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

This course is founded on the idea that all human beings can engage in art practices - music, theater, sculptures, painting, photography, etc. Art practices, which are expressed differently across the globe, can be inspiration, methods, and practices to advance self-healing and social justice. This course will be useful to all students, even those who do not consider themselves to be "artists." The course will help students to incorporate self-healing and social justice into social work practice. For example, students will authentically connect to global efforts, such as the Campaign Against Racism (23 chapters in 10 countries), to dismantle structural racism by supporting local actions. Students from all pathways and disciplines will learn content on interprofessional (e.g., art therapy), community (e.g., advocacy), and global (e.g., theater of oppressed) practices. Students will learn how to explore artistic creation for self-healing while examining critical theories of race, gender, sexuality, ableism, and cultural identity vis-a-vis social work practices. Students will engage with art practices as a means of self-reflection (self-healing) and to advocate for myriad inequities.