SOWK 410

SOWK 410: International Perspectives on Social Welfare

Credit Hours: (3)

Provides students with an international perspective for examining the underlying concepts, values, and practices of social work. Examines the universal problems faced by human beings everywhere and programs that have been developed to address those problems.

Detailed Description of Content of Course

The content of the course includes a review of the unique cultural, social, economic and historical dimensions which frame the values and responses to issues in societies which are studies.

Detailed Description of Conduct of Course

The purpose of the course is to provide the student with a global perspective on common human needs and issues; and to introduce the student to an appreciation of the varied responses to need which are found in a representative sample of nations and cultures from different areas of the world.

Goals and Objectives of Course

To heighten awareness of the common human experience of people in all parts of the world.
To gain an appreciation of the rich diversity of cultural values which inform individual, family and community relations and systems in nations around the globe.
To learn new paradigms for the conception of social issues and the development of culturally relevant programs and services in our nation.
To foster an inclusive global perspective which permeates thinking, attitudes, and behavior in daily life.

This course will be taught in seminar fashion using a variety of teaching techniques, including: videos, student presentations, electronic international communication, speakers.

Assessment Measures

Students are expected to attend each class session, both as a commitment to their own learning and as a responsibility to enhance the learning environment of their classmates. Unexcused absences will affect a student’s final grade.

Grading Policy

The following represents the grading policy:

Article reports (75 points each) 150 points
International student association function 100
Personal international project
In-depth interview of person from another nation, or
Term paper on a subject of international social welfare 200
Class participation 50

Final grades will be awarded as follows:

A 450-500
B 400-449
C 350-399
D 300-349
F 299 or less

Other Course Information

None

Review and Approval

September 2001 Updated Marilyn Rigby