For more information on our course offerings, please go to York Course Website.
Calendar Year
Term
Course #
Course Title
2024
F
gs/sowk 5010A
Introduction to Social Work Theories and Critical Practice Skills Part I
Part I introduces students to social work theories and practice skills from a critical perspective, on theories/models used in direct practice. Utilizing classroom/lab settings, students critically examine personal conceptions of social work and their professional role/identity.
Instructional Format: SEMR
Instructor(s): H. Canas
2025
W
gs/sowk 5011M
Introduction to Social Work Theories and Critical Practice Skills Part II
This course furthers studentsÂ’ engagement with social work theories and practice skills from a critical perspective in the areas of advocacy, community development and policy. Students develop critical understandings of the interconnections between micro, mezzo and macro levels of social work. Prerequisite: GS/SOWK 5010 3.00.
Instructional Format: SEMR
Instructor(s): J. Pyne
2024
F
gs/sowk 5020A
History of Social Welfare and Social Work from Critical Perspectives
Course participants engage in a critical/reflective study of the history of social welfare and social work. The course examines social work values and responses to populations in the context of the changing social, political, economic and moral climates that have shaped social work practice at different historical junctures.
Instructional Format: SEMR
Instructor(s): F. Shiffo
2024
F
gs/sowk 5030A
Oppression and Intersectionality
Examines the interlocking nature of oppression, including colonial and state oppression of Aboriginal people. Questions of identity, subjectivity, and representation will be examined to move toward understanding practices of resistance and transformation.
Instructional Format: SEMR
Instructor(s): H. Hashi
2024
F
gs/sowk 5040A
Social Welfare and Social Policy
Students will gain a critical understanding of Canadian social policy and social welfare as shaped by economic, social, political, and globalization forces. Students will understand the social policy impact on social work practice and develop policy analysis and advocacy skills.
Instructional Format: SEMR
Instructor(s): W. McKeen
2025
W
gs/sowk 5050M
Understanding Organizations for Social Work Practice
A foundation is provided in the organizational structures of governmental, non-government and community agencies serving vulnerable populations. Students will understand organizational, managerial structures as well as the exercise of power and control and develop skills to effect change.
Instructional Format: SEMR
Instructor(s): V. Wade
2024
F
gs/sowk 5150A
Critical Perspectives in Social Work
The meaning and practice of contemporary social work are explored through attention to changing knowledge paradigms and shifting values. The relationship of social work to power is examined as the basis for practice from a social justice perspective. Prerequisites: GS/SOWK 5010 3.00, GS/SOWK 5011 3.00, GS/SOWK 5030 3.00, GS/SOWK 5040 3.00, GS/SOWK 5050 3.00, GS/SOWK 5020 3.00; or a BSW.
Instructional Format: SEMR
Instructor(s): H. Badwall
2024
F
gs/sowk 5150B
Critical Perspectives in Social Work
The meaning and practice of contemporary social work are explored through attention to changing knowledge paradigms and shifting values. The relationship of social work to power is examined as the basis for practice from a social justice perspective. Prerequisites: GS/SOWK 5010 3.00, GS/SOWK 5011 3.00, GS/SOWK 5030 3.00, GS/SOWK 5040 3.00, GS/SOWK 5050 3.00, GS/SOWK 5020 3.00; or a BSW.
Instructional Format: SEMR
Instructor(s): J. Pyne
2024
F
gs/sowk 5150C
Critical Perspectives in Social Work
The meaning and practice of contemporary social work are explored through attention to changing knowledge paradigms and shifting values. The relationship of social work to power is examined as the basis for practice from a social justice perspective. Prerequisites: GS/SOWK 5010 3.00, GS/SOWK 5011 3.00, GS/SOWK 5030 3.00, GS/SOWK 5040 3.00, GS/SOWK 5050 3.00, GS/SOWK 5020 3.00; or a BSW.
Instructional Format: SEMR
Instructor(s): M. Poon
2024
F
gs/sowk 5150D
Critical Perspectives in Social Work
The meaning and practice of contemporary social work are explored through attention to changing knowledge paradigms and shifting values. The relationship of social work to power is examined as the basis for practice from a social justice perspective. Prerequisites: GS/SOWK 5010 3.00, GS/SOWK 5011 3.00, GS/SOWK 5030 3.00, GS/SOWK 5040 3.00, GS/SOWK 5050 3.00, GS/SOWK 5020 3.00; or a BSW.
