School of Health & Community Services

Social Policy and Administration

2015-16 Academic Year
Program

Year

Semester

HCS-Child and Youth Care (compressed) Advanced Diploma

HCS-Social Service Worker Diploma

Course Code:

SOCI 1501

Course Hours:

42

Prerequisite:

N/A

Corequisite:

N/A

Laptop Course:

Course Equiv. Code(s):

Course GPA Weighting:

Yes

No

Delivery Mode(s): In class X

Authorized by (Dean or Director):

SOCI 2551
3

X
Online

Hybrid

Judeline Innocent

Date: July

2015

Prepared by
First Name

Last Name

Email

Lori

Roblin

lori.roblin@durhamcollege.ca

Lorraine

Closs

lorraine.closs@durhamcollege.ca

Durham College Course Outline - SOCI 1501 - 2015-2016

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Course Description:
Social Policy and Administration provides an overview of the Canadian social welfare system and the effects of major
policy shifts on service delivery. The course begins by highlighting relevant historical factors and exploring significant
aspects of the social welfare system that are unique to Canada. The course then explores the impact of relevant
legislation and social policies on social service delivery. Students will examine social issues such as poverty,
homelessness and disability within a larger social, political and economic context. The course progresses to identifying
advocacy and change strategies that promote social justice, inclusion and equality.

Subject Eligibility for Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition

(PLAR):
Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) is a process a student can use to gain college credit(s) for
learning and skills acquired through previous life and work experiences. Candidates who successfully meet the
course learning outcomes of a specific course may be granted credit based on the successful assessment of their
prior learning. The type of assessment method (s) used will be determined by subject matter experts. Grades
received for the PLAR challenge will be included in the calculation of a students grade point average.
The PLAR application process is outlined in http://www.durhamcollege.ca/plar. Full-time and part-time students must
adhere to all deadline dates. Please email: PLAR@durhamcollege.ca for details.
PLAR Eligibility
Yes

No

PLAR Assessment (if eligible):

Assignment
X

Exam
Portfolio
Other

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Course Learning Outcomes

Course Learning Outcomes contribute to the achievement of Program Learning Outcomes for courses that lead to a
credential (e.g. diploma). A complete list of Vocational/Program Learning Outcomes and Essential Employability
Skill Outcomes are located in each Program Guide.
Course Specific Learning Outcomes (CLO)
This course will contribute to the achievement of
the following Essential Employability Skills:
CLO1 Present an overview of how Canadians
contribute and benefit from the current social
welfare system.
CLO2 Relate present day social policy to its historical
and political base.

Essential Employability Skill Outcomes (ESSO)

This course will contribute to the achievment of
the following Essential Employability Skills:
X

EES 1. Communicate clearly, concisely and

correctly in the written, spoken, and visual form that
fulfills the purpose and meets the needs of the
audience.

EES 2. Respond to written, spoken, or visual

messages in a manner that ensures effective
communication.

CLO3 Identify the role social policy plays in various

social problems such as poverty and
homelessness within a larger social, political,
and economic context.

EES 3. Execute mathematical operations accurately.

X

CLO4 Define the parameters of various service sector

roles in relationship to the social welfare
system.

EES 4. Apply a systematic approach to solve

problems.

EES 5. Use a variety of thinking skills to anticipate

and solve problems.

CLO5 Identify the steps involved in the development of

Canada's social policies.

CLO6 Formulate one's own perspective on changes

that could positively impact Canada's social
welfare system.

EES 6. Locate, select, organize, and document

information using appropriate technology and
information systems.

EES 7. Analyze, evaluate, and apply relevant

information from a variety of sources.

EES 8. Show respect for the diverse opinions,

values, belief systems, and contribution of others.

EES 9. Interact with others in groups or team in

ways that contribute to effective working
relationships and the achievement of goals.

EES 10. Manage the use of time and other

resources to complete projects.

EES 11. Take responsibility for one's own actions,

decisions, and consequences.

CLO7 Define change strategies and various forms of

social action to promote social and economic
justice and challenge patterns of oppression and
discrimination.

