Social Work Practice: Advocating Social Justice and Change from Coursera

In this course, you will learn how social workers in the United States engage in creating change and supporting the resilience of individuals, families and communities in this new era.

Learners will have an opportunity to explore the social work profession, the different roles of social workers in a range of settings, the cross cutting themes that guide social work practice, the history of social work, and current challenges.

Using a social justice lens, learners will reflect on current challenges facing the lives of individuals, families and communities and examine ways to advocate for needed changes.

This course can be taken as a stand-alone learning experience or as part of the "Social Work: Practice, Policy, and Research MasterTrack Certificate Program."

What's inside

Syllabus

What is Social Work?

Welcome to Module 1 of the course! This module focuses on defining social work as a profession, exploring roles social workers perform across settings, examining core social work skills at the micro, mezzo, and macro system levels and addressing social work professional ethics. We hope that by the end of this module, you will have a greater understanding of the breadth of social work and the range of roles and skills social workers develop in their work.

Integrated Themes of Social Work

In this Module, you will have the opportunity to learn about the core frameworks and approaches the guide how social workers engage in change efforts. The core frameworks include: the ecological systems perspective, the strengths approach, and empowerment, the use of a social justice lens, a cultural humility framework, and an evidence-informed practice perspective. The module begins with brief mini-lectures about the core frameworks and some examples of how evidence is used to promote change efforts. You will then engage in applying what you have learned to a case situation. You will listen to a brief discussion of the case from former MSW students. You will also take a brief quiz that highlights the core frameworks. To conclude this module, you will hear from a few professionals about how they link the core frameworks to their own practices.

A History of Social Work

This module explores the history of social work as a field. You will have the opportunity to engage with an interactive timeline that outlines how different people, events, and policies have helped shape U.S. based social work over the past 100 years. You will also hear from current-day social workers whose work builds upon the historical contexts you’ve explored. Finally, you’ll learn about social work’s “Grand Challenges” and how these are shaping the future direction of the field.

Privilege, Oppression, Diversity, and Social Justice

Module 4 explores the connection between social work and social justice. Indeed, some social workers maintain that social work is social justice. You’ll learn about a framework for centering justice in social work: Privilege, Oppression, Social Justice, and Diversity (P.O.D.S.), as well as the key concepts of intersectionality and praxis. You will also hear from faculty and social workers in the field about how their work seeks to center justice.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

In-depth coverage of the social work field, including roles, skills, and ethical principles

Guides learners to reflect on current challenges facing individuals, families, and communities and examine ways to advocate for needed changes

Provides a strong foundation for understanding the core frameworks and approaches that guide social work practice

Offers a comprehensive study of social work history, grand challenges, and future directions of the field

Emphasizes the connection between social work and social justice, exploring frameworks for centering justice in practice

Taught by Barbara Hiltz, a recognized expert in social work education

Reviews summary

Well-received social work course

Learners say that this well-received course on social work is informative, thought-provoking, and insightful. Many report that the course has inspired them to pursue a career in the field or to make a positive change in society. The course's engaging videos, readings, and discussion prompts are praised for helping students to understand social justice and advocate for the rights of others. Students also appreciate the flexibility offered by the course, which allows them to learn at their own pace.

Ability to learn at one's own pace

"I appreciated being able to reset deadlines and work at my own pace."

"It added more valeu to my educational study. Thank you"

Captivating and informative video lectures

"The content was well-structured and engaging, and the message was coherent."

"The videos are engaging and the modules build on each other logically and are easy to follow."

Comprehensive and well-structured course materials

"Very clear, well laid out content."

"Excellent content. Great knowledge from experienced speakers about History of Social Work in the USA as long as how challenges for the proffession connect science with policies and programs."

"I enjoy the diversity of this course a lot. Different professors, students and alumni share their variegated and insightful views, which broadens my horizons and helps me learn critical thinking."

Some discussion prompts not engaging or taken seriously by participants

"Overall I really enjoyed taking this course and learned a lot of applicable knowledge."

"If it were up to me I would have made them graded."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Social Work Practice: Advocating Social Justice and Change with these activities:

Read 'Social Work: A Profession of Many Faces' by Bryan E. Robinson

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Gain insights into the diverse roles and perspectives of social workers from a renowned expert in the field.

View Melania on Amazon

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Purchase or borrow a copy of the book.
Read the book in its entirety, taking notes and highlighting key concepts.
Summarize the main arguments and perspectives presented in the book.

Review the history of social work

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Refresh your understanding of the historical context of social work to better grasp its current practices and challenges.

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Read through the provided course materials on the history of social work.
Create a timeline of key events in the development of social work.
Research the lives and contributions of influential social workers throughout history.

Contribute to open-source projects related to social work

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Engage with the open-source community, expand your technical skills, and contribute to the advancement of social work practice through software development.

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Identify open-source projects that align with your interests and skills.
Join the project community and introduce yourself.
Review the project codebase and documentation to understand the project's goals and architecture.
Identify areas where you can contribute and propose your ideas to the project maintainers.

Seven other activities

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Volunteer at a Social Service Agency

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Gain hands-on experience in the social work field by volunteering at a local agency.

