3 credits
This course uses a critical lens to examine issues of privilege, power, oppression and human rights in social work practice. The effects of social locations and identities (e.g., race, class, gender, gender expression, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, religion, physical or mental disability and national origin) will be examined as they relate to interpersonal, intergroup and structural inequalities. Central to this course will be an examination of the beliefs and values that individuals bring to their expectations of self and others. Students will develop an understanding of the historical, political and sociological contexts of perceived and genuine differences, including variations in exposure to and consequences of trauma based on differences in power, privilege and positionality. The course utilizes a trauma-informed, human rights and anti-racist framework to examine the lived experiences of marginalized populations to critique the impact of white supremacist ideologies, ethnocentrism, ableism, sexism and other human rights violations. Emphasis will be placed on the social worker's ethical obligation to recognize, acknowledge and address these harms through reparative practices and culturally responsive interventions. This course is designed as a collaborative partnership between the instructor and students, fostering mutual learning, growth and sustainable social change.