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Evaluation Criteria:
The Course Learning Outcomes and Essential Employability Skills Outcomes are evaluated by the following evaluation
criterion.
Evaluation Description

Course Learning Outcomes

EESOs

Weighting

Assignment One Social

Action Project Outline

CLO1, CLO2, CLO3, CLO6, CLO7

EES1, EES2, EES4,

EES5, EES6, EES7,
EES8, EES9, EES10,
EES11

10

Test One

CLO1, CLO2, CLO3, CLO5, CLO6

EES2, EES4, EES5,

EES7, EES8, EES10,
EES11

20

Social Action Project

CLO1, CLO2, CLO3, CLO4, CLO6,

CLO7

EES1, EES2, EES4,

EES5, EES6, EES7,
EES8, EES9, EES10,
EES11

20

Test Two

CLO2, CLO3, CLO4, CLO5

EES1, EES2, EES4,

EES5, EES7, EES10,
EES11

20

Article Reviews x 3

CLO3, CLO6, CLO7

EES1, EES2, EES4,

EES5, EES6, EES7,
EES8, EES9, EES10,
EES11

20

In Class Activities

CLO2, CLO3, CLO4, CLO5, CLO6,

CLO7

EES1, EES2, EES4,

EES5, EES6, EES7,
EES8, EES9, EES11

10

Total

100%

Notes:
1. Test dates are tentative and will be confirmed by the professor.
2. Tests will be closed book.
3. The format for tests will be discussed in class.
4. Tests will be written at the beginning of that week's scheduled class.
5. Specific instructions and the evaluation criteria for the written assignments will be discussed in class when the
assignment is distributed.

Required Text(s) and Supplies:

1. Chappell, Rosalie, (2014). Social Welfare in Canadian Society, (5th ed.). Scarborough, ON: Nelson Thomson
Canada Ltd. ISBN-13: 978-0-17-651543-0

Recommended Resources (purchase is optional):

N/A

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Policies and Expectations for the Learning Environment:

General Policies and Expectations:
Gerneral College policies related to

Gerneral policies related to

+ Acceptable Use of Information Technology

+ attendance

+ Academic Policies
+ Academic Honesty

+ absence related to tests or assignment due

dates
+ excused absences

+ Student Code of Conduct

+ writing tests and assignments

+ Students Rights and Responsibilities

can be found on-line at
http://www.durhamcollege.ca/academicpolicies

+ classroom management can be found in the

Program Guide (full time programs only) at
http://www.durhamcollege.ca/

Course Specific Policies and Expectations:

STUDENT CONDUCT: Students are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner. It is everyone's
responsibility to have respect for their peers. Electronic communication devices will be put on silent or turned off
during class. Anyone who disrupts a class to the detriment of the other members of the class will be asked to leave.
ATTENDANCE: Students are expected to attend class weekly and participate in all forms of evaluation. Students
are expected to be punctual and to actively participate in class discussions, exercises, activities and homework
related to the course topics. If going to be absent, students are expected to contact the professor before, or on the
day of the scheduled class, should an emergency occur. Arriving late or leaving early will be assessed as an absent
for the lab class attendance grade.
MISSED TESTS: We recognize that unforeseen events may, on occasion, impact a student's ability write a scheduled
test. The two accepted reasons for being granted the opportunity for a test rewrite include: death in the family, or
personal illness or medical appointment substantiated by documentation. Other situations may be considered on a
case by case basis in consultation with the faculty team, Coordinator and Associate Dean. To be eligible for a test
rewrite a student must contact the teacher via email within 24 hours of the scheduled test date and time. If a student
is allowed to write a missed test, the alternative time is to be arranged directly with the professor of the course within
ONE week of the missed test date. Appropriate documentation (e.g. note from doctor, dentist, etc.) will be requested
by the course professor in order to secure permission to write the test at a later date.
IN-PROCESS WORK: Class participation, sharing information and ideas in class discussion and group work will
enhance the student's own personal and professional growth. The in-process mark is based on participation during inclass exercises. Attendance checks and/or in-class exercises will be taken or assigned at the professor's discretion.
If a student is absent when attendance is checked or when an exercise is assigned, s/he will receive a mark of "0" for
that attendance check or exercise. This work cannot be made up or supplemented. Arriving late or leaving early will
be considered absent for in process marks.
WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS: All written assignments are to be submitted as specified by the course professor.
Unless otherwise directed by the professor, submissions made by other means than those written on the assignment
instructions may not be accepted and may result in a "0" grade for the assignment.
Late assignments:
Non-negotiated Late Assignment:
This is an assignment that has been handed in late, and there has not been a verbal, contractual agreement between
the student and the professor to extend the time for the assignment to be handed in. This assignment is considered
late and may be assigned a grade of "0".
Negotiated Late Assignment:
This is an assignment that has been handed in late, but with the permission of the professor. It is the responsibility of
the student to notify the professor no later than 24 hours prior to the submission date, if s/he is unable to submit the
assignment as directed. The professor and student, through discussion, will have mutually agreed on the
time/extension that the student will receive to hand in the assignment. The student's grade will be penalized at a rate
of 10% per day (including due date of assignment) for each extra negotiated day.

