Class Descriptions

Policy & Political Social Work Simulation Lab

SW742

Credits:	1
Prerequisites:	None

Pathway Associations

Community Change
Global
Interpersonal Practice
Mgmt & Leadership
Policy & Political	Elective (Host)
Program Evaluation
Older Adults	Elective
Children & Families

Course Description

In this course, students will participate in a simulation in which they will take on the role of policymakers, policy advocates, and community stakeholders. Students will be assigned a role, will research their character, and will engage with the other participants as that character throughout the duration of the simulation. Students will engage with each other in person as well as utilize an online platform to develop coalitions and attempt to sway those with differing positions to their side. Simulation topics vary by semester. The class may be taken multiple times for credit as long as a different topic is selected.

Objectives

● Students will gain an understanding of the policymaking and the politics involved with the process.
● Students will gain skills in exploring policy issues from a variety of perspectives and will develop persuasive arguments for a position determined for them.
● Students will gain skills in researching policymakers and other decision makers to determine their positions on issues.
● Students will gain skills in engaging in political processes.

Design

This course can be offered in person or as a purely online experience.

Intensive Focus on Privilege, Oppression, Diversity and Social Justice (PODS)

This course integrates PODS content and skills with a special emphasis on the identification of theories, practice and/or policies that promote social justice, illuminate injustices and are consistent with scientific and professional knowledge. Through the use of a variety of instructional methods, this course will support students developing a vision of social justice, learn to recognize and reduce mechanisms that support oppression and injustice, work toward social justice processes, apply intersectionality and intercultural frameworks and strengthen critical consciousness, self-knowledge and self-awareness to facilitate PODS learning.