SLWK 603.George.Fall 2014.Final

COURSE SYLLABUS for SLWK 603: Social Work and Social Justice
Last Revised: 8/20/2014 Page 1 of 14
SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK
VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY
SLWK 603-004: SOCIAL WORK AND SOCIAL JUSTICE
COURSE SYLLABUS - FALL SEMESTER – 2014 (CRN#24723)
Location: Grace E. Harris Hall, 1015 Floyd Ave, Room 3103
Day and Time: Fridays from 8:00 am to 10:40 am
Instructor: Cynthia George
Email: georgecm@vcu.edu
Office Hours: By appointment only
COURSE DESCRIPTION
SLWK 603. Social Work and Social Justice. Semester Course: 3 lecture hours. 3 Credits.
Examines social work's historical and current commitment to social justice as related to oppressed
groups in a multicultural society. Enhances understanding of and appreciation for diversity in self
and others. Addresses issues of power, inequality, privilege, and resulting oppression. Analyzes
oppression resulting from persistent social, educational, political, religious, economic, and legal
inequalities. Focuses on the experiences of oppressed groups in the U.S. in order to understand their
strengths, needs, and responses. Uses a social justice perspective for the study of and practice with
oppressed groups, including those distinguished by race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation,
disability, immigration status, and class. Considers ethical dilemmas faced by social workers in
empowerment and advocacy roles.
COURSE LEARNING UNITS
I. Social Justice
a. Introduction to Social Justice: Concepts and Definitions
b. Social Justice, Economic Justice, and Social Work: Origins and Current Commitment
i. Social Work's origins in Social Justice and Social Reform
ii. Social Work's current commitment to Social Justice: Theory, Research,& Practice
II. Diversity
a. Concepts and Definitions
i. Difference versus Inequality
ii. The Social Construction of Difference
b. Diversity in Self and Others
III.Oppression and Oppressed Groups
a. Concepts and Definition
b. Coping and Adaptations
i. Individuals, Couples, Families, and Groups
ii. Policies, Organizations, and Communities
IV. Power, Privilege, and Inequality
a. Concepts and Definitions
b. Power, Privilege, and Inequality in Self and Others
V. Strategies for Social Justice
a. Empowerment Strategies: Concepts and Definitions
i. Individuals, Couples, Families, and Groups
ii. Policies, Organizations, and Communities
b. Advocacy: Concepts and Definitions
c. Ethical Dilemmas

COURSE COMPETENCIES AND PRACTICE BEHAVIORS (PB)
Competency 2.1.1 - Identify as a professional social worker and conduct oneself accordingly
a. Advocate for client access to the services of social work
b. Practice personal reflection and self-correction to assure continual professional development
Competency 2.1.2 – Apply social work practice ethical principles to guide professional
practice
a. Recognize and manage personal values in a way that allows professional values to guide
practice
Competency 2.1.4 – Engage diversity and difference in practice
a. Recognize the extent to which a culture’s structures and values may oppress, marginalize,
alienate, or create or enhance privilege and power
b. Gain sufficient self-awareness to eliminate the influence of personal biases and values in
working with diverse groups
c. Recognize and communicate their understanding of the importance of differences in shaping
life experiences
Competency 2.1.5 – Advance human rights and social and economic justice
a. Understand the forms and mechanisms of oppression and discrimination
b. Advocate for human rights and social and economic justice
c. Engage in practices that advance social and economic justice
Competency 2.1.9 – Respond to contexts that shape practice
a. Continuously discover, appraise and attend to changing locales, populations, scientific and
technological developments and emerging societal trends to provide relevant services
UNIVERSITY INFORMATION (required statements from the Provost - Last updated July 2014)
VCU Email Policy
Email is considered an official method for communication at VCU because it delivers
information in a convenient, timely, cost-effective, and environmentally aware manner.
Students are expected to check their official VCU email on a frequent and consistent basis in
order to remain informed of university-related communications. The university recommends
checking email daily. Students are responsible for the consequences of not reading, in a
timely fashion, university-related communications sent to their official VCU student email
account. This policy ensures that all students have access to this important form of
communication. It ensures students can be reached through a standardized channel by
faculty and other staff of the university as needed. Mail sent to the VCU email address may
include notification of university-related actions, including disciplinary action. Please read
the policy in its entirety: http://www.ts.vcu.edu/kb/3407.html.
VCU Honor System: Upholding Academic Integrity
The VCU Honor System policy describes the responsibilities of students, faculty and
administration in upholding academic integrity, while at the same time respecting the rights
of individuals to the due process offered by administrative hearings and appeals. According
to this policy, "Members of the academic community are required to conduct themselves in
accordance with the highest standards of academic honesty and integrity." In addition, "All
members of the VCU community are presumed to have an understanding of the VCU
Honor System and are required to:

 Agree to be bound by the Honor System policy and its procedures;
 Report suspicion or knowledge of possible violations of the Honor System;
 Support an environment that reflects a commitment to academic integrity;
 Answer truthfully when called upon to do so regarding Honor System cases;
 Maintain confidentiality regarding specific information in Honor System cases."
More information can be found at in the VCU policy library at
http://www.assurance.vcu.edu/Policy%20Library/Honor%20System.pdf.
Student Conduct in the Classroom
According to the Faculty Guide to Student Conduct in Instructional Settings
(http://www.assurance.vcu.edu/Policy%20Library/Faculty%20Guide%20to%20Student%2
0Conduct%20in%20Instructional%20Settings.pdf), “The university is a community of
learners. Students, as well as faculty, have a responsibility for creating and maintaining an
environment that supports effective instruction. In order for faculty members (including
graduate teaching assistants) to provide and students to receive effective instruction in
classrooms, laboratories, studios, online courses, and other learning areas, the university
expects students to conduct themselves in an orderly and cooperative manner." Among
other things, cell phones and beepers should be turned off while in the classroom. The
Student Code of Conduct also prohibits the possession of or carrying of any weapon. For
more information see http://register.dls.virginia.gov/details.aspx?id=3436.
Students with Disabilities
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of
1990, as amended, require that VCU provide "academic adjustments" or "reasonable
accommodations" to any student who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially
limits a major life activity. To receive accommodations, students must request them by
contacting the Disability Support Services Office on the Monroe Park Campus (828-2253)
or the Division for Academic Success on the MCV campus (828-9782). Please also visit the
Disability Support Services website at www.students.vcu.edu/dss and/or the Division for
Academic Success website at www.healthsciences.vcu.edu/DAS/ for additional information.
Any student who has a disability that requires an accommodation should schedule a meeting
with the instructor at the student's earliest convenience. Additionally, if coursework requires
the student to work in a lab environment, the student should advise the instructor or a
department chairperson of any concerns that the student may have regarding safety issues
related to a disability. Students should follow this procedure for all courses in the academic
semester.
Statement on Military Short-Term Training or Deployment
If military students receive orders for short-term training or for deployment/mobilization,
they should inform and present their orders to Military Student Services and to their
professor(s). For further information on policies and procedures contact Military Services at
828-5993 or access the corresponding policies.
Excused Absences for Students Representing the University
Students who represent the university (athletes and others) do not choose their schedules.
Student athletes are required to attend games and/or meets. All student athletes should
provide their schedules to their instructors at the beginning of the semester. The
Intercollegiate Athletic Council strongly encourages faculty to treat missed classes or exams
(because of a scheduling conflict) as excused absences and urges faculty to work with the
students to make up the work or exam.

Campus Emergency Information
What to Know and Do to Be Prepared for Emergencies at VCU:
 Sign up to receive VCU text messaging alerts. Keep your information up-to-date.
Within the classroom, the professor will keep his or her phone on to receive any
emergency transmissions.
 Know the safe evacuation route from each of your classrooms. Emergency
evacuation routes are posted in on-campus classrooms.
 Listen for and follow instructions from VCU or other designated authorities. Within
the classroom, follow your professor's instructions.
 Know where to go for additional emergency information.
 Know the emergency phone number for the VCU Police (828-1234).
 Report suspicious activities and objects.
 Keep your permanent address and emergency contact information current in
eServices.
Important Dates
You can view important dates for the Fall 2014 semester in the university calendar
(http://academiccalendars.vcu.edu/ac_fullViewAll.asp?term=Fall+2014).
VCU Mobile
The VCU Mobile application is a valuable tool to get the latest VCU information on the go.
The application contains helpful information including the VCU directory, events, course
schedules, campus maps, athletics and general VCU news, emergency information, library
resources, Blackboard and more. To download the application on your smart phone or for
more information, please visit http://m.vcu.edu.
Class Registration Required for Attendance
Students may attend only those classes for which they have registered. Faculty may not add
students to class rosters or Blackboard. Therefore, if students are attending a class for which
they have not registered, they must stop attending.
Withdrawal from Classes
Before withdrawing from classes, students should consult their instructor as well as other
appropriate university offices. Withdrawing from classes may negatively impact a student’s
financial aid award and his or her semester charges. To discuss financial aid and the student
bill, visit the Student Services Center at 1015 Floyd Avenue (Harris Hall) and/or contact
your financial aid counselor regarding the impact on your financial aid. Contact information
for the University Financial Aid Office is available at
http://www.enrollment.vcu.edu/finaid/contact-us/.
Student Financial Responsibility
Students assume the responsibility of full payment of tuition and fees generated from their
registration and all charges for housing and dining services, and other applicable
miscellaneous charges. Students are ultimately responsible for any unpaid balance on their
account as a result of the University Financial Aid Office or their third party sponsor
canceling or reducing their award(s).

SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK - STANDARD COURSE POLICIES
In order to assure the safest, most honest explorations of the sensitive issues in a course focusing on
oppression, discrimination and their consequences for all, the following ground rules will be in
force:
1. We acknowledge that social inequalities and oppression exist.
2. We acknowledge that we have all been systematically exposed to misinformation about
groups to which we and others belong.
3. We cannot be blamed for misinformation we have learned, but we must take responsibility
for repeating it after we have learned otherwise.
4. We will not blame victims for their oppression.
5. We will assume that people are doing the best they can.
6. We will actively pursue information about our own groups and those of others, share it with
classmates and translate this knowledge into professional behavior.
7. We will not demean, devalue, or in any way "put down" people for their experiences,
perceptions, questions, or comments.
8. We will respect the confidentiality of classroom discussions about specific individuals,
groups, communities, and organizations that could be identified in any way. This includes
information that classroom colleagues share about themselves.
COURSE INFORMATION
ATTENDANCE POLICY
Students are expected to attend and participate in class meetings for their own learning benefit and
in order to be accountable to the class. Missing more than 25% of class sessions will result in a
lowered final grade.
If class is cancelled for inclement weather or any other emergency reason, I will email you
immediately. This email will come through the Blackboard system which is connected to your
@vcu.edu email.
INDIVIDUAL INSTRUCTOR COURSE POLICIES/EXPECTATIONS
Be on time and treat me and each other with respect. You will see that the assignments are designed
to adapt to your interest areas and are also integrated into class participation, thus attendance and
engagement will become very important indicators of your success in this course.
We will all be working together to investigate “social justice” and how it relates to “Social Work.”
Each assignment has a participation component and you must be present when the group discussion
occurs in order to earn these points. Late assignments will not be accepted without prior approval.
BLACKBOARD
Students may access the course web site through Blackboard. Your login is your VCU email user
name (the first part of your VCU email address) and your password is your VCU email password. If
you do not know your VCU email password, call the University Computer Services help desk (828-
2227) or go to the help desk in Cabell library. It is important that you check your VCU email
regularly during the semester for any emails the instructor or students in class may send you.

REQUIRED TEXT
Rothenberg, P. (2014). Race, class, and gender in the United States (9th
ed.). New York: Worth.
Additional required readings:
Course Reserves Reading List: A packet of supplementary required readings are available through
the library’s electronic reserves at http://www.library.vcu.edu/research/reserves/. Readings relate to
the concepts and topics identified in the course units below and supplement the readings from the
text. A list of these readings is provided at the end of this syllabus and the Course Outline explains
which readings are due on which class day according to the first author’s last name.
These below are part of the in-class activity and will provide a framework for the action strategy
students will complete for their final assignments. Both are available in the course Blackboard:
Andrews, J., Newman, S., Meadows, O., Cox, M., & Bunting, S. (2012). Partnership readiness for
community-based participatory research. Health Education Research, 27(4), 555-571.
Tri-Ethnic Center for Prevention Research. (2014). Community Readiness for Community
Change. Ft. Collins, CO: Colorado State University. Available to the public online at:
http://triethniccenter.colostate.edu/CRhandbookcopy.htm
A note about accessing and referencing appropriate sources:
When you cite information from the textbook in any of your papers for this course, please cite with
the essay author’s last name and the page number that contains the information you are citing. For
example: (Greenhouse, p. 276). Follow APA formatting for all other citations.
When you are quoting or otherwise significantly using an author’s work (such as paraphrasing or
summarizing key ideas), you are expected to reference the source. When directly quoting an author’s
words, you should use quotation marks or indented lines as well as indicate the page or paragraph
number(s) in the in-text citation. You should use direct quotes sparingly in a paper. APA formatting
is required for all papers. Handouts’ APA style can be tailored to fit space/content, but should
include APA citations.
You will need to conduct literature searches. Given the breadth of VCU Libraries’ services, you
should find everything you need easily. However, these activities may entail time so you should
begin the literature search process well before an assignment is due. The articles you want to review
may require visits to the library to obtain hard copies and/or time to request articles or books
through Interlibrary Loan.
While each assignment does require at least one academic journal article, other media sources are
also allowed in order to explore the multiple meanings of sociological concepts. Given the
availability of information on the Internet, it is often difficult to evaluate the quality of online
sources. It is expected that students will pay attention to the domain, sponsor, author background,
and date of information on any websites used. All information obtained from websites should be
properly cited in APA format.

