SW Z547 - SW Practice with LGBT Pops

Credits: 3

This graduate level course examines social work practice with people who identify as LGBTQ+, with a primary focus on practice in the United States. We will explore basic terminology and social constructions of sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, and gender expression. Course readings and class discussions will focus on the experiences of various sexual and gender minority communities, with particular attention paid to the intersecting identities and socio-political context of race, ethnicity, class, and ability. We will examine how the following topics impact the LGBTQ+ community: the history and current state of community-based activism; family/ community acceptance and rejection (including the coming out process); disparities in education and wealth; substance use and use disorders; mental health, health and well-being; child welfare and juvenile justice; and aging. We will examine the state of social work practice for each of the above areas. This is an online graduate-level course worth three credit hours. Therefore, students should plan to dedicate, on average, six to nine hours per week, outside of class times, to this course. Students should use this time to do required readings, prepare for discussions, and complete activities and assignments. Prerequisites: Foundation courses.