The course will explore the social construction of individual and group racial and ethnic identities and their relationship to oppression, prejudice, discrimination, and powerlessness in social and interpersonal contexts and their impact on individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities. Students will have an opportunity to examine their own experiences of both privilege and oppression. Students will learn to critically examine theories, concepts, and models of practice for racial and cultural bias.

This course focuses on the characteristics and needs of youth with emotional and behavioral challenges based upon socio-cultural and ecological theories, and provides exposure to family- and youth-driven practices and approaches that represent System of Care values and principles.

The course examines the school as a social institution that serves to educate and socialize children into US society and the role of the social worker in the school setting. Readings, activities, and discussions provide practical skills and theory for school social work practice. The course content addresses the history of school social work integrating social work values into a school setting, systemic needs within school settings, the importance of networking and professional collaboration, and working with diverse and at-risk youth and their families. Students also examine the role of school social workers in helping students, schools and families adjust to and cope with trauma, special education needs, and related topics.

Sexual and gender minorities will be constantly encountered by social workers wherever they work. This course addresses the task of clinical practice with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, asexual, intersex, two-spirit, genderqueer, and beyond (LGBTQ+) people on both personal and professional levels for the social worker. The readings draw from personal perspectives, as well as theoretical and clinical readings from the disciplines of social work, psychology, and assumptions about LGBTQ+ people.