SW 503 Diversity and Oppression

3 credits

This is a core course in the foundation curriculum. The purpose of this course is to provide students with an opportunity to examine issues of diversity in social work practice with individuals, families, groups and social systems. The effects of race, class, gender, gender expression, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, religion, physical or mental disability and national origin are examined as they relate to interpersonal, intergroup and intersystem power struggles and differences. Central to this course will be an examination of the beliefs and values that individuals bring to expectations of self and others as they interact within the context of race, class, gender, gender expression, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, religion, physical or mental disability and national origin. This course will provide students with an opportunity to engage in self examination of those expectations that they and others bring to all levels and settings of practice. The concerns that emerge in multicultural environments are explored to encourage students to understand the historical, political and sociological realities of perceived and genuine differences. Exposure to the impact of ethnocentrism, bias, prejudice and discrimination will be a central aspect of student learning. In particular, the course will provide students with an understanding of how these complex dynamics can influence access to and utilization of social systems and agency services. The contribution of this course to the overall core foundation/advanced year curricula will be addressed.