GRADING EVALUATION CRITERIA
The following general guidelines will be used to determine a grade for an assignment. You will
receive 7 total grades, all of which will be averaged together for your overall grade for the course.
Each assignment throughout the syllabus more clearly outlines what an “A” will look like for each.
A. 90-100 = All or most aspects of the assignment are outstanding. The student responds
completely to all parts of the assignment and demonstrates exceptional critical thinking ability,
writing and presentation skills, and mastery of searching and retrieving relevant literature
sources. Each assignment also has a participatory component where you must discuss what you
have learned with the class in order to comfortably be in the “A” level.
B. 80-89 = All or most aspects of the assignment are good. The student responds completely to
all parts of the assignment and demonstrates sufficient critical thinking ability, writing and
presentation skills, and mastery of searching and retrieving relevant literature sources.
C. 70-79 = Most content requirements are met, but some parts of the assignment are not
adequately developed. Assignment does not consistently demonstrate critical thinking ability,
writing and presentation skills, and/or a mastery of searching and retrieving relevant literature.
D. 60-69 = Major parts of the assignment are not addressed, and/or many of them are not
adequately developed. Assignment does not demonstrate adequate critical thinking ability,
writing and presentation skills, and/or a mastery of searching and retrieving relevant literature.
F. Below 60 =Assignments that are not submitted as specified; those submitted where none of the
parts of the assignment are addressed; and/or those submitted with plagiarized material.
ASSIGNMENTS
I. SOCIAL JUSTICE IN THE NEWS - PAPER and GROUP DISCUSSION (due 10/10)
Select an example of current news related to social justice and Social Work. The source of the news
story can be a newspaper article, magazine, blog, social media site, or any other electronic or hard
copy format by which news is transmitted. You should select a news story on a sociological topic
that is of interest to you and one that is connected in some way to the social justice concepts we are
discussing in class. Each student will complete a 3-4 page paper that:
1. Briefly summarizes the news story and how it relates to the course,
2. Discusses how this news story affects different people/groups differently,
3. Discusses what this news means for social justice,
4. Discusses what this news means for Social Work values and ethics.
5. Discusses how this news impacts Social Work practice behaviors.
An “A” for this assignment will demonstrate the following:
 90 points: Paper will discuss a current news story relevant to social justice and Social Work;
contain accurate and concise summarizations of the news story; will be connected to concepts
from assigned readings and/or other literature; will demonstrate critical thought in response to
each of the questions specified above; will include APA references accurately linking to the news
article and/or other sources referenced; and will be free of spelling and other errors.
 10 points: Student will engage in a group discussion facilitated by the Instructor about the
various news stories of interest to the class related to social justice in today’s world.