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General Course Outline Notes:

1.

Students should use the course outline as a learning tool to guide their achievement of the learning
outcomes for this course. Specific questions should be directed to their individual professor.

2.

The college considers the electronic communication methods (i.e. MyCampus, DC Mail or DC Connect)
as the primary channel of communication. Students should check the sources regularly for current course
information.

3.

Professors are responsible for following this outline and facilitating the learning as detailed in this outline.

4.

Course outlines should be retained for future needs (i.e. university credits, transfer of credits etc.)

5.

A full description of the Academic Appeals Process can be found at http://durhamcollege.ca/gradeappeal.

6.

Faculty are committed to ensuring accessible learning for all students. Students who are would like
assistance with academic access and accommodations in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights
Code should register with the Access and Support Centre (ASC). ASC is located in room SW116,
Oshawa Campus and in room 180 at the Whitby Campus. Contact ACS at 905-721-3123 for more
information.

7.

Durham College is committed to the fundamental values of preserving academic integrity. Durham College
and faculty members reserve the right to use electronic means to detect and help prevent plagiarism.
Students agree that by taking this course all assignments could be subject to submission either by
themselves or by the faculty member for a review of textual similarity to Turnitin.com. Further information
about Turnitin can be found on the Turnitin.com Web site.

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Learning Plan
The Learning Plan is a planning guideline. Actual delivery of content may vary with circumstances.
Students will be notified in writing of changes that involve the addition or deletion of learning outcomes or
evaluations, prior to changes being implemented, as specified in the Course Outline Policy and Procedure at
Durham College.
Wk. Hours:
1

Delivery:

In Class

Intended Learning Objectives

Course Introduction
Participant introductions
Expectations of the Learning Environment
Course Outline Review
Unit 1 Social Welfare in Canada
1. Define the concept of "policy", personal, social, social welfare
2. Identify the impact of social policy on the well-being of all Canadians.
3. Discuss the impact of social policies on individuals living in poverty
Intended Learning Activities
Lecture, interactive exercises
Small group activities
Film: No Place Called Home
Resources and References
Chapter One
Evaluation
In Class Activities (ongoing)

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Wk. Hours:
2

Delivery:

In Class

Intended Learning Objectives

Unit 1: Social Welfare in Canada continued
1. Examine the nature of the social welfare system in the provision of social programs; targeted and universal
2. Identify the current political ideologies in Canada
3. Examine the impact of political ideology on the provision of social welfare services
4. Recognize one's own political beliefs as they relate to the social welfare system
5. Introduce the concept of Income Inequality and its effect on all Canadians
Intended Learning Activities
Lecture, interactive exercises
Small group activities
Ted Talk on Income Inequality
Resources and References
Chapter One
Evaluation

Wk. Hours:
3

Delivery:

In Class

Intended Learning Objectives

Unit 1: Social Welfare in Canada continued
1. Identify the 6 stages of social policy development in Canada
2. Describe the process of social policy development as it relates to addressing social problems
3. Apply the social policy development process to a real life current social issue
4. Review the concept of participatory democracy as it relates to developing social policy
5. Identify the impact of social action activities on the development of social policy
6. Apply the strategies of planned change and social action to a case example
Intended Learning Activities
Lecture, interactive exercises
Small group activities
Examples of social action
Resources and References
Chapter Two
Evaluation
Article Review One

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Wk. Hours:
4

Delivery:

In Class

Intended Learning Objectives

Unit 1: Social Welfare in Canada: Historical Foundations
1. Examine the history of social welfare policy in Canada
2. Identify how current social policy has been shaped by historical and political events
3. Examine current trends in Canadian social welfare
4. Examine current approaches to social welfare policy and their impact on social welfare service provision
Intended Learning Activities
Lecture, Timeline Exercise, interactive activities
Small group activities
Resources and References
Chapter Three and Four
Weighting
10

