300

This course introduces social welfare policies and programs in the U.S. and examines the social, economic, and cultural forces that shaped their development. Special attention is paid to the ways that racism and sexism have regulated the lives of women and people of color. Students gain analytical tools to assess the equity implications of local, state, and federal policy reforms and develop skills in research, advocacy, and social action for policy change.

Drawing on critical theory and practice perspectives, this course examines how social forces operate to marginalize non-dominant groups and introduces methods for dismantling oppressive systems.  Students will engage models for liberation and anti-oppressive practice across interpersonal, institutional, and societal levels.  Special emphasis will be placed on addressing white supremacy, heterosexism/cis-sexism, ableism, and their intersections. 

This course analyzes human behavior as it's impacted by the social environment from a lifespan developmental approach. Students examine the effects of social structures, social policies, and cultural patterns on individuals from a variety of theoretical perspectives to better understand social conditions and problem areas in society.

This course will provide students with varying perspectives on human sexuality.  Through film, reading class discussion, and guest lectures, student will explore sexuality from historical, biological, psychological, developmental, sociological, and cultural contexts.  Attention will be given to how different perspectives on sexuality may affect individuals and the larger society.

This course will help students critically analyze biopsychosocial and cultural meanings of gender and body image, change (i.e., disability, illness, aging), and variations through interdisciplinary lenses. Students will explore the social construction of gender and the body as well as the consequences that differing meanings of “gender” and “body” can have on individuals in our society.

This course focuses on interviewing skills that are fundamental to the helping professions. Students will understand theories, concepts, and skills behind relationship building, active listening, and the interviewing process as well as how to apply knowledge and skills to affect change with various populations, problems, and settings.

Credit arranged.