SW 285/180
June 5-24, 2011
Dr. Gorman
San José State University
School of Social Work
ScWk 285/180: Social Work and Social Problems:
Social Justice, Human Rights Community and Social Work Challenges in the
Context of Argentina
June 5 – 24, 2011
University of Palermo, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Michael Gorman, Ph.D., MPH, MSW
E-MAIL: emg3@sjsu.edu
CLASS TIME: M-F 9:30 – 1:15
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course examines the economic, political, social and cultural factors operating at the local
and national, global level, that serve to generate and maintain challenges for disenfranchised,
oppressed and marginalized groups. It will provide a framework for critically analyzing and
understanding the important cultural, economic, historical psychosocial, social, political
factors, and ethical considerations that inform the challenges facing social workers and other
human rights workers in contemporary Argentina.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
1) Understand current demographic, economic, historical, religious, cultural issues in
Argentina and the southern cone region, in order to gain a more considered systems and
ecological perspective on social work issues in Argentina. M2.4 (Apply Transcultural)
2)
Develop awareness of salient Argentine economic, social, political and cultural profiles,
trends and forces, (e.g., colonialism, nationalism, militarism, globalization, return of
democracy ) in order to understand the effects that such forces have on the lives of
marginalized and disenfranchised populations and the delivery of social and health and
mental health services in contemporary Argentina. M3.4 (Systems Change)
3) Describe important forces that contributed to Argentina’s history and evolution as a
complex, diverse civil society including: colonization, immigration, the development of
the 19th century economy, Peronism, militarism, the return to democracy,the economic
crisis of 2001 M1.3 (Values & Ethics)
4) Increase knowledge of the interconnection between global and forces of oppression and
issues of quality of life, and social justice for marginalized and disenfranchised
populations and in particular establish connections between Argentine social workers
and those in the US , including San Jose State. M3.1 (Social Justice)
5) Develop critical thinking about the challenges facing Argentine and US Societies in
order to understand parallel issues, comparable challenges so as to better develop
successful professional strategies in an interdependent world. M4.1 (Critical Thinking)
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SW 285/180
June 5-24, 2011
Dr. Gorman
6) Become cognizant of the strengths of Argentine individuals, family structures,
community natural support networks, and other institutions in Argentine communities
in order to develop appropriate knowledge and insight with respect to comparative
social work policy issues. M1.1 (Transcultural Competence)
Note: This course meets the following Title IV-E Program Curriculum Competencies: 1.1, 1.5, 2.9,
2.10, 2.11, 2.15, 4.6, 4.7, 5.2, & 8.9
LEARNING EXPERIENCES
The format for this course is that of a seminar. It emphasizes class discussion and
participation. Students are expected to take responsibility for their own learning. Various
teaching methods including: lectures, field trips, invited speakers, videos, and task group
activities will be used to illustrate knowledge and skills related to each session’s content.
Students will also engage in a variety of activities to facilitate acquisition of transcultural
social work multisystems practice-related skills.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
Academic integrity is essential to the mission of San José State University. As such, students are
expected to perform their own work (except when collaboration is expressly permitted by the course
instructor) without the use of any outside resources. Students are not permitted to use old tests,
quizzes when preparing for exams, nor may they consult with students who have already taken the
exam. When practiced, academic integrity ensures that all students are fairly graded. Violations to the
Academic Integrity Policy undermine the educational process and will not be tolerated. It also
demonstrates a lack of respect for oneself, fellow students and the course instructor and can ruin the
university's reputation and the value of the degrees it offers.
We all share the obligation to maintain an environment which practices academic integrity.
Violators of the Academic Integrity Policy will be subject to failing this course and being
reported to the Office of Student Conduct & Ethical Development for disciplinary action
which could result in suspension or expulsion from San José State University. The policy on
academic integrity can be found at http://www2.sjsu.edu/senate/S04-12.pdf
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION OF DISABILITIES
If you need course adaptations or accommodations because of a disability, please e-mail me as soon as
possible. Presidential Directive 97-03 requires that students with disabilities register with the
Disability Resource Center (DRC) to establish record of their disability. No matter where students
reside, they should contact the SJSU DRC to register. The DRC Web site: http://www.drc.sjsu.edu/
TEXTBOOKS AND READING ASSIGNMENTS
GRADING AND EVALUATION
Healy, L (2008) International Social Work: Professional Action in an Interdependent World.
Oxford Press, New York, New York.
Additional Readings as assigned .
Journal (2 @ 20 points each)
Reflection Paper
40 points
30 points
98-100 = A+
93-97 = A
77-79 = C+
70-72 = C2
SW 285/180
Class Group Participation
Class Individual Participation
Total
June 5-24, 2011
20 points
10 points
100 points
Dr. Gorman
90-92
87-89
83-86
80-82
= A= B+
=B
= B-
73-76 = C
67-69 = D+
63-66 = D
60-62 = D0 - 59 = F
ASSIGNMENTS
Journal
Each student is expected to keep a log (journal) reacting to presentations, discussions,
speakers, fieldtrips readings. Incorporating personal and professional material as it relates to
important issues of the course. Journals should reflect a balance between class presentations,
discussions, and article and book chapters along with your own reflection (i.e., issues,
thoughts, feelings, concerns, etc.)
Class Participation
Because this course is intended to build on speaking, leadership and advocacy abilities, students will
be assessed on the frequency, quality, and depth of their in-class participation and class discussions.
As part of class participation students are expected to critically analyze information that is
presented/discussed, bring examples and applications of the concepts being covered, be prepared to
discuss readings, and provide additional insights on issues from their own special knowledge and
expertise. Class attendance and participation are necessary to complete the expectations of the overall
assignments, and will be graded under this category. Chronic tardiness, more than one unexcused
absence and/or inattentiveness will be reflected in the class participation grade (See Student Handbook
for additional information).
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