Advanced Topics in Global Social Work Practice

SW789, Section 001

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) mini-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.

Topic Description / Additional Information

Students approved to enroll in SW 785 have priority into this class also as it will be required to participate in 785. These students will receive permission to enter this class during registration. Others may enroll as space allows but will need to submit a Course Enrollment Petition via the SSW web site.

The course aims to provide a basic introduction to international human rights, their conceptual and historical foundations, as well as the main international legal instruments and institutions aimed at protecting and promoting human rights worldwide. The course has three purposes: to define and explore the terms, histories, and theories of human rights; examine alternative or competing definitions of human rights; and apply human rights thinking to local and international issues using a case-based approach. Throughout the course, concrete case studies will be used to illustrate the range of human rights problems, as well as the utility of the accountability paradigm to current international and national events and problems. More specifically, students will unpack the rights of particularly vulnerable groups, such as women, refugees, and members of LGBTQIA+ communities. The course includes lectures, group discussions, and guest lectures by representatives from local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and international organizations.