This course prepares students for effective professional intervention in a diverse world, and provides an understanding of how discrimination and oppression operate to limit the life opportunities of members of minority, vulnerable, at risk, and disenfranchised groups. A conceptual framework for understanding diversity, discrimination and oppression is presented and used to understand discrimination based on factors such as race, ethnicity, social class, gender, and sexual orientation. Selected theoretical perspectives are used to critically analyze the manifestations of discrimination and oppression and their impact on affected populations. Social world’s responses to discrimination and inequality, including strategies for intervention, are also examined.
Social work practice implications of the characteristics of the Latino population of the Southwest. The course will analyze distinctive practice in engagement, communication, and service with Latino clients, differential modalities and helping processes for clinical and macro practice with this population.
A variety of methods to assess macro social systems are studied and experiences are provided to develop macro assessment skills. This includes the logic frameworks for assessment, organizational assessment and use of standardized measures for documenting organizational functioning. The course teaches community asset mapping and traditional community needs assessment methods
Students gain advanced skills in organizational administration and management. Organizational assessment, human resources development, financial and board management, fund raising, policy planning and development, project management, and program evaluation are addressed. Students explore "use of self" as they develop leadership skills and a commitment to excellence necessary for strengthening agencies and improving human services critically needed in the Border Region of South Texas and beyond.
Students gain advanced skills in community organizing and social advocacy. Community assessment, volunteer management, fund raising, campaign management, networking and project management are addressed. Students will continue to explore their "use of self" as they further develop the leadership skills necessary to strengthen at-risk Latino community groups in the Border Region of South Texas and beyond. SOCW 6341 taken concurrently with SOCW 6379.
This course provides advanced skills in policy formulation, analysis, evaluation, advocacy, social marketing, lobbying, international development policy, and social action mobilization.
Examination of current policies of government-sponsored child welfare programs and current issues in the service delivery aspect of practice with cases of child abuse and neglect.
This practicum course requires completion of 250 clock hours in an approved field setting which prepares interns for community practice and administration. Course may be taken concurrently with the second internship course (SOCW 6379).
This practicum course requires completion of 250 clock hours in an approved field setting which prepares Interns for macro practice. SOCW 6379 may be taken concurrently with SOCW 6378 or after completing SOCW 6378. SOCW 6379 must be taken concurrently with SOCW 6341.
Emphasis on processes for monitoring and evaluating for evidence-based programming.
This course examines perspectives on human well-being within diverse spiritual and religious traditions; models of spiritual development; the role of spirituality and religion in fostering well-being or contributing to the oppression of diverse, at risk, and vulnerable populations; and values and ethics for spiritually sensitive practice. Tools for spiritual assessment and spiritually-based interventions are explored.
