SW 558M Human Services in Developing Countries: Uganda
The focus of this course is to understand relevant theories and strategies of advocacy and social action that promote social justice within organizations, the larger community, and society. Students will gain understanding of theories and skills in regard to social, economic, political, and organization systems, and will use this knowledge to influence, formulate, and advocate for policy and other changes to meet the needs of clients and people who experience oppression. They will develop skills to create change that is founded on the principles and ideas of social, distributive, political, and economic justice so that people receive their legal, civil, social and economic rights, with a framework of safety, security, and equity. These advocacy and critical thinking skills will be understood within a professional social work value framework that views social workers as allies with oppressed groups to assist people to empower themselves and receive full access, inclusion, rights, and quality of life and well-being within society. This course also examines the impact of social problems with focus on HIV/AIDS in Uganda and the role of social work. It explores the utilization of various professional methods to promote self-sufficiency, social integration, social change, and justice in a developing country. Key concepts examined include the Health Belief Model, the Social Change Communication theory and micro-empowerment economic theory. The focus is to learn how social work practice skills (micro and macro) can be indigenized in a developing country. Ultimately, the course seeks to explore ways of integrating such learning in the context of social work and social action. The students will take a 3-week study tour in the country in order to study social problems and learn about the cultural context of delivery of human services in a developing country.
Prerequisite
SW-401 or SW-401A