Culturally Competent Practice

Catalog description

SOWK 3513. Culturally Competent Practice. Study of diversity and difference in practice, emphasizing how cultural identities, social locations, historical contexts, and systemic factors shape client experiences across micro, mezzo, and macro environments. Students examine race, ethnicity, gender, social status, immigration histories, and other dimensions of diversity as they relate to engagement, communication, and access to services. Content includes exploration of cultural perspectives, family structures, values, and perceptions of professional helping. Students reflect on their own beliefs and behaviors to understand how these may influence ethical and culturally responsive practice. The Person-in-Environment perspective is used to support culturally responsive engagement and assessment skills. This course and its learning objectives are required for CSWE accreditation. Satisfies Language, Philosophy, & Culture Core (40) or Social & Behavioral Sciences Core (80). Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.