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SWK 542: Oppression Diversity,And The Struggle For Human Rights

3 credits

This course emphasizes the systematic nature of oppression and the responsibility of social workers to engage in the struggle for social justice and human rights. The meaning and implications of related concepts such as discrimination based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, class, disability, and aging are discussed. In addition to professional literature, there is an emphasis on experiential learning, encouraging students to get in touch with their own oppression and the biases they have toward others. Students gain an understanding of the practice principles and skills needed to be effective as change agents with diverse populations at the micro, mezzo and macro level.

Learning Goals

1. Display knowledge of the basic history and the current status of oppression in the United States.2. Exhibit an understanding of the commonalities and differences among people who are oppressed and marginalized from mainstream social, economic, political spheres.3. Display knowledge of the dynamics and consequences of discrimination, oppression, exploitation, and poverty in human societies and the concepts of human rights, social, and economic justice as a values-base for social work practice.4. Display knowledge of oppression from an ecological perspective that includes social policies, resource allocation, social programs, and service delivery strategies in both the public, private and voluntary sectors.5. Demonstrate a critical appreciation for and learn how to draw upon the adaptive capabilities and strengths of people who are oppressed and marginalized.6. Demonstrate a critical awareness for their personal values, feelings, attitudes, and behaviors and a plan of action that will include non-oppressive social work practices, programs, and policies.7. Demonstrate an understanding of the NASW Code of Ethics that mandates the social worker’s responsibilities to oppressed groups

Sections Offered: Fall 2026

Sections Offered: Summer 2026