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Social Work 4Y03

 
Social Work 4Y03
Critical Issues in Mental Health and Addiction
Published by jamescw1234
12-23-2010
Published by
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The Awkward One
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 900

Author review
Overall Rating
80%80%80%
8
Professor Rating
90%90%90%
9
Interest
80%80%80%
8
Easiness
90%90%90%
9
Average 85%
Social Work 4Y03

This course is a part of the Social and Political Context courses offered by the School of Social Work, social work students have to take 9 units of these courses. However, if you are not in social work and have completed Social Work 1A06 and in Level III or above you are able to take these courses as well.

I have taken Psych 1X03, where "psychopathology" was briefly touched upon, and Health Studies 2D03, which went over a very broad overview of mental health. However, this course is very different as it does not focus on specific disorders and modes of treatment, but rather issues that affect the lives of individuals experiencing mental illness and addiction. We talked about stigma, social policy, poverty and homelessness, institutionalization, perspectives that professionals use to treat mental illness such as biomedical, biospcyhosocial and of course: anti-oppressive practice. We challenge the common misconceptions of mental illness, and spend a large amount of time focussing on anti-psychiatry.

This course was taught by Rick Sin, he is a hilarious professor, and is very down to earth in the way he teaches. Instead of doing the traditional lecture, he turns it into a discussion and acts as a facilitator, allowing individuals to give their perspectives on various issues. Rick is also a self-proclaimed easy marker, and that his class averages are usually 10's. So I'd definitely say take this course or any course he teaches for that reason.

The course has an essay worth 30%, an essay worth 40%, a group project worth 20% and attendance worth 10%. Rick is very easy with attendance, you get one percent if you show up to each class, and because there are 11 lectures, you get a 'freebie.' The first paper you take two models used to treat mental illness and compare and contrast them. It is 6-8 pages double spaced. The second paper you pick a specific mental illness and discuss how it's treated, policies and programs in Ontario, and you conduct an assessment of what is currently in place. For both papers you make recommendations to what should happen and state why you chose the topics.

For the group project, we were to do a 30 minute presentation based on a list of topics Rick selected. My group did it on why marijuana should be legalized, other topics included supportive housing, safe injection sites, community treatment orders, etc. We were also to lead a class discussion. Half of the grade was graded by your classmates based on the presentation. Then for the other half the group members rated one another individually based on how hard each member worked.

I'd suggest that people interested in the field of mental health and addictions take this course because it challenges mainstream forms of looking at mental illness and addictions. It also gives a good overview of the social policies that are in place as well. Plus, Rick is the man. Unfortunately the Social Political Context courses are not offered every year, but 4Y03 should be offered again in the 2012-2013 year.
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