Social Justice and Human Services ((4 Credits))

Catalog description

This course provides a multidisciplinary overview of social justice and diversity undercurrents in the human services field, drawing on insights from law, political science, history, sociology, social psychology, and economics. This course introduces past and persisting inequities and disparities in service delivery, as well as historical and current examples of community action, advocacy, and activism across helping professions. Learners will gain knowledge of social justice theoretical frameworks, advocacy strategies, and research related to access, equity, diversity, and belonging in the development and delivery of human services. This course will explore power differentials across race, class, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, religion, ability, and how these forces overlap, and effect change in human service environments. Students will assess their own perceptions and biases, while considering how this influences their social justice efforts within their community and across helping professions. Prerequisites: Introduction to Human Services or Human Service field experience.