Assessing and Engaging Community for Community Change

Catalog description

This course enables the student to become a change agent in their organization and community. This course advances multiple theories (critical social theory, community capitals theory, conflict theory) and methods of community practice for social workers as agents of social change. This course builds on foundational theories and research methods, instructing students on applied community facilitation, planning, and organizing models and skills. We will examine strategies of community building and organizing, focusing on communities and organizations as a means of fostering social change and improving the quality of life for individuals and families, especially in historically marginalized communities. Students will learn frameworks and models of community building and community organizing, focusing on the role of the change agent and the change process in the context of structural racism, privilege, and inequity. Prereq: Advanced Standing or (SASS 502 and SASS 503 and SASS 504 and SASS 507 and SASS 509 ).