Instructional Format: SEMR
Instructor(s): K. MacKinnon
2024
F
gs/sowk 5250A
Graduate Research Seminar
Perspectives on Social Work research are developed, and issues in the formulation, design and analysis of research are presented. Students are expected to present their work in progress on the Practice Research projects. Prerequisites: Social Work 5010 3.0, Social Work 5011 3.0, Social Work 5030 3.0, or a BSW
Instructional Format: SEMR
Instructor(s): S. Chatterjee
2024
F
gs/sowk 5250B
Graduate Research Seminar
Perspectives on Social Work research are developed, and issues in the formulation, design and analysis of research are presented. Students are expected to present their work in progress on the Practice Research projects. Prerequisites: Social Work 5010 3.0, Social Work 5011 3.0, Social Work 5030 3.0, or a BSW
Instructional Format: SEMR
Instructor(s): M. Rattner
2024
F
gs/sowk 5250C
Graduate Research Seminar
Perspectives on Social Work research are developed, and issues in the formulation, design and analysis of research are presented. Students are expected to present their work in progress on the Practice Research projects. Prerequisites: Social Work 5010 3.0, Social Work 5011 3.0, Social Work 5030 3.0, or a BSW
Instructional Format: SEMR
Instructor(s): A. O'Connell
2024
F
gs/sowk 5250D
Graduate Research Seminar
Perspectives on Social Work research are developed, and issues in the formulation, design and analysis of research are presented. Students are expected to present their work in progress on the Practice Research projects. Prerequisites: Social Work 5010 3.0, Social Work 5011 3.0, Social Work 5030 3.0, or a BSW
Instructional Format: SEMR
Instructor(s): W. LEUNG
2024
F
gs/sowk 5250E
Graduate Research Seminar
Perspectives on Social Work research are developed, and issues in the formulation, design and analysis of research are presented. Students are expected to present their work in progress on the Practice Research projects. Prerequisites: Social Work 5010 3.0, Social Work 5011 3.0, Social Work 5030 3.0, or a BSW
Instructional Format: SEMR
Instructor(s): U. Anucha
2024
F
gs/sowk 5250F
Graduate Research Seminar
Perspectives on Social Work research are developed, and issues in the formulation, design and analysis of research are presented. Students are expected to present their work in progress on the Practice Research projects. Prerequisites: Social Work 5010 3.0, Social Work 5011 3.0, Social Work 5030 3.0, or a BSW
Instructional Format: SEMR
Instructor(s): R. Sloos
2025
WS
gs/sowk 5310M
Practicum
Students engage in research or professional training within an approved agency setting, providing the opportunity to apply critical social work concepts, theories and intervention approaches to practice situation. This practicum will run 550 hours. Prerequisites: Social Work 5010 3.0, 5020 3.0, 5030 3.0, 5040 3.0. Corequisites: Social Work 5011 3.0, 5050 3.0.
Instructional Format: PRAC
2025
WS
gs/sowk 5310N
Practicum
Students engage in research or professional training within an approved agency setting, providing the opportunity to apply critical social work concepts, theories and intervention approaches to practice situation. This practicum will run 550 hours. Prerequisites: Social Work 5010 3.0, 5020 3.0, 5030 3.0, 5040 3.0. Corequisites: Social Work 5011 3.0, 5050 3.0.
