Registration for the graduate research project is subject to:

• successful completion of core and elective courses, totalling 18 credits;
• approval of the project proposal by the MSW program committee;
• approval of the project proposal by the research ethics review committee.

Graduate research projects are supervised by two readers, the first of whom is in the school of social work and formally accredited by graduate studies to the MSW program.

Given limited enrolments, courses are cycled to reflect student demand and faculty resources. Core courses are available in the fall and winter sessions, from September to April. Elective courses are offered every term, on a rotating basis. Student course loads vary, from term to term, according to personal and professional demands. However, core and elective requirements can be completed within two or three years, and there is a maximum limit of six years to complete the degree.

In addition to the courses listed below (where appropriate, feasible, and approved), students may take advanced courses in related disciplines, in lieu of SWRK electives. Alternatively, reading seminars may be designed to reflect the content of courses not otherwise available to students in the social work program.

SWRK 5016 EL -- Advanced Social Work Practice I
This course explores the relationship between social analysis and advanced social work intervention in work with people in social, political and economic contexts. The course is intended to develop advanced social work practice skills with individuals, families and/or communities taking into account rural and northern settings. Advanced skills will be developed through readings, class discussions, experiential exercises, expressive arts, role playing, and independent study. (3 credits)

SWRK 5017 EL -- Advanced Social Work Practice II
This course provides an overview of theory and practice concerning social work approaches with different types of groups, including therapeutic, task and action groups. Students will explore issues related to group development and process. Students will develop advanced practice skills in group facilitation through group planning, leadership, membership, and observation activities as well as readings, discussions and reflective journaling and/or independent study. (3 credits)

SWRK 5026 EL -- Social Policy: Advocating for Change
This course is an examination of the socio-economic, political and institutional forces, planning processes, and practice techniques involved in social policy making in Canada. It focuses upon the development of professional skills in advocacy for policy change. (3 credits)

SWRK 5027 EL -- Social Policy: Issues and Options
This course is an examination of the socio-economic, political and institutional forces, planning processes, and practice techniques involved in social policy making in Canada. It focuses upon the development of professional skills in advocacy for policy change. (3 credits)

SWRK 5056 E -- Research I: Methods
This course reviews concepts and methods of social scientific investigation from a critical-analytical perspective. It involves an examination of the role of researcher - within a given social, cultural, and organizational context - in terms of question formulation, mode of inquiry, application of theory, data analysis and interpretation of findings. In addition to quantitative methods and experimental designs, students will review a range of quasi-experimental and qualitative methods that address questions pertinent to professional practice, from single-subject designs to clinical trials, historical analyses (use of secondary data) to social action research, case studies to program and policy evaluations. By the end of the course, students will be able to critically assess existing social research and conceptualize a graduate research project. (3 credits)

SWRK 5057 E -- Research II: Advanced
This course is designed to prepare students for the design and implementation of a specific research project - a thesis, practicum report, or program evaluation - at the graduate level. Course content will advance knowledge of proposal writing, quantitative and qualitative methods (appropriate to selected areas of investigation), ethical considerations, project approval, implementation strategies, data analysis and the presentation of findings. The result will be a fully developed research project proposal. (3 credits)

SWRK 5036 E -- Social Administration
This course involves a review of organizational behaviour and management theory, with an examination of processes and techniques appropriate to the administration of human service organizations. Much of the content pertains to goal-oriented management techniques, with particularr attention to strategic planning, management information systems, and program evaluation. Other topics include governance structures, management styles, staff motivation, change and conflict management. The course concludes with an analysis of current trends and challenges in the field of social service administration. (3 credits)

SWRK 5037 E -- Social Planning
This course examines the theory and practice of social planning in an era of dramatic change. Technological advance, globalization of the economy, the information highway, deficit reduction, devolution, institutional restructuring and program rationalization are some of the forces that have destabilized traditional assumptions and practices related to social planning. Students will review the evolution of social planning, consider its limits, and explore the prospects for new practice models and theoretical paradigms that reflect contemporary reality. (3 credits)

SWRK 5046 E -- Supervision
This course addresses the theory and practice of staff supervision in human service organizations. Designed to enhance professional competence, course content focuses upon responsibilities, processes and models of supervision. Given the dynamic environment of contemporary social agencies, in which structures, policies and practices, are subject to constant change, it is the recurring issues and themes pertinent to supervisory relationships that are examined in depth. (3 credits)

SWRK 5066 E -- Mediation
This course examines theories, methods, and techniques of mediation - a process of consensual dispute resolution - from a critical-analytical perspective. Following a review of the theoretical underpinnings of litigation, and its dispute resolution alternatives, various philosophies of mediation will be examined. Drawing from social work practice in values clarification, dialogue facilitation, cross-cultural communication, and negotiation, models of mediation will be compared and contrasted with respect to options, opportunities, and limitations. Advanced issues to be explored will include the influence of gender and culture, the dynamics of power, conflicts of interest, professional standards, ethical considerations, and evaluation. (3 credits)

SWRK 5076 E -- Reading Seminar I
The object of this course is to pursue in depth a social work topic in which the student is particularly interested, and in which he or she wishes to acquire some degree of specialization. The student prepares a proposal detailing goals and specific tasks to be accomplished. This proposal must be accepted by the student's tutor. A submission in writing will be used to evaluate the student's performance. (3 credits)

SWRK 5077 E -- Reading Seminar II
The object of this course is to pursue in depth a social work topic in which the student is particularly interested, and in which he or she wishes to acquire some degree of specialization. The student prepares a proposal detailing goals and specific tasks to be accomplished. This proposal must be accepted by the student's tutor. A submission in writing will be used to evaluate the student's performance. (3 credits)

SWRK 5086 E -- Selected Methods of Direct Intervention
This course examines the theoretical frameworks, intervention models and skills required for selected methods of practice with individuals, families and small groups. It is designed for those engaged in direct intervention who wish to further their knowledge and skills in selected areas of practice. Specific content will vary, from year to year, based upon faculty and student interest. Expert practitioners may be involved in course delivery, and assignments may include a practice component. (3 credits)
 

SWRK 5096 E -- Native Human Services
This course examines social welfare policy and practice issues relevant to Aboriginal Canadians. Beginning with a survey of the historical, demographic and economic context for social problems, it introduces students to traditional, culture-specific, approaches to well-being, and examines contemporary initiatives to promote healthy communities. Issues of social change are addressed with an emphasis upon Native empowerment and control of human services. (3 credits)

The research project accounts for 12 credits and constitutes the final requirement for completion of the Masters degree.  It may take the form of a thesis, an advanced practicum, or an interdisciplinary research project, as described in the Graduate Research Project Guidelines.

Graduate Research Project Option Descriptions

SWRK 6004 E -- Thesis (12 credits)

SWRK 6024 E -- Advanced Practicum (12 credits)