Course Description
A critical overview of children and family social service practices in Ghana. Students will develop an understanding of major social welfare and health issues impacting children and families and learn intervention strategies employed in this developing nation by Ghanaian social workers, community organizers, educators, and service planners.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
Students must demonstrate cultural humility and perform a
country analysis of Ghana before departure. Graduate students
are expected to integrate theory, empirical research, and
their observations into the trip and the final papers. Their
papers must show a thorough review of the literature on the
course topics, including country-level data from reliable
sources like the UN agencies, IMF, World Bank, etc. Apart from
quality, their papers will also be longer by 3-5 pages
maximum.
Athena Title
Children Family Systems Ghana
Non-Traditional Format
This study abroad course will be offered during Maymester in Ghana, West Africa. Students will observe and/or participate in a service-learning project with a local community-based agency and/or engage with governmental and non-governmental agencies to develop a deeper understanding of the social service network, cross-cultural services, and policy practice. In addition, students will participate in a lecture series with Ghanaian scholars and students from the School of Social Work in Osu, University of Ghana, and/or University of Cape Coast, among other institutions of higher education. In an effort to prepare social workers who can lead nationally and internationally, this course is designed to add depth and breadth to students' understanding of global social work practices and policies.
Semester Course Offered
Offered summer semester every year.
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
Demonstrate an understanding of major historical events, social reforms, civic developments, and/or social trends that influenced the country’s development. (CEPD: 2.1.7, 2.1.9) Demonstrate an understanding of the history and/or an appreciation for professional social work practice in Ghana. (Clinical and CEPD: 2.1.1, 2.1.9) Demonstrate knowledge relative to needful children and family service needs that are addressed through formal (i.e., institutions) and informal (i.e., families, communities) response structures in West Africa. (Clinical: 2.1.2b) Recognize unique array of social problems confronting children and families in Ghana and West Africa. (Clinical and CEPD: 2.1.1, 2.1.2b) Demonstrate an appreciation for cross-cultural knowledge, skills, and policy practice methods used in Ghana to ameliorate human suffering and enhance social functioning. (Clinical and CEPD: 2.1.1a, 2.1.4) Demonstrate sensitivity to human needs by participating in service-learning projects to engage and collaborate with social workers and social service agencies in Ghana. (Clinical: 2.1.1b, CEPD 2.1.10)
Topical Outline
1. Child and family systems in Ghana 2. Role of NGOs in development 3. Culture and family in Ghana 4. Understanding "orphanages" 5. Social Work's role in helping vulnerable children 6. Social Work education in Ghana 7. Program development in human service agencies in Ghana