Instructional Format: PRAC
2024
Y
gs/sowk 5350A
Advanced Practicum
Students engage in research or professional training within an approved agency setting, providing the opportunity to apply concepts, theories, and intervention approaches to practice situations. Prerequisite: Social Work 5310 6.00 or a BSW Prerequisite/Corequisite: Social Work 5150 3.0
Instructional Format: PRAC
2024
Y
gs/sowk 5350B
Advanced Practicum
Students engage in research or professional training within an approved agency setting, providing the opportunity to apply concepts, theories, and intervention approaches to practice situations. Prerequisite: Social Work 5310 6.00 or a BSW Prerequisite/Corequisite: Social Work 5150 3.0
Instructional Format: PRAC
2024
Y
gs/sowk 5350C
Advanced Practicum
Students engage in research or professional training within an approved agency setting, providing the opportunity to apply concepts, theories, and intervention approaches to practice situations. Prerequisite: Social Work 5310 6.00 or a BSW Prerequisite/Corequisite: Social Work 5150 3.0
Instructional Format: PRAC
Instructor(s): S. Maiter
2024
Y
gs/sowk 5350D
Advanced Practicum
Students engage in research or professional training within an approved agency setting, providing the opportunity to apply concepts, theories, and intervention approaches to practice situations. Prerequisite: Social Work 5310 6.00 or a BSW Prerequisite/Corequisite: Social Work 5150 3.0
Instructional Format: PRAC
2025
WS
gs/sowk 5350M
Advanced Practicum
Students engage in research or professional training within an approved agency setting, providing the opportunity to apply concepts, theories, and intervention approaches to practice situations. Prerequisite: Social Work 5310 6.00 or a BSW Prerequisite/Corequisite: Social Work 5150 3.0
Instructional Format: PRAC
2025
WS
gs/sowk 5350N
Advanced Practicum
Students engage in research or professional training within an approved agency setting, providing the opportunity to apply concepts, theories, and intervention approaches to practice situations. Prerequisite: Social Work 5310 6.00 or a BSW Prerequisite/Corequisite: Social Work 5150 3.0
Instructional Format: PRAC
2025
WS
gs/sowk 5350O
Advanced Practicum
Students engage in research or professional training within an approved agency setting, providing the opportunity to apply concepts, theories, and intervention approaches to practice situations. Prerequisite: Social Work 5310 6.00 or a BSW Prerequisite/Corequisite: Social Work 5150 3.0
Instructional Format: PRAC
2025
WS
gs/sowk 5350P
Advanced Practicum
Students engage in research or professional training within an approved agency setting, providing the opportunity to apply concepts, theories, and intervention approaches to practice situations. Prerequisite: Social Work 5310 6.00 or a BSW Prerequisite/Corequisite: Social Work 5150 3.0
Instructional Format: PRAC
2025
W
gs/sowk 5450M
Practice Research Paper Seminar
This course is offered in a small group format in order to support reflective learning from students’ practice and to facilitate the planning of the Practice-based Research Paper. This course is designed to stimulate critical and analytic reflection on practice in order to integrate academic and practical learning which will become the basis for individual independent research for the Practice-based Research paper. Students are expected to develop the capacity to integrate theory and practice through discussion of their independent research project in social work. The seminar will assist the development of a proposal for their Practice-based Research and analyses of the data. Prerequisite: Social Work 5010 3.0, Social Work 5011 3.0, Social Work 5030 3.0, or a BSW; and Social Work 5250 3.0
Instructional Format: SEMR
Instructor(s): S. Chatterjee
2025
W
gs/sowk 5450N
Practice Research Paper Seminar
This course is offered in a small group format in order to support reflective learning from students’ practice and to facilitate the planning of the Practice-based Research Paper. This course is designed to stimulate critical and analytic reflection on practice in order to integrate academic and practical learning which will become the basis for individual independent research for the Practice-based Research paper. Students are expected to develop the capacity to integrate theory and practice through discussion of their independent research project in social work. The seminar will assist the development of a proposal for their Practice-based Research and analyses of the data. Prerequisite: Social Work 5010 3.0, Social Work 5011 3.0, Social Work 5030 3.0, or a BSW; and Social Work 5250 3.0
Instructional Format: SEMR
Instructor(s): M. Rattner
2025
W
gs/sowk 5450O
Practice Research Paper Seminar
This course is offered in a small group format in order to support reflective learning from students’ practice and to facilitate the planning of the Practice-based Research Paper. This course is designed to stimulate critical and analytic reflection on practice in order to integrate academic and practical learning which will become the basis for individual independent research for the Practice-based Research paper. Students are expected to develop the capacity to integrate theory and practice through discussion of their independent research project in social work. The seminar will assist the development of a proposal for their Practice-based Research and analyses of the data. Prerequisite: Social Work 5010 3.0, Social Work 5011 3.0, Social Work 5030 3.0, or a BSW; and Social Work 5250 3.0
Instructional Format: SEMR
Instructor(s): A. O'Connell
2025
W
gs/sowk 5450P
Practice Research Paper Seminar
