Course Description
This course examines the phenomena of power, privilege and oppression and their effect on individuals, families, and communities in the context of the values of social and economic justice within the social work profession. This course is intended to increase awareness of the intersectionality of multiple oppressions with a focus on race/ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status, and sexual orientation. Students will gain a self-awareness to identify the influence of personal biases and values that impact practice with diverse groups. Through this awareness they will understand their role as leaders and change agents when working with diverse populations. (3 credits)
Prerequisite
- None
Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- Demonstrate skills for engaging and addressing issues of diversity and social justice.
- Understand the power dynamics associated with difference and dominance/oppression, and their impact on human functioning and social relations within and across diverse groups.
- Understand how structural inequities in society are shaped by historical, psychological, social, and political factors.
- Demonstrate knowledge of social identities and the diversity within identities, as well as an understanding of the many ways that our multiple identities intersect at the individual and institutional levels.
- Demonstrate awareness of oppressive assumptions, biases, and prejudices that facilitate a stance of dominance, as well as identify where these biases, prejudices, and assumptions rest in institutions.
- Develop methods for continuing this lifelong process of recognizing our biases, learning how to change oppressive systems, and building a more socially just, equitable multicultural society.
Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) / Competencies
- Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior
- Advance Human Rights and Social, Racial, Economic, and Environmental Justice
- Engage Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ADEI) in Practice
- Engage in Practice-Informed Research and Research-Informed Practice
- Engage in Policy Practice
- Engage with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
- Assess Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
- Intervene with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
- Evaluate Practice with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
Course Activities and Grading
| Assignments | Weight |
|---|---|
Discussions (Weeks 1-8) | 25% |
Weekly Quizzes (Weeks 1-8) | 25% |
Weekly Assignments (Weeks 1-8) | 25% |
Oppression and Social Injustice Project (Week 8) | 25% |
Total | 100% |
Required Textbooks
Available through Charter Oak State College's Book Bundle
Diller, J. (2019). Cultural Diversity: A Primer for the Human Services - with MindTap Access. 6th ed.
Course Schedule
Week | PLOs | SLOs | Readings and Exercises | Assignments |
1 | 1-3 | 1-6 | Topics: Introduction & What it Means to be Culturally Competent
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2 | 1-3 | 1-6 | Topics: Working with Diverse Clients & Understanding Racism, Prejudice, and White Privilege
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3 | 1-5 | 1-6 | Topics: Understanding Culture and Cultural Differences & Working with Culturally Diverse Parents and Families
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4 | 1-5 | 1-6 | Topics: Culturally Sensitive Treatment with Children & Working with Latino/a Clients
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5 | 1-5 | 1-6 | Topics: Working with Native American Clients & Working with African American Clients
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6 | 1-5 | 1-6 | Topics: Working with Asian American Clients & Working with Arab and Muslim American Clients
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7 | 1-5 | 1-6 | Topics: Working with South Asian American Clients & Working with White Ethnic Clients
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8 | 1-5 | 1-6 | Topics: Working with American Male Clients & Working with Deaf Clients
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COSC Accessibility Statement
Charter Oak State College encourages students with disabilities, including non-visible disabilities such as chronic diseases, learning disabilities, head injury, attention deficit/hyperactive disorder, or psychiatric disabilities, to discuss appropriate accommodations with the Office of Accessibility Services at OAS@charteroak.edu.
COSC Policies, Course Policies, Academic Support Services and Resources
Students are responsible for knowing all Charter Oak State College (COSC) institutional policies, course-specific policies, procedures, and available academic support services and resources. Please see COSC Policies for COSC institutional policies, and see also specific policies related to this course. See COSC Resources for information regarding available academic support services and resources.