Everyone has a sexuality, and so social workers need to be prepared to support clients and communities across a variety of sexual identities, experiences, and behaviors. This course integrates a basic introduction into the spectrum of human sexuality along with foundational pieces supporting the theory and practice of social work. By viewing many facets of sexuality from a social work perspective, students will be prepared to assume serve individuals, groups, and communities regarding various issues connected to human sexuality. We will focus on definitions surrounding sexuality, the ethics of sexuality and social work, ways to integrate sexuality information into different types of social work practice, and conversations on how complex feelings around controversial topics may impact both practitioners and their clients. Much of this class will include a more in-depth view on communities often marginalized around sexuality, including LGBTQIA+ individuals, older adults, people with disabilities/impairments, youth, people of color, those who have experiences sexual abuse, those who participate in kink/BDSM practices, and those who chose to be consensually non-monogamous. No previous sexuality education experience required, but an open mind and willingness to engage in the grey areas outside of binaries is strongly encouraged.
Pathway Elective For
- Interpersonal Practice in Integrated Health, Mental Health, and Substance Abuse (Host)
Objectives
- Identify risks associated with limitations in sexual health education and sex health policy in the United States with specific emphasis on marginalized populations.
- Analyze personal values, attitudes, beliefs and biases related to topics of sexual expression, sexual orientation and gender identity, and the potential impact on service delivery and advocacy for clients, with emphasis on marginalized populations.
- Evaluate the impact of one's own experience and values on the use of self in clinical process and advocacy work with clients, and ensure continuous improvement of service.
- Demonstrate ability to clinically identify, integrate and engage with clients' resources, strengths, challenges and risks across diverse sexual identities and expressions, orientations and identities.