This course is offered in a small group format in order to support reflective learning from students’ practice and to facilitate the planning of the Practice-based Research Paper. This course is designed to stimulate critical and analytic reflection on practice in order to integrate academic and practical learning which will become the basis for individual independent research for the Practice-based Research paper. Students are expected to develop the capacity to integrate theory and practice through discussion of their independent research project in social work. The seminar will assist the development of a proposal for their Practice-based Research and analyses of the data. Prerequisite: Social Work 5010 3.0, Social Work 5011 3.0, Social Work 5030 3.0, or a BSW; and Social Work 5250 3.0
Instructional Format: SEMR
Instructor(s): W. LEUNG
2025
W
gs/sowk 5450Q
Practice Research Paper Seminar
This course is offered in a small group format in order to support reflective learning from students’ practice and to facilitate the planning of the Practice-based Research Paper. This course is designed to stimulate critical and analytic reflection on practice in order to integrate academic and practical learning which will become the basis for individual independent research for the Practice-based Research paper. Students are expected to develop the capacity to integrate theory and practice through discussion of their independent research project in social work. The seminar will assist the development of a proposal for their Practice-based Research and analyses of the data. Prerequisite: Social Work 5010 3.0, Social Work 5011 3.0, Social Work 5030 3.0, or a BSW; and Social Work 5250 3.0
Instructional Format: SEMR
Instructor(s): U. Anucha
2025
W
gs/sowk 5450R
Practice Research Paper Seminar
This course is offered in a small group format in order to support reflective learning from students’ practice and to facilitate the planning of the Practice-based Research Paper. This course is designed to stimulate critical and analytic reflection on practice in order to integrate academic and practical learning which will become the basis for individual independent research for the Practice-based Research paper. Students are expected to develop the capacity to integrate theory and practice through discussion of their independent research project in social work. The seminar will assist the development of a proposal for their Practice-based Research and analyses of the data. Prerequisite: Social Work 5010 3.0, Social Work 5011 3.0, Social Work 5030 3.0, or a BSW; and Social Work 5250 3.0
Instructional Format: SEMR
Instructor(s): R. Sloos
2024
F
gs/sowk 5550A
Indigenous Worldviews and Implications to Social Work
This course blends academic learning with the use of storytelling to provide students with a critical understanding of the historical and current implications of colonial structures on the lives of Indigenous People to Turtle Island. It will at the same time provide students with foundational knowledge on how to engage in critical, self-reflexive practice based on holistic understandings of Indigenous social work theory.
Instructional Format: SEMR
Instructor(s): T. McKay
2024
F
gs/sowk 5550B
Indigenous Worldviews and Implications to Social Work
This course blends academic learning with the use of storytelling to provide students with a critical understanding of the historical and current implications of colonial structures on the lives of Indigenous People to Turtle Island. It will at the same time provide students with foundational knowledge on how to engage in critical, self-reflexive practice based on holistic understandings of Indigenous social work theory.
Instructional Format: SEMR
Instructor(s): T. McKay
2025
W
gs/sowk 5550M
Indigenous Worldviews and Implications to Social Work
This course blends academic learning with the use of storytelling to provide students with a critical understanding of the historical and current implications of colonial structures on the lives of Indigenous People to Turtle Island. It will at the same time provide students with foundational knowledge on how to engage in critical, self-reflexive practice based on holistic understandings of Indigenous social work theory.
Instructional Format: SEMR
Instructor(s): M. Hamonic
2025
W
gs/sowk 5550N
Indigenous Worldviews and Implications to Social Work
This course blends academic learning with the use of storytelling to provide students with a critical understanding of the historical and current implications of colonial structures on the lives of Indigenous People to Turtle Island. It will at the same time provide students with foundational knowledge on how to engage in critical, self-reflexive practice based on holistic understandings of Indigenous social work theory.
Instructional Format: SEMR
Instructor(s): R. Green
2024
F
gs/sowk 5907A
Mindfulness and Just Relations in Social Work
This course introduces students to mindfulness as a political act and embodied ethics in social justice and critical social work. Students learn mindfulness practice through experiential exercises, observe and investigate their embodied awareness of internal and external phenomena and social realities, and engage in practical application of mindfulness in critical social work practice.
Instructional Format: SEMR
Instructor(s): Y. Wong
2025
W
gs/sowk 5912M
Transformative Approaches in Mental Health
This course explores issues related to the psychiatric and mental health system from critical perspectives. Students are introduced to dominant policy, legislative and practice discourses on mental health and mental illness and their critiques. Counter-discourses and approaches to dominant ‘psy’ discourses, systems, and practices on mental distress are captured through an exploration of community mobilization and community-based advocacy and support networks.
