Introduction to Social Work: Doing Anti-Oppressive Practice

Taught By:

Social work is often depicted in polarizing ways: social workers show up in media (and in life) as "superheroes" rushing in to save the day, as ineffective paper pushers and annoying bureaucrats, and as "cops without guns" coming to disrupt a family's life. But who are social workers, really? This course aims to give students an introduction to the field of social work and the specific work that social workers do.

Social work is a values-explicit profession, basing its theory and practice in a commitment to human rights and social, environmental, and economic justice. It is also a broad interdisciplinary field, drawing from biological, sociological, and psychological perspectives to inform its practice with individuals, families, groups, communities, and societies. Through readings, lectures, and seminar discussions, students will explore social work's history, primary theories, and values and ethics. They will learn about generalist social work practice, including the types of work done by social workers and the populations they serve. Guest speakers currently practicing in the field will introduce students to various areas of social work practice that may include public policy, child welfare, mental health and substance use/abuse services, and housing and homelessness services. Activities will also include asynchronous online group work, discussions, and lecture.

Learning Objectives:

To understand the scope of generalist social work practice and the avenues for further education in the field.
To discuss the historical evolution of social welfare in the United States.
To understand how political and social factors have influenced social work in both the past and the present.
To understand key social work theories including ecological systems theory; the person-in-environment, biopsychosocial, and strengths perspectives; and anti-oppressive, anti-racist, and decolonial social work approaches.
To introduce students to current critical issues in social work practice, with particular emphasis on abolitionist social work.
To acquaint students with the core values and ethical principles stated in the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics.
To demonstrate understanding of generalist social work practice as it relates to individuals, groups, communities, and policies.
To introduce students to social work interventions addressing issues related to social injustice as made manifest through race, class, gender, disability, mental health, education, etc.
To explain the current service delivery system environment in which social work clients' needs are addressed.

Anticipated Credit Equivalencies:

4 - Human Services