SOCW 102 - Human Diversity

3 Credits: (3 lecture)

Course Description
This course examines human differences, providing students with the knowledge and values of culturally competent social work at the introductory-level.  Students will learn about the mechanisms of oppression, prejudice, and discrimination.  They will recognize the many histories and cultures that exist and how they promote strength and well-being in diverse individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities. This course meets the General Education competency of Values, Ethics, and Diverse Perspectives (VE).

Corequisite ENGL 101 or by permission from the instructor.

A. Identify historical events and ideologies related to American cultural diversity. 

B. Identify the factors that contribute to discrimination and oppression and how those factors impact individuals and groups across the lifespan. 

C. Identify institutional forms of discrimination and oppression. 

D. Analyze personal values and beliefs as a social work professional. 

E. Examine the complexity of global and human diversity and the various forces that shape it. (VE) 

F. Discuss ethical dilemmas from a variety of social and professional perspectives as related to social work practice with populations at risk. (VE) 

G.  Engage an informant who represents a group that is different from the student’s identified group.

Content
A. Historical American cultural diversity 

B. Oppression and discrimination 

C. Institutional oppression and discrimination  

D. Social work professional identity  

E. Personal values  

F. Ethical practice 

Student Evaluation
Objectives A through G will be based on exams, written assignments, and class presentation.