Instructional Format: SEMR
Instructor(s): K. MacKinnon
2025
W
gs/sowk 5932M
Studies in Social Policy
Using contemporary issues as a base, this course examines approaches to understanding the context, formation and implications of social policies. The differential impacts of social policies are assessed, and the interrelationship between policies, services and practice is emphasized.
Instructional Format: SEMR
Instructor(s): W. McKeen
2024
F
gs/sowk 5945A
Social Work Perspectives on Gender and Sexual Diversity
Issues are explored related to sexual orientation with respect to social work practice and policy development. The focus includes counselling and support of lesbian, gay and bisexual persons as well as the development and protection of communities.
Instructional Format: SEMR
Instructor(s): M. Poon
2024
F
gs/sowk 5970A
Directed Readings
Individual students or small groups will read under supervision in one or two selected areas. Students wishing to enrol are to contact the Director of the Graduate Program in Social Work for approval.
Instructional Format: DIRD
2025
W
gs/sowk 5970M
Directed Readings
Individual students or small groups will read under supervision in one or two selected areas. Students wishing to enrol are to contact the Director of the Graduate Program in Social Work for approval.
Instructional Format: DIRD
2024
F
gs/sowk 5982A
Advanced Social Work Practice
This course analyzes the interlocking nature of power relations in social work settings by drawing on poststructural theory, specifically, discourse analysis. Discourse analysis is utilized to critically reflect upon student case examples from their social work practice experience. The course is designed to support students in making concrete connections between theory and practice in their everyday work settings. Pre- or Co-requisite: SOWK 5150 3.0
Instructional Format: SEMR
Instructor(s): L. Gayoso Descalzi
2025
W
gs/sowk 5983M
Narrative Therapy and Critical Social Work
This course explores the possibilities and limits of using Narrative therapy as a critical social work practice. Students explore through experiential learning how narrative ideas may lend themselves to addressing social justice in every day practice with individuals, groups and larger communities. Prerequisite or corequisite: GS/SOWK 5150 3.00.
Instructional Format: SEMR
2024
F
gs/sowk 5995A
Advanced Seminar on Social Work with Immigrants, Refugees and Diaspora: Local and Global Communities
This course addresses impacts of migration on individuals, communities and families. It examines theories and discourses of migration and diaspora, Canadian immigration policy, and social service issues related to immigrants, refugees and diaspora.
Instructional Format: SEMR
Instructor(s): V. Ichikawa
2024
Y
gs/sowk 6112A
Quantitative Analysis
The course focuses on the use of regression models to analyze surveys and other social data. Assuming no prior background, it covers the statistical basics, model building strategies, model assumptions and the interpretation of results.
Instructional Format: SEMR
Instructor(s): A. Kim, C. Wu
2025
W
gs/sowk 7000M
Social Justice within a Social Work Context
This course explores social justice in the context of social work by examining the relations between redistribution and recognition. The impact on social work perspectives of theories of social justice that analytically integrate material relations and identity politics is considered.
Instructional Format: SEMR
Instructor(s): C. Chapman
2024
F
gs/sowk 7010A
Epistemology
Offers critical perspectives on the knowledge bases that inform and challenge social work today. Foundational philosophical approaches from the era of the Enlightenment to today, and various critical responses are covered, and their implications for social work considered.
Instructional Format: SEMR
Instructor(s): S. Maiter
2024
F
gs/sowk 7020A
Seminar on Research Design and Methodology
Examines a wide range of research designs and methodologies which are appropriate for answering social work questions. Both quantitative and qualitative designs will be examined. Emphasis will be placed on examining research questions relevant to social work and selecting appropriate methods for answering these questions.
Instructional Format: SEMR
Instructor(s): M. Liegghio
2025
W
gs/sowk 7030M
Quantitative and Qualitative Data Analysis
This course is designed to develop and enhance studentsÂ’ skills in the analysis and interpretation of both quantitative and qualitative data. Emphasis will be placed on issues and techniques of data analysis and interpretation.
Instructional Format: SEMR
Instructor(s): D. Kikulwe
2024
Y
gs/sowk 7040A
Doctoral Seminar
The course is a required seminar designed to support doctoral students in developing a dissertation proposal. It is open to students who have completed their required core courses and electives.
Instructional Format: SEMR
Instructor(s): Y. Wong
Learn More
The Graduate Program in Social Work at York is an exciting environment to pursue innovative, socially engaging, career-ready education. Contact our Graduate Program Engagement Coordinator for information.