5 credits

As a social work scholar-practitioner, it is important to being prepared to serve populations with different lived experiences is important. Understanding the makeup of society, including undercurrents of prejudice and bias that can influence trauma, while being careful not to make broad assumptions about any individual or group, is a crucial skill for a leader in the social work community. In this course, students use historical and current events to consider how policy, systems, and public opinion influence the ability to meet the needs of diverse and marginalized populations. Students examine intersections of identity characteristics and apply contemporary theory to better understand societal manifestations of power, oppression, access, and opportunity. Additionally, students will consider how to apply their knowledge of diversity and multiculturalism to better lead communities, institutions, employees, and agencies in the continuous pursuit of social justice, fairness, and equity.