Course Description
An examination of contributors to bias, prejudice, racism, and exploitation nationally and globally through a process of continuous reflection and community-based engagement. Students spend thirty hours in a community agency to understand and critique its social change efforts, and develop a social change project of their own.
Athena Title
Social Action Social Justice
Non-Traditional Format
Because service-learning does not fit within either the lab or discussion group descriptors , the fourth credit of this course does not appear to be reflected above. However, students will earn a total of four credits for this course; three for the lecture portion and the fourth credit hour for the service learning component. Service learning will take place in experiential activities in the context of community engaged efforts.
Semester Course Offered
Not offered on a regular basis.
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
1. Understand and critique historical and contemporary theories of social justice, particularly in regard to their implications for diverse populations; 2. How structural and institutional racism are a threat to social justice; 3. Observe and analyze how community agencies/projects/campaigns are addressing social injustices in the aforementioned list; 4. Confront their own prejudices and biases for the purposes of professional development; 5. Apply their new knowledge to their service experience as well as apply their service experience to their new knowledge; 6. Reflect on increased self-awareness regarding understanding how community issues have broadened and deepened; 7. Assess and evaluate the accomplishment of the learning and serving goals with the intention to apply learning to future endeavors; and 8. The implications of the aforementioned concepts for social work practice at all levels.
Topical Outline
Foundations Week 1 Course Introduction Week 2 Defining Social Justice Assignment Due: Weekly Reflection Week 3 Evolution of and Historical Theories of Social Justice Assignment Due: Weekly Reflection Week 4 Evolution of and Historical Theories of Social Justice (continued) Assignment Due: Weekly Reflection Week 5 Contemporary Perspectives of Social Justice Assignment Due: Weekly Reflection Week 6 Confronting Your Own Prejudices and Biases Assignments Due: Weekly Reflection, Social Issues Paper Application to Social Work Policy and Practice Week 7 Human Health Assignment Due: Weekly Reflection Week 8 Criminal Justice Assignment Due: Weekly Reflection Week 9 Child Welfare Assignment Due: Weekly Reflection Week 10 Environment Assignment Due: Weekly Reflection Week 11 Education Assignment Due: Weekly Reflection Week 12 Poverty, Income, and Assets Assignment Due: Weekly Reflection Week 13 Integration Assignment Due: Social Action Fair