequisite(s): Registration in the professional BSW (Honours) program, or permission of the School.
A key social work mandate is to promote and sustain social justice. The focus of this course is the link between Social Work and social transformation considering the profession's role in the formulation and ethical implementation of social action initiatives. The skills of social advocacy are also addressed.
Prerequisite(s): Registration in the professional BSW (Honours) program, or permission of the School.
The primary objective is to assist students to develop a range of conflict resolution strategies and apply them in professional contexts. Through understanding the principles of negotiation, mediation and advocacy, students develop a critical awareness of cooperative approaches to disputes. Issues of diversity and power will be highlighted.
Prerequisite(s): Registration in the professional BSW (Honours) program, or permission of the School.
A sound theoretical perspective of crisis intervention with clients experiencing chronic and acute crisis along with an understanding of practitioner intervention models will provide students with a foundation for crisis treatment that promotes optimal psychosocial client functioning.
Prerequisite(s): Registration in the professional BSW (Honours) program, or permission of the School.
Mental illness is prevalent in many fields of professional practice; for example, mental health centers, hospitals, child welfare agencies, correctional facilities, the education system, concurrent programs, geriatrics, developmental disabilities. This course provides students with an understanding of the basic concepts of mental illness to assist in assessment and treatment planning.
Prerequisite(s): Registration in the professional BSW (Honours) program, or permission of the School.