Browse courses on Social Work

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Identify a local social service agency
Apply for a volunteer position
Attend volunteer training
Fulfill your volunteer hours

Explore the different roles of social workers

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Gain a deeper understanding of the diverse roles and responsibilities of social workers in various settings.

Browse courses on Social Work

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Attend the live or recorded lecture on the roles of social workers.
Review additional online resources and case studies that showcase different social work roles.
Interview or shadow a social worker in a field that interests you.

Social Justice Project

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Build a deeper understanding of social justice issues by researching and writing a report on a topic of your choice.

Browse courses on Social Justice

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Research your chosen topic
Write a report summarizing your research

Join a study group or discussion forum

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Connect with your peers, exchange ideas, and reinforce your understanding of course concepts through group discussions and collaboration.

Browse courses on Social Work

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Identify or form a study group with fellow classmates.
Establish regular meeting times and locations.
Review course materials, discuss readings, and work on assignments together.
Facilitate discussions, share perspectives, and provide support to other group members.

Volunteer at a local social service agency

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Gain practical experience and develop your social work skills by volunteering at an organization that aligns with your interests.

Browse courses on Social Work

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Research local social service agencies and identify one that aligns with your interests.
Contact the agency and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
Attend training and orientation sessions provided by the agency.
Regularly participate in volunteer activities and engage with clients or community members.

Develop a social work project proposal

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Enhance your project management skills and apply your understanding of social work principles by developing a comprehensive proposal for a social work intervention.

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Identify a specific social issue that you want to address.
Develop a clear project goal and objectives.
Outline the project activities, timeline, and budget.
Identify potential partners and stakeholders.
Write a compelling project proposal that articulates the need for the project and its potential impact.

Develop a social work intervention plan

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Apply your knowledge of social work principles and frameworks to develop a comprehensive intervention plan for a specific social issue.

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Identify a specific social issue that you are passionate about.
Research the issue and gather data to support your plan.
Develop a comprehensive intervention plan that outlines your goals, objectives, strategies, and evaluation methods.
Present your plan to a group of peers or professionals for feedback.

Career center

Learners who complete Social Work Practice: Advocating Social Justice and Change will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Social Worker

Social Workers are trained to identify social problems and develop creative ways to address them at the individual, family, group, and community levels. This course can expose you to the core frameworks and approaches that guide social work. You will learn how to engage in change efforts, advocate for social justice, and empower individuals and communities. These skills are essential for success in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Worker

Community Organizer

Community Organizers work to build and empower communities to address social issues and achieve social change. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to be an effective Community Organizer. You will learn how to engage with diverse communities, develop strategies for social change, and advocate for policies that promote social justice.

See salaries and explore the career path for Community Organizer

Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts research and analyze public policies to inform decision-making. This course can provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to become a successful Policy Analyst. You will learn how to identify and analyze social problems, develop policy recommendations, and advocate for policy changes that promote social justice.

See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Analyst

Nonprofit Manager

Nonprofit Managers oversee the operations of nonprofit organizations that provide social services. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to be an effective Nonprofit Manager. You will learn how to manage staff, develop budgets, and implement programs that promote social justice.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nonprofit Manager

Social Justice Advocate

Social Justice Advocates work to promote social justice and human rights. This course can provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to become an effective Social Justice Advocate. You will learn about the history of social justice movements, the principles of social justice, and strategies for advocating for social change.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Justice Advocate

Human Rights Lawyer

Human Rights Lawyers use the law to protect and promote human rights. This course can provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to become a successful Human Rights Lawyer. You will learn about international human rights law, the principles of human rights, and strategies for using the law to promote social justice.

See salaries and explore the career path for Human Rights Lawyer

Sociologist

Sociologists study society and social behavior. This course can provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to become a successful Sociologist. You will learn about social theory, research methods, and data analysis.

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Anthropologist

Anthropologists study human cultures and societies. This course can provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to become a successful Anthropologist. You will learn about anthropological theory, research methods, and data analysis.

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Historian

Historians study the past. This course can provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to become a successful Historian. You will learn about historical research methods, historiography, and the analysis of historical documents.

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Political Scientist

Political Scientists study politics and government. This course can provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to become a successful Political Scientist. You will learn about political theory, research methods, and the analysis of political systems.

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Economist

Economists study the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. This course can provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to become a successful Economist. You will learn about economic theory, research methods, and the analysis of economic data.

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Psychologist

Psychologists study the mind and behavior. This course may be useful for those interested in a career in Psychology. You will learn about psychological theory, research methods, and the analysis of psychological data.

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Teacher

Teachers educate students at all levels. This course may be useful for those interested in a career in teaching. You will learn about educational theory, teaching methods, and the assessment of student learning.

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Journalist

Journalists write, edit, and publish news stories. This course may be useful for those interested in a career in Journalism. You will learn about journalistic ethics, news gathering, and writing and editing.

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Lawyer

Lawyers represent clients in legal matters. This course may be useful for those interested in a career in Law. You will learn about legal theory, research methods, and the analysis of legal documents.

See salaries and explore the career path for Lawyer