Midterm Assignment on Social Work in Canada - History, Approaches and Contexts

Objectives

Through this assignment students will:

• Gain practice understanding and applying core concepts in the study of social work in anticipation of parts 2 and 3 of the course
• Develop their knowledge of an area of social work in which they are
• Practice academic research and essay writing skills

The midterm assignment allows students to demonstrate and develop their understanding of the foundational content in classes 2 or 3, and 4.

It primarily allows students to demonstrate full or partial achievement of aspects of all course Learning Outcomes, as follows:

1: Describe the historical processes through which the ethics and values of social work in Canada have been formed and challenged (if writing on history) including major issues in the relationship between social workers and Indigenous peoples in Canada (depending on topic)

2: Identify the various organizations and systems in society, and the different components of social work education, that shape social work practice in Canada (all assignments).

3: Explain how social relations of class, race, culture, Indigeneity, ability/disability, ethnicity, sex, and gender among others affect social work practice (depending on topic)

You will write a 3-4 page paper on an area of social work of your choice, from a list provided in advance. In the first part of your assignment, you will discuss either the history of social work or different approaches to social work in your chosen area. In the second part, you must discuss the structures that shape that area of social work, as discussed in class 4. You will be expected to integrate course and other academic readings (including 2 academic journal articles) and to correctly cite and reference in APA format.

Sections of your assignment

You can use subheadings to separate and identify these four sections.

1. All assignments will start with a short introduction. This will introduce your chosen topic and outline what you will be arguing in your assignment and

2. For part 1 of your assignment you should cover one

a. A discussion of the history of the issue/issues faced by the population AND any attempts to improve wellbeing in relation to the issue (by social workers or others). This will build on your learning in Class 2. The content will depend on the area chosen, but could answer the following questions:

1. What have been the issues in the wellbeing of this population/ the population associated with this issue historically?

2. What is the (recent or longer-term) history of social work addressing (or not) the needs of this population? Are there any critiques of the history of ‘helping’ in this area?

3. How have the needs of this population been historically addressed outside of formal social work, either by the population itself or others?

3. For part 2 of your assignment, all students will describe the current context of social work on the topic you have chosen. This will build on your learning in Class 4. [Class 4 will be uploaded under material]

The content will depend on the area chosen, but could include:

• What are the different types/areas of social work practice that apply?
• How might social work on this issue intersect with other issues/populations?
• What are different national/provincial/municipal policies or laws that shape social work on this issue?

Part 1: Discussion of history or theoretical approaches in relation to the population/issue.

Part 2: Discussion of current context of social work and this population/issue.

The best assignments will demonstrate both understanding of the general context of social work and knowledge of the specific context for the population/issue.