Applied Social Sciences Courses
General Major: Applied Social Sciences (12 courses)
- APS-101, 120, 215, 321, 381, 428
- Two of APS-223, 235, 241;
- One of APS-236, 332, 342
- One of APS-245, 329, 351;
- One of APS-339, 341, 355;
- One of APS-432, 441, 455;
Course Details
Introduction to Social Work and Social Welfare APS-101
This course identifies and critically examines the foundations of social work, its
mission, purpose, knowledge, and value base, and the levels of social work practice
and process, fields of practice, and social policy contexts. These topics will be
examined with an emphasis on integrating theoretical and practical knowledge,
as well as a Christian perspective.
Introduction to Sociology APS-120
An introduction to the nature and study of social relationships and social institutions.
We will study human group behaviour in terms of culture, social interaction,
socialization, ethnicity, and gender. We will also analyze the internal dynamics and
external relations of social institutions including the family, church, school, and state.
Introduction to Social Work Practice APS-215
This course provides an introduction to social work practice in Canada. Students will explore social work practice issues within the Canadian context. Topics encompass the social work practice fields of individual, family, group and community, and the dynamic interplay between the social worker, the user of services, the agency and society. The course will emphasize the integration of theoretical and practical knowledge.
Prerequisites:
APS-101
Sociology of Canadian Society APS-223
This course undertakes a detailed sociological analysis of major social trends and issues in Canadian society. Topics including national identity, social inequality, Canada’s relations with Quebec, multiculturalism, indigenous peoples and the United States will provide the focus for advancing our understanding of social life in Canada.
Prerequisites:
APS-120
Sociology of Marriage and Family APS-235
This course provides a survey of the family as part of the created order. Topics include changes to the family through history and cross-culturally, the interaction of the family with the larger society, family roles, and conflicts and tensions within the family.
Prerequisites:
APS-120
Social Work Practice with Communities APS-236
This course explores the theories and methods of social work practice with communities. Topics to be covered include: geographic and functional communities, community assessments, theories and models of community practice, and various
skills related to community practice.
Sociology of Crime and Deviance APS-241
A sociological analysis of deviant and criminal behaviour in society. After an overview of different explanations of crime, this course will concentrate on various dimensions of deviant behaviour such as delinquency, drug abuse, and white collar crime. Police and court response to criminal behaviour will also be analyzed.
Prerequisites:
APS-120
Social Work Practice with Families APS-245
This course explores the theories and methods of social work practice with families. Topics to be covered include: theories required to understand families in social work practice, diversity in family structure and its impact, power dynamics within a family, assessment and intervention with families, and the impact of poverty and other social concerns on families.
Social Research Methods APS-321
This course will provide students with an introductory understanding of social research and its relevance to sociology and social work practice. Quantitative and qualitative research methods will be examined. Students will be introduced to applied research frameworks such as practice/program evaluation and participatory action research.
Prerequisites:
APS-120
Social Work Practice with Individuals APS-329
This course explores the theories and methods of social work practice with individuals. Topics to be covered include: theories pertinent to social work practice with individuals, working with individuals from diverse populations, the development of professional relationships, understanding intervention roles, and the process of intervention (engagement, assessment, intervention, termination, and evaluation).
Prerequisites:
APS-215Year 3 standing
Diversity In Canada: Implications for Social Work APS-332
This course provides students with the knowledge needed for practice with disadvantaged and oppressed groups. This course examines the history, demographics, and culture of various disenfranchised groups. A major theme of the
course is to provide an opportunity for exploration of how prejudice, discrimination, and exclusion affect the experiences of members of these groups. Another theme is the unique strengths and capacities within each group that should be recognized and utilized in effective social work practices. Social injustice occurs and is present at individual, institutional, and societal/structural levels; professional social work ethics and values demand cultural competence and cultural sensitivity practice at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels. Critique of diversity perspectives from a Christian worldview will also be discussed.
Prerequisites:
Year 3 or 4 standing
Peace and Conflict Studies APS-339
This course will provide an introduction to the field of Peace and Conflict Studies, including social movements which address issues of peacemaking and conflict resolution. The course will include readings and discussion of key approaches to peacemaking including, but not limited to, those from a Reformed perspective. This course will also critically analyze current global situations of conflict, examining current initiatives to peacemaking and applying theory in search of alternate forms of conflict resolution.
Prerequisites:
APS-120
Urban Sociology APS-341
An investigation of the nature of contemporary urban society. The origin and growth of cities and the dynamics of urban social interaction will be central areas of attention. Urban crime, conflict, and ecology will also be part of the examination
of social life in cities.
Prerequisites:
APS-120
Social Welfare Policy and Process APS-342
A critical study of the nature and history of social welfare policies and systems, current federal and provincial policies, and the impact of these policies on existing social problems.
Prerequisites:
Year 3 or 4 standing
Social Work Practice with Groups and Teams APS-351
This course explores the theories and methods of social work practice with groups and teams. Students will learn the theory underlying social work groups and understand the purposes and uses of different types of groups. Collaboration and interdisciplinary teamwork will be discussed. Students will be introduced to the skills and interventions used with groups/teams.
Prerequisites:
Year 3 standing
Sociology of Popular Culture APS-355
In an era of mass communication and commercialism, this course will explore the relationship between popular culture and its impact on society. This course will examine popular culture through a critical perspective which will address in particular the relationship between the Christian church and popular culture.
Prerequisites:
APS-120
Applied Social Sciences Internship APS-381
The internship course is designed to allow senior students the opportunity to apply their skills and knowledge of the discipline in an occupational setting. Internships are completed in community based or governmental organizations and students are required to observe and participate in a job-related capacity under supervision. Admission to the internship requires instructor approval. The internship course is comprised of a placement (field work) and in-class component. See page 61 for information on internships.
Prerequisites:
Year 3 or 4 standing
Poverty: Problems and Perspectives APS-428
This course provides a comprehensive study of poverty as a critical and chronic problem plaguing societies past and present. An interdisciplinary focus will highlight multiple perspectives including sociological, political, historical, environmental, economic, theological, psychological, and biological. Both Canadian and global aspects of poverty will be examined, with a particular emphasis on various approaches to solving poverty at local, national, and global levels. Students will be encouraged to develop their capacity for critical Christian reflection and response to issues of poverty.
Prerequisites:
Year 4 standing or permission of the instructor. APS-428 is the Capstone Course for the Applied Social Sciences Department and is required for all majors in the 4th year.
Disability and Society APS-432
This course will provide an in-depth analysis of advanced-level topics in the field of Disability Studies. The course will examine current themes and issues in disability, including accessibility, education, human rights, and social inclusion. Disability will be examined over time and cross-culturally. The course will examine each of these areas through a critical lens based on the Reformed perspective on faith and culture,
including an emphasis on social justice.
Prerequisites:
Year 3 or 4 standing
Advanced Issues in Criminal Justice APS-441
This course will provide an in-depth analysis of advanced-level topics in the field of criminal justice, specifically the roles of policing, courts and corrections. Emphasis will be placed on how these elements of the criminal justice system have changed over time, and on current issues including restorative justice, community policing, and incarceration. The course will examine each of these areas through a critical lens
based on the Reformed perspective on faith and culture.
Prerequisites:
APS-241Year 3 or 4 standing
Canadian Indigenous Studies APS-455
This course is an interdisciplinary study of the history and culture of Canadian indigenous peoples (including First Nations, Inuit, and Metis) with emphasis on contemporary issues surrounding Native life. The course involves lectures, films, student presentations, and field assignments.
Prerequisites:
Year 3 or 4 standing
