Course Syllabus
Contact Information
For a list of course activities, scroll to the bottom of this page.
Course Prerequisites
Students must have graduate standing in social work.
Course Purpose
This course provides graduate students with the knowledge necessary for generalist social work practice with disadvantaged and oppressed groups in the United States. The content will cover the status and experiences of persons of color, women, persons with disabilities, sexual and gender minorities, the working class, those in poverty, and persons with religious and/or spiritual worldviews.
Course Materials
- The most recent APA publication manual is required in every social work course. The current manual (2009) ISBN is: 978-1433805615.
- Appleby, Colon, and Hamilton (2011) Diversity, Oppression, and Social Functioning: Person-In-Environment Assessment and Intervention (3rd ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Education Inc.
Other required readings and videos are available on Canvas on the Required Resources page of each module.
Course Grades
Methods of Evaluation may include but are not limited to, written assignments, class presentations, and class participation. The course is evaluated formally using the University of Oklahoma student evaluation of course format. In addition, individual suggestions and comments by students will be accepted.
Breakdown
| Activity | Points/Percentage |
|---|---|
|
Story of Self |
5% |
| Implicit Bias Tests | 15% |
| Reading and Response Papers | 20% |
| Diversity and Oppression Paper | 25% |
| Module Quizzes | 10% |
| Course Participation | 25% |
| 100% |
Scale
| Percentage | Letter Grade | Grade Description |
|---|---|---|
| 100-91 | A | Excellent: Work exceeds course expectations |
| 90-81 | B | Good: Work meets course expectations |
| 80-71 | C | Fair: Work marginally meets course expectations |
| 70-65 | D | Poor: Work minimally meets course expectations |
| 64 or below | F | Failure: Work does not meet course expectations |
Course Schedule
| Date | Topic(s) | Appleby Readings | Assignments Due |
|---|---|---|---|
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Session 1-A |
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Session 1-B |
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Chapter 1 |
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Session 2-A |
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Chapter 4 |
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Session 2-B |
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Chapter 5 |
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Session 3-A |
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Chapters 2 and 3 |
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Session 3-B |
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Chapter 7 |
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Session 4-A |
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Chapter 11 |
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Session 4-B |
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Chapter 6 |
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Session 5-A |
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Chapter 8 |
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Session 5-B |
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Session 6-A |
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Chapter 9 |
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Session 6-B |
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Chapter 10 ** PDF articles online |
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Session 7-A |
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Chapter 12 |
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Session 7-B |
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Chapter 14 |
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Session 8-A |
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Chapter 13 |
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Session 8-B |
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Chapter 17 |
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Course Components
Consistent with the tradition of a graduate seminar, the course will consist of narrated PowerPoint presentations, discussion boards, and video clips. In addition, twice, the course will meet live to process course content and make connections with other students.
All assignments are to be double spaced, in a readable 12 pt. font, with Normal margins. You must use headings and subheadings throughout the assignments per the APA manual. Do not submit a cover page or abstract. Be sure to submit in a (.doc) or (.docx) format.
The Diversity and Oppression Paper must be submitted to turnitin.com prior to submission for a grade. Failure to do so will result in a zero. Be sure to review the examples for both of these assignments to gain helpful hints.
Story of Self
Prepare a paper of 5 pages that addresses the following:
- Consider your own identity, history, and lived experience. Who are you and how and what defines you as a person?
- What identities are most salient in your own construction of self?
- How did your experience growing up, how did that impact who you are as a person?
- Were there other experiences that greatly impacted your perception of self, please explain?
- What obstacles or challenges, if any, have shaped who you are, please explain?
- If you were to tell your life story to this point, what would the major themes be? How do you view your story changing, evolving, and/or progressing in the future? If you could write the ending to your story, what would it be?
Implicit Bias Tests
- Part 1: Implicit Association Tests (5 pages)
- Go to Project Implicit
- You will complete 5 Implicit Association Tests (IATs)
- Race IAT
- Gender-Career IAT
- Sexuality IAT
- Age IAT
- Disability IAT
- These tests will take 10-20 minutes apiece
- To receive credit, you must print and save the completion page to be turned in with your reflection paper
- Part 2: Reflection Paper (5 pages)
- Specific IATs (1 page for each test, 5 pages in total)
- For each IAT address the following:
- What was revealed in your test result?