II. INDIVIDUAL PRESENTATIONS ON COURSE UNITS
a. Social Work’s origins in social justice assignment (due either 8/29 or 9/5)
b. Power, Privilege, and Inequality assignment (due either 10/3 or 10/10)
c. Strategies for social justice assignment (due either 10/31 or 11/7)
For each of these three course units, the class will be divided into two groups. For each Course Unit
area specified, there are assigned readings, with one day focused on micro and the other on more
macro issues. All readings are required for all students. From the assigned readings for your
scheduled presentation day (the order of which students will go when will be determined in class),
identify 2-4 concepts that you want to better understand. Understand how the author of the
assigned reading defines these concepts, and then locate at least 2 other sources to see how the
concepts are defined by other authors. Assignment Deliverables for each of these 3 assignments are:
1. Prepare a 2 page handout on which you will:
a. Identify 2-4 key concepts from any of the assigned the readings that interest you and
i. Define them according to the author of the associated assigned reading,
ii. Define them from the perspective of at least 2 additional sources (1 reference
must be an academic journal article, the others can be any other source)
b. Using the multiple perspectives on the concepts and your own experience, respond to:
i. Do these concepts mean different things to different people? Why/Why not?
ii. What do these concepts mean for social justice?
iii. What do these concepts mean for Social Work values and ethics?
iv. How do these concepts impact Social Work practice behaviors?
2. Give a 5-10 min. presentation:
a. Provide paper copies of your handout to your classmates and instructor,
b. Give a brief summary/overview of the key concepts you researched, and
c. Give a brief summary of what these concepts mean for social justice and Social Work.
Note: The purpose of the handout is so that the instructor will be able to clearly identify if you
completed the assignment. If you take a direct quote when defining a concept, use quotation marks
and cite. The presentation is to help make sure that the class understands the key concepts you have
researched so that we can have a larger group discussion about what these concepts may mean.
Given the time frame and other specifications, you can do this however you think will be most
effective. You may use simply the assigned handout and your voice, PPT slides, additional handouts
or materials, demonstrations, activities, YouTube video or other clip, whatever you feel you need in
order to communicate the concepts for comprehension.
An “A” for each of these assignments will demonstrate the following:
 80 points: Handout will contain clear concepts; accurate summarizations of the authors definitions
from the assigned readings; at least 2 additional perspectives on what these concepts mean, 1 of
which is an academic journal article; will demonstrate critical thought in responses to each of the
questions specified above; will be useful to classmates in understanding the concepts discussed; will
include APA references accurately; and will be free of spelling and other errors.
 20 points: Presentation will review the definitions of the concepts in a concise and comprehensible
way; will stay on topic and be less than 10 min. long; and be engaging and informative to the group.

III. INDIVIDUAL DIVERSITY PAPERS and GROUP DISCUSSIONS
a. Diversity among groups assignment (Due 9/12)
b. Diversity of self assignment (Due 9/19)
Being reflexive and developing critical self-awareness is a major objective of the course and this
assignment is designed to help students consider 1) externally what diversity means among groups,
and then 2) internally what diversity means within themselves. For each of the two assignments
listed below, assignment deliverables include:
1. Prepare a 2-3 page paper on the specified topic below
2. Participate in a group discussion using your experiences in completing the assignment (as you
feel comfortable sharing in a large group).
Note: When discussing concepts of oppression, use the assigned readings as a jumping off point,
but you should also use additional chapters in the text and/or your outside readings. These papers
should be in APA format and include references wherever appropriate. However, these are also
reflexive papers that will likely refer to real world events such as class discussion and/or life
experience. You do not need to cite the latter of these, but do be clear in your writing when you are
drawing on personal experience to ground your perspective.
a. Diversity among groups assignment (Due 9/12)
Spend some time reflecting on a group considered to be oppressed, which could be related to
gender, race, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, class, and/or disability. Then, write a 2-3
page paper that addresses the following areas:
1. How is oppression conceptualized by outsiders looking in on this group?
2. How is oppression conceptualized by insiders among this group?
3. Do different members of this group experience oppression differently?
4. Discuss how you feel about yourself in respect to this group.
5. Describe how you believe your personal characteristics might impact your ability to practice
as a social worker with this group. What practice behaviors will you need to be proficient in?
b. Diversity of self assignment (Due 9/19)
Spend some time reflecting on who you are as a person related to gender, race, age, ethnicity, sexual
orientation, religion, class, and/or disability. Then, write a paper that addresses the following areas:
1. Identify 2-3 of the concepts of difference from the readings that resonate with you.
2. Use your personal experiences to discuss what these concepts have meant in your life.
3. Discuss the ways in which you consider yourself and/or feel you are perceived to be either
oppressed and/or privileged. Are these perceptions fair? Why or why not?
4. Describe how you believe your personal characteristics might impact your social work
practice. Which areas of practice behaviors could you stand to improve your proficiency in?
An “A” for these assignments will demonstrate the following:
 90 points: Paper will discuss difference as a concept, construct, or theory; will demonstrate
reflexivity and critical thought in response to each of the questions specified above; will
demonstrate ability to recognize power and privilege; how your personal characteristics influence
self concept and concept of others; how personal characteristics connect with professional work;
will include APA references; and will be free of spelling and other errors.
 10 points: Student will participate in a group discussion facilitated by the Instructor about
diversity in today’s world. Students will demonstrate the ability to discuss difference as a
concept, construct, or theory; as well as a phenomenon of human experience in a mutually
respectful way with all participants.

