Sessional - Faculty - SOCW 3010

DUTIES

Thompson Rivers University invites applications for one sessional lecturer to teach the course SOCW 3010 - Introduction to Social Work Research (3, 0, 0) – 3 credits in Fall 2026. The course is offered via in-person delivery on Tuesdays from 11:30 to 14:20 between September 8th and December 23rd.

SOCW 3010 Calendar Description
Students explore the concepts, methods, and processes of social research, and develop skills in conducting and assessing research. Students are challenged to examine their own approach to knowing, to incorporate research into practice, and to think critically about research in relation to social work practice. The subjectivity of the researcher, the political and ethical context of research, and the role of research as an instrument of power in the lives of oppressed peoples is discussed.

Educational Objectives/Learning Outcomes
• Describe the value of research (what it is, why it matters, how to do it) and describe its relationship to social work and the individuals and communities with whom we work;
• Summarize the principal features of various research paradigms (positivist, interpretive, critical);
• Describe the value and utility of both quantitative and qualitative research methods;
• Describe specific methodologies and identify when to apply them such as feminist, Aboriginal (decolonizing),(participatory) action, survey, case study, program evaluation, needs assessment, and single subject design;
• Identify and analyze political, theoretical, and ethical issues related to the design, implementation, and use of social work research;
• Critically analyze the relationships between social location (based on factors such as 'race', ethnicity, gender, age, class, sexual orientation, (dis)ability, and faith) and experiences of doing research and being researched;
• Develop the knowledge and skills to effectively utilize social work research in a critical manner;
• Apply this knowledge to a research topic chosen of your choice.

QUALIFICATIONS

• An earned doctorate in a relevant discipline with a graduate degree in social work is preferred. The minimum academic qualification is a master's degree in social work.
• Successful teaching experience in post-secondary institutions is preferred.
• A minimum of five years of applied research experience is required.
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal and communication skills required.
• An ability to demonstrate experience integrating Indigenous knowledge and teaching methods (TRC CA 62) is required.
• Proven skills in building student capacity for intercultural understanding, empathy, and mutual respect (TRC CA 63) are required.
• Teaching excellence, including developing culturally appropriate curricula (TRC CA 10) is required.
• Candidates must provide evidence of their ability to commit to creating time and space for relationships based on respect as human beings, supporting and embracing differences with kindness, love, and respect (NIMMIWG, 15.7).