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SOWK 220

I. Course Title: Introduction to Social Justice

II. Course Number: SOWK 220

III. Credit Hours: 3 credits

IV. Prerequisites: None

V. Course Description: 

This course is intended to introduce students to the social work perspective on social problems and approaches to achieving social justice. Students will develop a basic understanding of how social workers understand domestic and global social issues, including the history and current context of social problems.

Note(s): Cultural or Behavioral Analysis designated course.

VI. Detailed Description of Content of the Course:

I. The social work perspective

  • a. Systems theory
  • b. Strengths perspective
  • c. Social work values and ethics
  • d. Role of social work in achieving social, economic, and environmental justice 

II. Understanding social problems

  • a. Oppression and privilege 
  • b. Social indicators
  • c. Construction of social problems
  • d. Narratives
  • e. Theories and models of social, economic, and environmental justice; e.g., intersectionality, feminist theories, critical race theory, Latinx critical race theory, conflict theory, minority stress model.  

III. History and current context of social justice issues may include but will not be limited to: 

  • a. Structural racism
  • b. Poverty
  • c. Inequities based on sex, gender, gender identity and gender expression
  • d. Discrimination based on ability, age, class, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, citizenship status, military status, or religion
  • e. Hunger and food insecurity
  • f. Family violence
  • g. Immigration and refugee issues
  • h. Health and health care disparities
  • i. Homelessness 
  • j. Climate change 

IV. Achieving social justice

  • a. Principles of social justice 
  • b. Human rights
  • c. Social movements
  • d. Community organizing
  • e. Economic development
  • f. Policy advocacy

VI. Detailed Description of Conduct of Course:

This course may include lecture, demonstrations of skills, student presentations, role-playing, small group exercises, field trips, audio-video materials, case studies, written work, and guest speakers.

VII. Goals and Objectives of the Course:

Having successfully completed this course, the student will be able to:

  1. Describe the ways in which we understand social problems, including objective and subjective approaches. 
  2. Explain the relationship between social work values and ethics to achieving social justice. 
  3. Summarize key characteristics, including historical and current contexts, of select contemporary social issues.  
  4. Describe approaches to achieving social justice. 

VIII. Assessment Measures:

Assessment measures may include quizzes, journals, case study analysis, participation, exams, essays, research papers, and presentations.

 

Other Course Information: None

 

Review and Approval

March 01, 2021

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