IV. FINAL - GROUP ACTION PLANNING and GROUP PRESENTATIONS
Groups formalized (in class on 9/5); Topics approved by Instructor (in class on 9/19);
Outlines approved by Instructor (draft outline due 11/7 – revisions of drafts due 11/14)
a. Group presentations due (due either 11/21 or 12/5)
Students will form special interest groups early in the semester to explore social work's responsibility
and commitment to social reform, advocacy, and social justice. Student groups will focus on an
identified social justice issue/topic to explore how it impacts an identified group/s considered to be
oppressed. Students will work together throughout the course to understand the issue/topic, the
group/s it impacts, and to develop a Social Work change strategy to promote social justice and
present it to the class. Presentation formats will be decided by each group and may include PPTs,
debates, role plays, audio/visual aids, etc. Groups should develop strategies for engaging the class in
discussion and raising or responding to questions. The presentation length will be approximately 45
min. (exact time will be decided in class based on the number of groups that form) and will address:
1. What is your issue/topic and how is it related to social justice?
2. What data are available locally and nationally to describe the persons and/or groups who are
impacted by this issue? How do different people experience this issue in different ways?
3. What groups are attempting to address the issue? How has Social Work been involved?
4. How effective are the alliances, coalitions, and support groups which advocate on behalf of
impacted people and/or groups? What do these groups need to be more successful?
5. Design a strategy to improve social justice related to this issue.
a. What is the purpose of your strategy?
b. How can you be sure the group you want to impact is ready for proposed changes?
c. Who will be the key players needed to plan and enact your strategy?
d. What tactics will you use to facilitate change?
e. How will you know if your efforts are working or not along the way? How will you
know when you are done?
f. What Social Work practice behaviors would be needed to do this in the real world?
Each group will prepare at minimum the following for distribution to the class on the day of the
presentation: 1) presentation outline, 2) reference page, and 3) either a handout and/or PPT slides
that at minimum define the conceptualization of the social justice issue/topic, related target group/s
and strategy framework. Each group member will also 4) send a brief email to the Instructor within
24 hours after giving their group presentation with the subject line “My Role” which outlines the
role and/or specific tasks taken on as an individual in the project and towards supporting the group.
An “A” for this assignment will demonstrate the folllwing:
 70 points: Group Grade. Materials distributed to the class will contain clear concepts presented
with accuracy, clarity, organization, and thoroughness; will demonstrate critical thought and
effective group processes in responses to each of the questions specified above; will present a
feasible and innovative strategy consistent with Social Work practice standards; will include APA
references accurately; and will be free of spelling and other errors.
 20 points: Group Grade. Outline draft and in-class group work completed as specified;
presentation demonstrates group knowledge about and sensitivity to the target population and
address the assignment questions; stays on topic and within the specified time; and is engaging
and informative to the group; innovative style and originality of presentation; outstanding
engagement of the class and discussion around creating social change in today’s world.
 10 points: Individual Grade. Student demonstrates knowledge about and sensitivity to the target
population; plays a role in addressing the assignment questions during the in-class planning and
presentation; supports other group members to be successful with integrity; and submits the
“My Role” email as described above.

COURSE SCHEUDLE
DATE
COME TO CLASS HAVING
COMPLETED THESE TASKS:
COME TO CLASS PREPARED TO
TURN IN AND/OR ENGAGE IN:
8/22  Read: Syllabus & Blackboard content
 To do: Discuss the syllabus and the
course; introductions
 Finalize Student Presentation Days
Course Unit: Social Justice
8/29
 Read: (Lit – Brill, 2001; NASW, 1996;
Swenson, 1998; Morris, 2002; Text –
Baker-Miller, p. 110; Lareau, p. 180;
Barry, p. 296; Silverstein, 1981)
 Complete: Social Work’s origins in
social justice assignment
Social Justice DAY 1: (micro focus)
 Turn in: Social Work’s origins in social
justice assignment (Group 1)
 To do: Student presentations, as
assigned
9/5
 Read: (Lit – Pharr, 1988; Van Soest,
2003; Carlton-LaNey, 1999; Text –
Thrupkaew, p. 248; Rothschild, p. 294;
Kochhar, et al., p. 355; Plessy vs.
Ferguson, p. 547)
 Complete: Social Work’s origins in
social justice assignment
Social Justice DAY 2: (macro focus)
 Turn in: Social Work’s origins in social
justice assignment (Group 2)
assigned
 Finalize Final Presentation Groups
Course Units: Diversity and Oppression and Oppressed Groups
9/12
 Read: (Lit – Ridlen, 1992; Binstock,
2005; Finn, 2009; Kornblatt, 2002; Text
– Davidson-Buck, p. 33; Baynton, p. 94;
Mantsios, p. 189; US Commission on
Civil Rights, p. 263; Griscom, p. 472)
 Complete: Diversity among groups
assignment
Diversity DAY 1: (macro focus)
 Turn in: Diversity among groups
assignment (Everyone)
 To do: Group Discussion on Diversity
and oppression among groups
9/19
 Read: (Lit – Smedley, 2005; Galambos,
1997; Hayes-Bautista, 2002; Levy, 2001;
Text – Wright, p. 23; Lorber, p. 54;
Hubbard, p. 66; McIntosh, p.175; Rich,
p. 377; Terkel, p. 482)
 Complete: Diversity of self assignment
Diversity DAY 2: (micro focus)
 Turn in: Diversity of self assignment
(Everyone)
 To do: Group Discussion on Diversity
and oppression of self
 Finalize Group Presentation Topics
Course Unit: Power, Privilege, and Inequality (PP&I)
9/26
 Read: (Lit – Aisenberg, 2008; Dean,
2001; Kogut, 1972; Reisch, 2008; Text –
Brave Bird, et al., p. 410; Mantsios, p.
618; Davis, p. 641; Rothschild, p. 689)
 Complete: Power, Privilege, and
Inequality assignment (Group 1)
PP&I DAY 1: (micro focus)
 Turn in: Power, Privilege, and
assigned
10/3
 Read: (Lit – Healy, 2001; International
Federation of SWers, 2000; Text – Act
on Governing Negroes, p. 501; Act
prohibiting teaching of slaves, p. 512;
US Constitutional amendments, p. 530;
Parenti, p. 611; Klein, p. 683)
 Complete: PP&I assignment (Group 2)
PP&I DAY 2: (macro focus)
 Turn in: Power, Privilege, and
assigned