- What were you surprised by? Not surprised by?
- What are the varied sources of implicit bias that are reflected in your test results? Be specific.
- How might your implicit biases impact your work with vulnerable people?
- What can you do to maintain awareness of these biases?
- What specific things can you do to challenge these biases?
- For each IAT address the following:
- Specific IATs (1 page for each test, 5 pages in total)
Reading Response Paper
- Identify three articles from the literature that can add to your understanding of social work practice with vulnerable populations. Read the article and then write a 2-page paper for each article. (6 pages)
- Be sure to include the following three sections under section headings:
- Description – (1 page) In your own words, write a description indicating the major substantive content covered. Detail the purpose of the article and major points made by the author(s). Do not use quotations, paraphrase instead.
- Reflection – (1/2 page) identify and discuss 3 new things you learned from reading the article. How will this reduce your implicit bias? Be specific.
- Practice Application – (1/2 page) from the new knowledge acquired through the reflection, develop at least 3 practice applications. Specifically, what will you do in practice as a result of reading the article? What action will you take?
Diversity and Oppression Paper
This assignment should be 16 pages double spaced- 4 pages per section with 30 references required.
A screenshot of the 1st page of the Turnitin.com originality report should be the cover page to this assignment. It does not count in the page limits. Failure to submit as the cover page will result in a zero for the assignment.
Prepare a thoughtful analysis overviewing a problem experienced by one of the oppressed groups covered in the course. The paper should include:
- Background and History of Oppressed Group
- Describe social problems oppressed group has historically experienced
- Describe political problems oppressed group has historically experienced
- Describe economic problems oppressed group has historically experienced
- If immigrants, describe the immigration history and any impacts this has on the oppressed group
- Describe a significant problem that they face today (poverty, depression, lack of education access, incarceration, assaults, access to marriage, etc.)
- Define the problem, prevalence of the problem, the outcomes of the problem if it is not remedied
- Describe how the problem is experienced differently within the group (for example if you selected poverty within an immigrant population, do women, men, transgender individuals experience higher or lower rates of poverty)
- Describe risk factors known for this group relative to the problem
- Describe protective factors for this group relative to the problem
- Identify and Describe Macro Solutions to the Social Problem
- Describe 3 federal or state laws or bills that are intended to address this social issue
- Describe how effective these strategies have been on the problem
- Propose a bill that would resolve the problem
- Describe which sections of the NASW Code of Ethics this proposal would uphold
- Identify and Describe Micro Solutions to the Problem
- Identify and describe 3-evidenced based practices that would impact the problem on the individual level.
- Given what you know about the group and the problem what evidence-based practice would you recommend and why?
Weekly Module Quizzes
Each week students will be presented a short-open answer question based on the readings of the week and/or reflected on the PowerPoint slides for the week. The quizzes can include the definition or application of important concepts. It will not be enough to memorize the content, you must also be able to apply it.
Course Participation
- Prepared for class by reading and comprehending all course materials beforehand
- Actively participated in course discussions in timely, thorough, and thoughtful ways
- Engaged in weekly meme assignment
- Watched all the lecture videos
- Participated in Zoom sessions or make-up assignment
Course Policies
Communication
Students should contact me when they have a course-related question or concern. Most questions can be answered through email, which I check regularly, but at times complex questions or concerns are better addressed by phone or video chat, which I am happy to do as well. If you are requesting one of those options, the best thing is to email me some dates and times that work for you so that I can check my calendar to find a time that works for both of us.
Late Policy
Any extension requests must be made at least 48 hours before the assignment is due, and will be adjudicated on a case-by-case basis.
University Academic Policies and Student Support
Land Acknowledgement
Long before the University of Oklahoma was established, the land on which the University now resides was the traditional home of the “Hasinais” Caddo Nation and “Kirikirʔi:s” Wichita & Affiliated Tribes.
