SW 525 - Advanced SW Prac W/Communities

Credits: 3

This course is designed to equip students with a broad range of interactional, analytical and political skills needed to assist communities and community organizations and to serve as change agents to promote social and economic justice. Planning, organizing and development work, as well as social advocacy, will be explored with emphasis on the values of democratic, participatory models and methods that empower individuals and groups. Assessment of major social problems and how such assessment influences the choice of intervention strategies will also be covered. Building on the content of Generalist Social Work Practice III, this course will further develop the theories, methods and skills of community practice. Using the strengths perspective, this course will focus on the abilities of communities and their members to be active participants and to have an impact on their environment. This course will assist students in the knowledge and skill development needed so that they can effectively advocate with and on behalf of different human service communities including place- and non-place-based communities. Emphasis will be placed on the following core themes: the strengths of communities to create productive exchange and achieve client system goals; community advocacy skills that promote opportunities for oppressed, stigmatized and marginalized populations to access and successfully negotiate needed environmental resources; and skills that demonstrate respect, sensitivity and appreciation for populations of diversity and their contributions to societal well-being. Prerequisites: foundation courses.