COURSE SCHEUDLE
DATE
COME TO CLASS HAVING
COMPLETED THESE TASKS:
COME TO CLASS PREPARED TO
TURN IN AND/OR ENGAGE IN:
Course Unit: Strategies for Social Justice
10/10
 Read: Relevant news articles
 Complete: Social Justice in the News
Assignment
 Turn in: Social Justice in the News
Assignment (Everyone)
 To do: Group discussion on social
justice in today’s news
10/17 Reading Day. No class.
10/24
 Read: (Lit – Everett, 2007; Manning,
2004; Palmer, 2002; Text – Kim, p. 465;
Hirshman, p. 568; hooks, p. 657;
Thompson, p. 665; Leonard, p. 679)
 Complete: Strategies for social justice
assignment
Strategies for SJ DAY 1: (micro focus)
 Turn in: Strategies for social justice
assignment (Group 1)
assigned
*The last day to withdraw from this course with a “W” on your transcript is 10/31/2014.
10/31*
 Read: (Lit – Figueira-McDonough,
1993; Text – West, p. 335; US
Commission on Human Rights, p. 501;
DuBois, p. 532; Jhally, p. 603; Ayvazian,
p. 672)
 Complete: Strategies for social justice
assignment
Strategies for SJ DAY 2: (macro focus)
 Turn in: Strategies for social justice
assignment (Group 2)
assigned
11/7
 Read: Whatever you need for your
group presentation
 Complete: Work with your group to
have a presentation outline draft on
paper to discuss with the instructor
 Turn in: Group outline drafts due
 To do: Time to work in groups with
instructor present to discuss each
group’s outline and plan to complete the
assignment
11/14
 Read: (Lit from Blackboard - Andrews,
2012; Tri-Ethnic Center, 2014; Lit –
Anderson, 2003)
 Complete: Whatever you need to do
for your final group presentation
 Turn in: Revised group outlines (if
applicable)
 To do: Considering “Readiness for
Change” group planning activity
Course Final Presentations: Putting Knowledge into Action
11/21
group presentation
 Complete: Final assignment for
Groups 1&2
Final DAY 1:
 Turn in: Final assignment (Group 1&2)
 To do: Final group presentations, as
assigned
11/28 Fall Break. No class.
12/5
group presentation
 Complete: Final assignment for
Groups 3&4
Final DAY 2:
 Turn in: Final assignment (Group 3&4)
 To do: Final group presentations, as
assigned

