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Barbara Hiltz
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.
Read more
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.
Read more
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."
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/w68kn1/social
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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.
Read more
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.
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause 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
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Reviews summary
Social work practice: foundations and advocacy
According to students, this course offers a highly insightful and comprehensive foundation in social work practice, particularly excelling in its focus on advocating social justice and change. Learners consistently praise its well-explained content, passionate instructors, and the integration of practical examples and real-world application. Key frameworks like the P.O.D.S. framework, ecological systems perspective, and cultural humility are highlighted as particularly valuable. While largely positive, some learners note the course provides a general overview that may not offer sufficient depth for seasoned professionals seeking advanced strategies, making it ideal for aspiring social workers or those new to the field.
Well-structured modules with passionate instructors.
"The instructors were passionate and made the complex topics accessible."
"The historical timeline was very engaging..."
"The quality of lectures and readings was consistently high."
"The modules were well-structured, and the inclusion of current social workers sharing their experiences was truly inspiring."
Bridges theory with real-world social work practice.
"The discussions with former MSW students were very relatable and helped bridge theory with real-world application."
"I gained so much from the cultural humility framework."
"The course beautifully articulates the ethical foundations and practical applications of social work. The case studies and discussions were excellent for understanding real-world scenarios."
"I valued the practical examples and the emphasis on advocacy."
Centers advocacy and social justice principles.
"The content on the ecological systems perspective and social justice lens was particularly well-explained..."
"The P.O.D.S. framework and discussions on intersectionality were eye-opening. I particularly valued the practical examples and the emphasis on advocacy."
"It really stressed the importance of a social justice lens, which is crucial."
"A very relevant course for today's world. The focus on privilege, oppression, diversity, and social justice (P.O.D.S.) was timely and important."
Provides a comprehensive introduction to social work.
"This course was incredibly insightful and truly helped me understand the various roles social workers play."
"A solid introduction to social work... it provided a good foundation. It's a great starting point..."
"As an aspiring social worker, this course was invaluable. It covered a wide range of essential topics..."
"This course provided a comprehensive understanding of social work's role in advocating for social justice."
Suitable for beginners; lacks depth for seasoned professionals.
"Good for a general overview, but perhaps not enough for seasoned professionals seeking advanced techniques."
"I felt this course was too general. It touches on many topics but doesn't go deep enough into any of them."
"Better for absolute beginners, not for someone with prior experience looking for advanced insights."
"Might need supplementary reading for deeper dives into specific areas."
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
Show steps
Gain insights into the diverse roles and perspectives of social workers from a renowned expert in the field.
View
Melania
on Amazon
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
Refresh your understanding of the historical context of social work to better grasp its current practices and challenges.
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
Engage with the open-source community, expand your technical skills, and contribute to the advancement of social work practice through software development.
Show steps
-
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
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all ten activities
Volunteer at a Social Service Agency
Show steps
Gain hands-on experience in the social work field by volunteering at a local agency.
Browse courses on
Social Work
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
Gain a deeper understanding of the diverse roles and responsibilities of social workers in various settings.
Browse courses on
Social Work
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
-
Research your chosen topic
-
Write a report summarizing your research
Join a study group or discussion forum
Show steps
Connect with your peers, exchange ideas, and reinforce your understanding of course concepts through group discussions and collaboration.
Browse courses on
Social Work
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
Gain practical experience and develop your social work skills by volunteering at an organization that aligns with your interests.
Browse courses on
Social Work
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
Enhance your project management skills and apply your understanding of social work principles by developing a comprehensive proposal for a social work intervention.
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
Apply your knowledge of social work principles and frameworks to develop a comprehensive intervention plan for a specific social issue.
Show steps
-
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.
Read 'Social Work: A Profession of Many Faces' by Bryan E. Robinson
Show steps
Gain insights into the diverse roles and perspectives of social workers from a renowned expert in the field.
View
Melania
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
Refresh your understanding of the historical context of social work to better grasp its current practices and challenges.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
Engage with the open-source community, expand your technical skills, and contribute to the advancement of social work practice through software development.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all ten activities
Volunteer at a Social Service Agency
Show steps
Gain hands-on experience in the social work field by volunteering at a local agency.
Browse courses on
Social Work
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
Gain a deeper understanding of the diverse roles and responsibilities of social workers in various settings.
Browse courses on
Social Work
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
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
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research your chosen topic
- Write a report summarizing your research
Join a study group or discussion forum
Show steps
Connect with your peers, exchange ideas, and reinforce your understanding of course concepts through group discussions and collaboration.
Browse courses on
Social Work
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
Gain practical experience and develop your social work skills by volunteering at an organization that aligns with your interests.
Browse courses on
Social Work
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
Enhance your project management skills and apply your understanding of social work principles by developing a comprehensive proposal for a social work intervention.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
Apply your knowledge of social work principles and frameworks to develop a comprehensive intervention plan for a specific social issue.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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 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.
Community Organizer
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.
Policy Analyst
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.
Nonprofit Manager
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.
Social Justice Advocate
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.
Human Rights Lawyer
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.
Sociologist
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.
Anthropologist
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.
Historian
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.
Political Scientist
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.
Economist
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.
Psychologist
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.
Teacher
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.
Journalist
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.
Lawyer
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.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/w68kn1/social
Reading list
We've selected 13 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Social Work Practice: Advocating Social Justice and Change.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the strengths-based approach to social work practice. It valuable resource for students and practitioners who want to learn more about this approach and how to apply it in their work.
Provides a comprehensive overview of social justice and its implications for social work practice. It valuable resource for students and practitioners who want to learn more about this topic and how to apply it in their work.
Provides a historical overview of how the U.S. government has segregated America. It valuable resource for students and practitioners who want to learn more about this topic and its implications for social work practice.
Save
Provides a critical analysis of the U.S. criminal justice system and its impact on African Americans. It valuable resource for students and practitioners who want to learn more about this topic and its implications for social work practice.
Collection of essays that explore the history of racism in America and its impact on African Americans. It valuable resource for students and practitioners who want to learn more about this topic and its implications for social work practice.
Save
Memoir that explores the author's experiences as a black man in America. It valuable resource for students and practitioners who want to learn more about this topic and its implications for social work practice.
Collection of essays that explore the history of racism in America and its impact on African Americans. It valuable resource for students and practitioners who want to learn more about this topic and its implications for social work practice.
Save
Collection of essays and speeches that explore the experiences of women of color in America. It valuable resource for students and practitioners who want to learn more about this topic and its implications for social work practice.
Classic work that explores the theory and practice of liberation education. It valuable resource for students and practitioners who want to learn more about how to empower clients and communities.
Save
Novel that explores the experiences of a young black man in America. It valuable resource for students and practitioners who want to learn more about this topic and its implications for social work practice.
Novel that explores the experiences of a young black girl in America. It valuable resource for students and practitioners who want to learn more about this topic and its implications for social work practice.
Save
Novel that explores the experiences of a former slave in America. It valuable resource for students and practitioners who want to learn more about this topic and its implications for social work practice.
Save
Novel that explores the experiences of two black women in America. It valuable resource for students and practitioners who want to learn more about this topic and its implications for social work practice.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/w68kn1/social
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Effort
2-3 hours/week
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
University of Michigan
Instructor
Barbara Hiltz
Language
English
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