The Advanced Global Topics in Social Work course is taught by various members of the program faculty and is typically offered during the winter semester. Each version of the course has its own subtitle, some being offered one time only while others may be repeated. Advanced Global Topics in Social Work courses provide an in-depth focus on a global social work issue, such as migration, displacement, poverty, climate change, indigeneity, etc. Additionally, students in the Advanced Global Topics in Social Work course have the opportunity to apply for the Faculty-Led Global Course Extension (GCE) course that includes a 2-4 week trip to a pertinent international location that will allow students to further engage and explore the themes and topics introduced in the on-campus course.
Enrollment in this class is a requirement for participating in SW 785. Students accepted into SW 785 will receive permission to enroll in this class during registration. Others may enroll as space allows, but may need to submit a Course Enrollment Petition via the SSW web site. Online students will be able to attend this course via Zoom. Information on attending remotely will be communicated by the instructor.
Topic Description: Global societies are transforming at a rapid pace and social workers must do the same to provide the best support to their clients and local communities. Over the last two decades, India has experienced significant urbanization concurrent with escalating poverty and a burgeoning informal sector. To respond to this shifting and evolving context, this intensive course draws on the Grand Challenges for Social Work (GCSW), an initiative that identifies 12 areas in which the social work profession can blend science with the values and principles of social work to create a just and cohesive society. Moreover, this initiative reflects the power and potential of social work to accelerate social innovations and resolve major social problems. Based at the Madras Christian College in Chennai, India, this course draws on the "grand challenges" facing social work professionals encompassing a broad range of issues, from eliminating racism or caste and family violence to closing the health gap and reducing extreme economic inequality.
The course is intended to be both locally grounded and explicitly comparative and combines both practical fieldwork experiences with coursework and structured, critical reflection at the Madras Christian College. This course will provide students with an intensive introduction to the ways in which the social work profession is organized in India, key issues confronting vulnerable populations, and how the issues in India compare with the United States.
Pathway Associations
Other SW789 Offerings
The course listings below are provided for reference only. These offerings may be subject to changed of cancellation.
| Course Section | Meeting Time | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 002 | 05:00 pm-08:00 pm | View Course |
| 003 | 06:00 pm-09:00 pm | View Course |