Social Sciences Courses
SSC193 — Principles of Psychology (3)
An introduction to the principles, theories, and knowledge base in the field of psychology. The subject areas will include an introduction to methods of research, biological aspects of behaviour, cognitive processes, health psychology, psychopathology, learning theory, therapeutic interventions, and social psychology.
SSC194 — Principles of Sociology (3)
An introduction to sociological theory and methodology as well as a review of topics such as socialization, culture, stratification, and sex roles. A biblical understanding of interpersonal and intercultural relationships permeates the course.
SSC195 — Introduction to Cultural Anthropology (3)
Cultural anthropology theory seeks to understand culture from the “insider’s” point of view. This course enables the student to understand the essentials of cultural anthropology and apply these principles in the study of another culture or sub-culture. The course uses the principles of
cultural anthropology and broader cultural theory to explore the challenge of building understanding and appreciation of cultures different from our own. As well as learning about the basics of culture and anthropology, students receive an orientation to the hands-on nature of field work through completing a brief ethnographic study of another culture or sub-culture.
SSC197 — Psychology for Global Child & Youth Care (3)
This course is a blend of principles of Psychology, Developmental Psychology and Adolescent Psychology. The intent of this course is to provide an overview of how the human mind and body function and develop, particularly in the first eighteen years of life. Students enrolled in the Global Ministries CYC Certificate track will find these fundamentals of human development critical as they work with children and adolescents in the developing world.
SSC282 — Social, Environmental & Disabling Issues in Development (3)
This course cultivates an understanding of the range of contexts and conditions that place children and youth at risk. The impacts of neglect, poverty, malnutrition, abuse, family breakdown and substance abuse will be studied, as well as the resulting developmental disabilities, behavioural disturbances, learning disabilities, and societal impact. Prerequisites: SSC193 and SSC293.
SSC284 — Social Science Research (3)
The ability to do good research and interpret basic statistics is a foundation for informed professional practice in the Human Services. This course will cover introductory statistics, qualitative and quantitative research methods and designs as well as ethical issues in research. Prerequisite: SSC193.
SSC285 — Foundations of Child & Youth Care (3)
This course is the foundation for all subsequent Child and Youth Care Counsellor courses. Students are challenged to explore their belief and value systems, gain self–awareness and understand their personal impact when working with vulnerable children, youth and families. The history and scope of the child and youth care profession and ethical codes of conduct will be examined along with the relevant legislation that guides the activities of the profession.
SSC291 — Urban Sociology (3)
Urban sociological problems such as cultural tensions, dysfunctional families, the gang culture, substance abuse and pornography are discussed. Political and economic structures as well as multi–racial churches are explored. Gender/age differences as well as socioeconomic needs (the disadvantaged, the homeless, immigrants) are studied. Course features field trips for a variety of learning experiences. Prerequisite: SSC194.
SSC293 — Developmental Psychology (3)
A study of how humans grow from infancy through old age with attention to key physical, cognitive, and social characteristics of each developmental stage. Consequences resulting from disruption of the development process are studied. The impact of familial, community and societal influences are explored. Prerequisite: SSC193.
SSC295 — Abnormal Psychology (3)
An introduction to theory and practice in psychology as related to the nature, causes, and treatments of abnormal behaviour patterns. The course is designed to enable the student to recognize and respond to severe and abnormal behaviour patterns which are frequently encountered in society, and to interact effectively with mental health professionals and agencies
which provide services. Prerequisite: SSC193.
SSC297 — Youth Culture (3)
A careful examination of youth culture in North America in the context of family and total culture particularly looking at the impact of media and cultural philosophies. Prerequisite: SSC194.
SSC298 — Adolescent Development (3)
This course provides a more detailed look at the development patterns that occur in normal adolescence. Physiology, identity, psychosocial and spiritual development, cognition, moral and ethical judgement, as well as environmental influences and typical patterns of behaviour among youth will be examined. Students will develop insights into the adolescent world through both the traditional problem oriented paradigm as well as through the strength based and resilience paradigms. Students will acquire frameworks for helping families and communities support adolescents with normal developmental tasks and fostering resilience in these young people. Cultural competence for those working with youth will also be explored. Prerequisite: SSC193
SSC330 — Theoretical Approaches in Human Services (3)
An introduction to the major theories of helping. Students will learn to think critically about the development of human difficulties and the process of therapeutic change. Case studies will be employed, and attention will be given to professional ethics. Prerequisite: SSC193.
SSC335 — Dealing with Grief and Loss (3)
This course focuses on developing the understanding and skills necessary to support those who are experiencing grief and loss. Specific models of understanding and intervening with different types of loss will be presented. Prerequisite: SSC193.
SSC340 — Skills & Techniques in Human Services (3)
An introduction to microskills and effective interviewing in addition to other intervention techniques. Case studies will be employed, and attention will be given to professional ethics. Prerequisites: SSC 193.
SSC345 — Strength-Based Approaches in Human Services (3)
This course reflects the paradigm shift from a pathologizing to a strengths based approach to helping others and draws upon the insights of positive psychology and studies of human resiliency. Students will learn to conceptualize human challenges and develop effective strategies that serve to empower others, encourage optimism, and release latent solution-finding strategies. Prerequisites: SSC330 and SSC340.