SLWK 603 Social Work and Social Justice
REQUIRED COURSE READINGS – Course Reserves Reading List
A packet of supplementary required readings are available through the library’s electronic reserves at
http://www.library.vcu.edu/research/reserves/. Readings relate to the concepts and topics
identified in the course units below and supplement the readings from the text. These include
seminal pieces collected over the years by VCU faculty stewarding the development of this course.
Introduction to Social Justice: Concepts and Definitions
Swenson, C. R. (1998). Clinical social work’s contribution to a social justice perspective. Social Work,
43, 527-537.
Van Soest, D. (2003). Advancing social and economic justice. In D. Lum (Ed.) Culturally competent
practice: A framework for understanding diverse groups and justice issues (2nd
ed.) (pp. 345-376). Pacific
Grove, CA: Brooks/Cole.
Morris, P.M. (2002). The capabilities perspective: A framework for social justice. Families in Society,
83(4), 365-373.
Social Justice, Economic Justice, and Social Work: Origins and Current Commitment
Aisenberg, E. (2008) Evidence-based practice in mental health care to ethnic minority communities:
Has its practice fallen short of its evidence? Social Work, 53 (4) 297-306.
Anderson, J. (2003). Strengths perspective. In J. Anderson & R.W. Carter Diversity perspectives for
social work practice (pp. 11-20). Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon.
Carlton-LaNey, I. (1999). African American social work pioneers’ response to need. Social Work,
44(3), 311-321.
Healy, L.M. (2001). Global independence and social work. In International social work: Professional
action in an interdependent world (pp. 105-125). New York: Oxford Press.
International Federation of Social Workers. (2000). International Statement of Peace and Social Justice
and International Statement on Human Rights.
Kogut, A. (1972). The settlements and ethnicity: 1890-1914. Social Work, 17(3), 22-31.
Reisch, M. (2008). From melting pot to multiculturalism: The impact of racial and ethnic diversity
on social work and social justice in the USA. British Journal of Social Work, 38, 788-804.
Diversity Concepts and Definitions
Ridlen, S., & Dane, E. (1992). Individual and social implications of human differences. Journal of
Multicultural Social Work, 2(2), 25-41.
Smedley, A., & Smedley, B.D. (2005). Race as biology is fiction, racism as a social problem is real:
Anthropological and historical perspectives on the social construction of race. American
Psychologist, 60(1), 16-28.
Dean, R. (2001). The myth of cross-cultural competence. Families in Society, 82(6), 623-630.

Readings for Age/Ageism
Binstock, R. H. (2005, Fall). Old-age policies, politics, and ageism. Ageism in the New
Millennium, pp. 73-78.
Finn, J. L. (2009). Child’s-eye view. In L. M. Nybell, J. J. Shook, & J. L. Finn (Eds.). Childhood, youth,
and social work in transformation (pp. 317-336). New York: Columbia University Press.
Hayes-Bautista, D.E., Hsu, P., Perez, A., & Gamboa, C. (2002). The ‘browning’ of the graying of
America: Diversity in the elderly population and policy implications. Generations, 26(3), 15-24.
Kornblatt, S., Eng, C., & Hausen, J.C. (2002). Cultural awareness in health and social services: The
experience of On Lok. Generations, 26(3), 46-53.
Levy, B. R. (2001). Eradication of ageism requires addressing the enemy within. The Gerontologist,
41(5), 578-579.
Silverstein, S. (1981). “The little boy and the old man.” In S. Silverstein’s A light in the attic. New
York, NY: HarperCollins Publisher.
Strategies for Social Justice Empowerment Strategies
Everett, J.E., Homstead, K., & Drisko, J. (2007). Frontline worker perceptions of the
empowerment process in community-based agencies. Social Work, 52(2), 161-170.
Manning, M.C., Cornelius, L, & Okundaye, J. N. (2004). Empowering African Americans through
social work practice: Integrating an Afrocentric perspective, ego psychology, and spirituality.
Families in Society, 85(2), 229-235.
Palmer, I., & Nascimento, O. (2002). Health Action Theatre by Seniors: Community development
and education with groups of diverse languages and cultures. Generations, 26(3), 65-67.
Figueira-McDonough, J. (1993). Policy practice: The neglected side of social work intervention.
Social Work, 38(2), 179-188.
Ethical Dilemmas
Brill, C.K. (2001). Looking at the social work profession through the eye of the NASW Code of
Ethics. Research on Social Work Practice, 11(2), 223-234.
National Association of Social Workers. (1996). Code of Ethics. Washington, DC: Author. [Not on
E-Reserve; Available on-line: http://www.naswdc.org]
Galambos, C.M. (1997). Resolving ethical conflicts in providing case management services to the
elderly. Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 27(4), 57-67.
Pharr, S. (1988). The common elements of oppressions. In S. Pharr Homophobia: A weapon of sexism
(pp. 53-64). Inverness, CA: Chardon Press.

SLWK 603.George.Fall 2014.Final

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