Course Overview:

This course offers an in-depth exploration of sociological principles and group dynamics, specifically designed to enhance social service practice within British Columbia’s diverse communities. Students will delve into the complex interplay of social structures, such as class, gender, and power dynamics, and their influence on individual and group behavior in service settings. The curriculum emphasizes mastering group facilitation skills through hands-on exercises, including conflict resolution, team building, and leadership development, preparing learners to lead effective group interventions. Students will engage in case studies and interactive workshops that address contemporary issues like family dynamics, youth engagement, and community cohesion, fostering practical, transformative approaches to support diverse populations. Expert-led sessions and reflective assignments will further equip students with the ability to adapt sociological insights to real-world challenges, enhancing their capacity to foster collaboration and positive change across varied cultural and social contexts.

Prerequisite:

  • The students must have completed grade 12 or equivalent education, or mature student status (19 years or older).
  • Applicants must submit a written statement outlining their motivation, relevant experience, and career goals. An admissions interview may also be required to assess communication skills, professional awareness, and readiness for both academic study and practicum learning.
  • Because the program includes placements with vulnerable populations, applicants must provide a clear Criminal Record Check. Some sites may also require proof of immunizations, first aid certification, or other documentation to ensure safety and readiness for practicum participation.
  • All applicants must meet one of the following Language Proficiency Requirements (LPR):
    • Completion of 2 years of secondary education (including English 10 and 11 with a grade of ‘C’ or higher) from a country where English is one of the principal languages, or
    • Completion of 2 years of full-time post-secondary education at an accredited institution where English is the language of instruction, or
    • To meet BC Health Care Assistant English Competency Standards, students from non-English speaking countries must have completed grade 12 or equivalent education and provide verified results for one of the English Language Proficiency tests with minimum scores listed below:
      • IELTS: overall score of 6.0, with a minimum of 6 in Speaking/Listening, and not below 5.5 in Reading/Writing.
      • CAEL: overall score of 60, with no section below 50.
      • TOEFL iBT: minimum 76 overall, with no sub-scores lower than 20 (Speaking/Listening) and 18 (Reading/Writing), or
      • Another accredited equivalent score.
  • Mature Student Applicants
    Applicants who are 19 years of age or older at the start of the program, are Canadian citizens or permanent residents, and are unable to provide official secondary or post-secondary education records may demonstrate English proficiency by:
    • Submitting a signed attestation confirming they have completed at least three years of full-time education in English in a country where English is one of the primary languages and
    • Completing the Accuplacer English Assessment (Next Generation: Reading, Writing, and WritePlacer) with the following minimum scores:
      • Reading: 235
      • Writing: 235
      • WritePlacer: 4

Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of this course, the students will be able to:

  • Identify and explain how social structures, such as culture, colonization, power, and systemic inequities, influence group behaviour and participation.
  • Develop effective, culturally safe facilitation strategies for diverse teams, integrating anti-oppressive and decolonizing principles to promote inclusive group environments.
  • Use basic conflict-resolution techniques in group settings, ensuring approaches are respectful of cultural norms, community values, and different communication styles.
  • Assess the dynamics of family, youth, and community interactions, considering cultural histories, intergenerational trauma, and the influence of colonial systems on group relationships.
  • Facilitate supportive, strengths-based group activities that encourage meaningful participation and incorporate decolonizing practices such as relational accountability, shared decision-making, and respect for diverse worldviews

Course Content & Topics:

Credit Information:

  • Credits: 3

Duration:

  • 14 Weeks: 3 hrs/week

Course & Related Fees:

  • Domestic & International: $700 (Seven hundred dollars)

For a detailed breakdown, please refer to Policy #S-005 Programs & Course Fee Schedule

Non-Refundable Fees:

  • Application Fee: $50.00/course (payable online and non-refundable)