Purpose: Each student is expected to demonstrate their knowledge of a theory, model, or perspective of human behavior as it relates to engaging diversity and difference in social work practice at the generalist level (EPAS 2). Citation of the required text and other relevant sources is mandatory.
The paper: Students are expected to demonstrate the ability to compare and contrast their journey (e.g. indigenous, immigrant, migrant, refugee) with the experience of at least one other person through a 5-6-page written paper. Citation of peer-reviewed material regarding indigenous populations, immigrants, migrants, and/or refugees is expected to provide context for the student’s journey.
Each student is expected to demonstrate how their knowledge of their selected theory/model/perspective intersects with social work values (i.e. presenting themselves as learners as a means to engage clients/constituents as experts of their own experience). Citation of materials from social work organizations (e.g. NASW, CSWE, IFSW) is expected to sketch out the value provided and at least one other social work value.
In class: Students will be paired with another student to share aspects of their experience related to how they arrived in the San Juaquin Valley. Some students may not know the story of how they arrived in the Central Valley and they will be expected to share what circumstances gave rise to this lack of knowledge and what (if anything) they could do to learn this information. This sharing will be the beginning point by which to compare and contrast their experiences. Each student will write their own paper, but they will reference the experience of another person (i.e. their partner).
After the paper has been submitted each student will give a brief 4-5 minute summary of what they learned from writing this paper and how they think it will influence how they practice social work.
Theory Selection: Throughout the semester a variety of theories, models, and perspectives will be presented (i.e. systems, life-span, life course, historical trauma, behavioral, cognitive, mindfulness, empowerment, strengths, cognitive development, moral development). Each student will select a theory, model, or perspective of human behavior as the foundation of their paper. Examples of how to do this will be presented by the instructor during class. The important aspect of this selection is that each student demonstrates the ability to make connections between the theory and how it applies to their experience and the experience of another person.