SW 3550 - Social Diversity and Cultural Understanding

This course explores the many different definitions of diversity and the different realities and impact of how diversity functions in the United States. It will explore how certain individuals, groups, and communities in the United States have experienced unique social, economic, and political subordination relative to the institutional frameworks of the dominant majority. Consistent with the social justice traditions of the social work profession, this course will look at the ways in which practitioners seek to deal with the abuses experienced by individuals and families and to ensure that all individuals have an equal opportunity to develop and prosper free of discrimination, oppression, privilege, victimization, and exploitation. Additionally, this course will examine the adaptive capabilities and strengths of exploitation and the adaptive capabilities and strengths of marginalized groups and how such capabilities and strengths can be used in effective social work practice.