SOC 257 - Topics: Social Work and Social Justice (1)

What is social work? What is social welfare? How does the profession of social work contribute to social justice in the United States? Social work continues to be a developing profession, historically influenced by the social welfare context in which it began and altered constantly by subsequent economic, political, and social change. This course takes a sociological approach to examine the historical and contemporary developments of the current social welfare system as well as the ways in which social work practices and policies impact diverse and/or at risk populations. Throughout the course, we will explore the values and ethics of social work, meet with practicing social workers, and critically examine topics such as child welfare, mental and physical health, criminal justice, poverty, racial inequality, and other forms of social injustice and oppression. Readings, lectures, class discussions, and guest speakers will interrogate the rules and biases of our current social welfare system and explore the ways in which social work can positively impact individuals, groups and social systems. Counts towards the SOC, SAN, GSS, and RES major.
(Social Science) (Intercultural Literacy Intensive)