Advanced Topics in Macro Social Work

This mini-course offers an interdisciplinary approach to explore how universities and states are responding to gaps in the safety net for minors engaged in college and university sponsored or affiliated activities. Faith-based parallel challenges will be presented. Historical and inter-disciplinary comparative perspectives will be explored, and current university initiatives designed to increase minor safety will be presented.

Based on lessons learned and as a summary to the mini-course, implications for research and training on university campus will be proposed for any campus personnel engaged in university-sponsored or affiliated activities involving minors. Implications for policies, procedures and practices designed to assure the safety of minors engaged in on-campus or University affiliated activities will be explored including the compatibility of legal protection for both institutions and victims.

Students will learn about ways to advocate for change, ethical professional challenges, skills for critical analysis, interdisciplinary and institutional responsibilities to address minor safety and their compatibility. Students will identify evidence-based practices to promote safety on campus and will be actively involved in training design, development and planned evaluation based on lessons learned through session presentations and assigned readings.

In terms of core competencies and associated skills, students will be able to:

• Analyze, formulate and advocate for changes in social policies to advance social and economic well-being and to deliver effective social work services
• Apply social work values and ethical principles to guide professional practice
• Apply critical thinking within the context of professional social work practice
• Practice without discrimination, with attention to power, and with respect for diversity and intersectional differences
• Promote visions of social and economic justice that advance human rights
• Respond to contexts that shape practice and knowledge