Evaluation
Social Action Project Outline Due
Wk. Hours:
5

Delivery:

In Class

Intended Learning Objectives

Unit 2: The Service Delivery System
1. Examine how social welfare is delivered in Canada
2. Discuss public, private and voluntary sector programs in the provision of social welfare services
3. Explore current trends in service delivery alternatives
4. Review content in preparation for test one
Intended Learning Activities
Lecture, interactive activities
Small group exercises
Resources and References
Chapter Five
Evaluation

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Wk. Hours:
6

Delivery:

In Class

Intended Learning Objectives

Test 1
Consultation with small groups regarding Major Project
Intended Learning Activities
Consultation with small groups regarding Major Project
Resources and References
Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Weighting
20

Evaluation
Test One
Wk. Hours:
7

Delivery:

In Class

Intended Learning Objectives

Unit 3: Meeting the needs of Canadians through programs and services
1. Discuss the definition of "Poverty" and its cyclical nature
2. Identify the standard measures of poverty in Canada
3. Recognize one's own beliefs and values about the issue of poverty
4. Examine Canada's responses to poverty in relation to social welfare policies
Intended Learning Activities
Lecture, interactive activities
Small group exercises
Resources and References
Chapter Eight
Weighting
5

Evaluation
Article Review Two In Class
Wk. Hours:
7

Delivery:

In Class

Intended Learning Objectives

Student Social Action Projects Begin
Intended Learning Activities
Presentations
Resources and References
None
Evaluation
Student Social Action Projects Weeks 7 to 13

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Wk. Hours:
8

Delivery:

In Class

Intended Learning Objectives

Unit 3 Continued: Homelessness and Food Insecurity
1. Explore the issue of homelessness in Canada
2. Examine the risk factors for homelessness in Canada
3. Identify the social policies and programs related to homelessness and food insecurity
Intended Learning Activities
Lecture, interactive exercises
Small group activities
Resources and References
Chapter Nine
Evaluation

Wk. Hours:
9

Delivery:

In Class

Intended Learning Objectives

Unit 3 Continued: Social Welfare of Children and their Families
1. Examine current issues for children and families in a Canadian context
2. Explore Canada's position on the welfare of children through its related policies and programs
3. Discuss family violence and programs designed to address this social issue
Intended Learning Activities
Lecture, interactive exercises
Resources and References
Chapter Ten
Evaluation

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Wk. Hours:
10

Delivery:

In Class

Intended Learning Objectives

Unit 3 Continued: Aboriginal Canadians
1. Identify the impact of historical social policies such as the Indian Act and Residential Schools on the
current welfare of Aboriginal Canadians
2. Analyze the current issues and challenges of Aboriginal Canadians
3. Explore and critique current legislation and social policy related to this population
Intended Learning Activities
Lecture, interactive exercises
Small group activities
Resources and References
Chapter Twelve
Evaluation

Wk. Hours:
11

Delivery:

In Class

Intended Learning Objectives

Unit 3 Continued: People with Disabilities
1. Explore the evolution of Canadian social policy for people with disabilities
2. Describe how social action has impacted present social policy for people with disabilities
3. Critique current legislation and welfare policy for this population
Intended Learning Activities
Lecture, interactive exercises
Guest speaker Aboriginal Student Advisor at DC (SSW)
Resources and References
Chapter Fourteen
Evaluation
Article Review Three

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Wk. Hours:
12

Delivery:

In Class

Intended Learning Objectives

Unit 3 Continued: People with Mental Illness
1. Explore the issues of people with mental illness
2. Examine and critique the current policy for people with disabilities
3. Discuss the concept of stigma and its impact on a person with mental illness
Intended Learning Activities
Lecture, interactive exercises
Small group activities
Resources and References
Chapter Fourteen
Evaluation

Wk. Hours:
13

Delivery:

In Class

Intended Learning Objectives

Unit 3 Continued: Social Welfare of Older Canadians
1. Explore the issues related to population aging
2. Examine and critique the current policy, programs and services for seniors
3. Discuss the concept of myths regarding aging Canadians
4. Review course content in preparation for final test
Intended Learning Activities
Lecture, interactive exercises
Resources and References
Chapter Eleven
Evaluation

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Wk. Hours:
14

Delivery:

In Class

Intended Learning Objectives

Final Test
Intended Learning Activities
Final Test
Resources and References
Final Test
Evaluation
Final Test

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