Course Description for Difference, Discrimination and Oppression
Difference, Discrimination and Oppression
Description: This course examines social work’s historical and current commitment to social justice as it relates to oppressed groups in a multicultural society. This course will seek to enhance student understanding of and appreciation for diversity in self and others. Course content will address issues of power, inequality, privilege, discrimination and the resulting oppression. Special emphasis will be given to the experience of oppressed groups in order to understand their strengths, needs, and responses. Course material will use a social justice perspective for the study of and practice with oppressed groups at all system levels, including those distinguished by race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, immigration status, religion and social class. This course will consider the ethical dilemmas faced by social workers in their empowerment and advocacy roles.