SSC355 — Ethnography (3)
This course provides students with the opportunity to study culture in depth. Students will grasp the major components of cultural description through the study of a broad range of ethnographies. A major field research experience is a key component of the course. Students learn and put into practice the key discipline of cultural anthropology — ethnographic research.
SSC380 — Counselling Youth (3)
A study of adolescent issues commonly found in youth work. Students will be introduced to the typical symptoms of key issues and then learn to develop an appropriate professional and ethical response. Time will be given to basic counselling practices and the development of a referral system. Possible topics may include eating disorders, family issues, suicide, anger management, sexual abuse, pornography, teen pregnancy, identity developments issues, etc. Prerequisites: SSC193 and SSC298 or consent of the department.
SSC382 — Community Based Interventions (3)
This course identifies and explores some of the more common approaches to community assessment and intervention. A contrast between macro practice and the traditional counselling paradigm is covered along with some the major sociological theories for understanding society. Prerequisite: SSC193.
SSC383 — Canadian Aboriginal Cultures (3)
This course will provide an overview of the primary cultural groups divided by geographic region throughout Canada. Special issues affecting Canadian Aboriginal and Metis people will be examined through class discussion and special projects. Field Trips will also provide the student with first hand exposure to aspects of the Aboriginal and Metis experience. As a result of this course students will be more aware of the many issues facing these people groups.
SSC384 — Substance Abuse & Related Health Issues (3)
In considering the impact of substance abuse, the course will examine societal attitudes and values in relationship to substances; pharmacology of substances; paradigms for understanding the development of substance abuse; programs for treatment and recovery; strategies for prevention and health promotion. Prerequisite: SSC193
SSC389 — Child and Youth Care Practicum I (3)
Students will complete 300 hours of applied experiential learning in a Calgary human services agency. Under professional supervision, students will participate in the day-to-day work of the agency, developing valuable skills in the human services profession. Running concurrently with their practicum placement over the Fall and Winter semesters, students will be engaged in a weekly “reflective practitioner” seminar designed to facilitate their integration of theory and practice.
SSC390 — Specialized Studies in Human Services (3)
Specialized studies are usually led by visiting professors in areas of their expertise. Specific course titles vary with each offering as the nature of the studies indicates.
SSC392 — Working With Children & Adolescents (3)
A rich understanding of developmental psychology and helping skills are the foundations to this course. The focus is upon appreciating the issues specific to these age groups and learning how to intervene effectively. Prerequisite: SSC330.
SSC399 — Intervening With Families (3)
An introduction to applying systems thinking to understanding and working effectively with families and individuals. Diverse ethical and values issues will be addressed. Course assignments and experiential classroom exercises will aid students in developing awareness and expertise in the practical application of systemic interventions to human service settings.
Prerequisite: SSC330.
SSC480 — Assessment & Treatment Milieu (3)
Students will gain an understanding of creating a safe and therapeutic treatment milieu for residential care. The course will include major theoretical approaches to working with the resident and their family in the context of community to enhance their well–being. An introduction to psychological assessment and treatment planning will be included in this course. Prerequisites: SSC282 and SSC330.
SSC481 — Treatment Planning Interventions (3)
Advanced methods of assessment and treatment of children and youth in residential, day treatment and therapeutic care contexts will be introduced. Attention will be given to specific disabilities, ethical and legal issues and program evaluation. Prerequisite: SSC480.
SSC489 — Child and Youth Care Practicum II (3)
Students will complete 300 hours of applied experiential learning in a Calgary human services agency. Under professional supervision, students will participate in the day-to-day work of the agency, developing valuable skills in the human services profession. Running concurrently with their practicum placement over the Fall and Winter semesters, students will be engaged in a weekly “reflective practitioner” seminar designed to facilitateation of theory and practice.
SSC495 — Senior Research Project (3)
This course is a guided study in which students undertake the scholarly pursuit of a particular question pertinent to the field of human services work. Students will complete a 50 item annotated bibliography and an accompanying literature review on the selected topic.
SSC496 — Advanced Practice (3)
This two-semester seminar class runs concurrently with the students' practicum placement in their fourth year of studies in the Human Services degree program. The “reflective practitioner” model will be utilized to help students integrate their experience in the human services agencies in which they are placed. In addition, attention will be paid to ethical and practitioner self care. Co-requisite: SSC499
SSC497 — Working With Groups (3)
This course presents theory and ethics in the practice of counselling groups, with focus upon group leadership and facilitation skills. There is required participation in a small group for the purpose of skill development. Prerequisite: SSC340.
SSC499 — Human Services Practicum (6)
Students will complete 600 hours of applied experiential learning in a Calgary human services agency. Under professional supervision, students will participate in the day-to-day work of the agency, developing valuable skills in the human services profession. Running concurrently with their practicum placement over the Fall and Winter semesters, students will be engaged in a weekly “reflective practitioner” seminar designed to facilitate their integration of theory and practice. Co-requisite: SSC496