Provides an introduction to community organizing, advocacy, and
social action. Emphasizes the myriad roles, goals, and strategies
used by community practitioners in effecting social change.
Athena Title
Comm Organizing and Social Act
Pre or Corequisite
[(SOWK 7118 or SOWK 7118E) and (SOWK 7121 or SOWK 7121E) and (SOWK 7117 or SOWK 7117E) and (SOWK 7115 or SOWK 7115E) and (SOWK 7125 or SOWK 7125E)] or permission of school
Semester Course Offered
Offered spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student learning Outcomes
Students will be able to consider how bias, power, and privilege impact community organizing efforts.
Students will be able to conduct a review of a social justice issue and related impacts on individuals, families, and communities, calling upon various sources (e.g., scholarly, personal narratives, creative arts).
Students will be able to develop a community organizing plan in collaboration with community member(s), to include a detailed campaign plan, to address an identified social justice issue.
Topical Outline
Theories of community/social change
Communities, power, and the political context of organizing for social change
Personal and political transformations
Movement history
Funding and fundraising
Actions and tactics
Recruitment and constituencies
Issue framing and strategy
Research and campaign planning
Leadership and organizational development
Movement building
Popular education and training
Institutional Competencies Learning Outcomes
Social Awareness & Responsibility
The capacity to understand the interdependence of people, communities, and self in a global society.