We acknowledge this territory once also served as a hunting ground, trade exchange point, and migration route for the Apache, Comanche, Kiowa and Osage nations. Today, 39 tribal nations dwell in the state of Oklahoma as a result of settler and colonial policies that were designed to assimilate Native people.
The University of Oklahoma recognizes the historical connection our university has with its indigenous community. We acknowledge, honor and respect the diverse Indigenous peoples connected to this land. We fully recognize, support and advocate for the sovereign rights of all of Oklahoma’s 39 tribal nations. This acknowledgment is aligned with our university’s core value of creating a diverse and inclusive community. It is an institutional responsibility to recognize and acknowledge the people, culture and history that make up our entire OU Community.
Course Catalog
Search the OU Course Catalog.
Student Handbook
Please familiarize yourself with the OU Student Handbook.
Student Support Services
OU offers a variety of services to support students. For more information, please refer to the Student Support Module in your Orientation course.
Online Library
Access digital materials and other resources at OU Libraries.
Copyright Statement and Privacy Information
Sessions of this course may be recorded or live-streamed. These recordings are the intellectual property of the individual faculty member and may not be shared or reproduced without the explicit, written consent of the faculty member. In addition, privacy rights of others such as students, guest lecturers, and providers of copyrighted material displayed in the recording may be of concern. Students may not share any course recordings with individuals not enrolled in the class or upload them to any other online environment.
Academic Integrity
As a member of the OU community, it is your responsibility to protect your educational investment by knowing and following the rules. The Student Code is available from the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs, and is contained in the Student's Guide to Academic Integrity.
Academic honesty is incredibly important within this course. Cheating is strictly prohibited at the University of Oklahoma, because it devalues the degree you are working hard to get. Should you know of someone else engaging in academic misconduct, please report it to your instructor or directly to the Office of Academic Integrity. Your instructor has a professional obligation to report academic misconduct.
In addition to the course conduct policies outlined by your professor in the Course Syllabus in the online classroom, please review the Graduate Student Handbook.
Religious Observance
It is the policy of the University to excuse the absences of students that result from religious observances and to reschedule examinations and additional required classwork that may fall on religious holidays, without penalty. [See Faculty Handbook 3.15.2].
Reasonable Accommodation for Disabilities
The Accessibility and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) is committed to supporting students with disabilities to ensure that they are able to enjoy equal access to all components of their education. This includes your academics, housing, and community events. Please review OU's Accessibility Policy.
If you are experiencing a disability, a mental/medical health condition that has a significant impact on one or more life functions, you can receive accommodations to provide equal access. Possible disabilities include but are not limited to learning disabilities, AD(H)D, mental health, and chronic health. Additionally, we support students with temporary medical conditions (broken wrist, shoulder surgery, etc.) and pregnancy.
To discuss potential accommodations, please contact the ADRC at 730 College Avenue, (phone) 405-325-3852, or adrc@ou.edu.
Title IX Resources
Anyone who has been impacted by gender-based violence, including dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, harassment, and sexual assault, deserves access to resources so that they are supported personally and academically.
The University of Oklahoma is committed to offering resources to those impacted, including: speaking with someone confidentially about your options, medical attention, counseling, reporting, academic support, and safety plans. If you would like to speak with someone confidentially, please contact OU Advocates (available 24/7 at 405-615-0013) or another confidential resource (see "Can I make an anonymous report?").
You may also choose to report gender-based violence and discrimination through other means, including by contacting the Institutional Equity Office (ieo@ou.edu, 405-325-3546) or the police (911).
Because the University of Oklahoma is committed to the safety of you and other students, I, as well as other faculty, Graduate Assistants, and Teaching Assistants, are mandatory reporters. This means that we are obligated to report gender-based violence that has been disclosed to us to the Institutional Equity Office. This includes disclosures that occur in class discussions, writing assignments, discussion boards, emails, and during Student/Office Hours.
For more information, please visit the Institutional Equity Office.
Adjustments for Pregnancy/Childbirth Related Issues
Should you need modifications or adjustments to your course requirements because of documented pregnancy-related or childbirth-related issues, please contact me as soon as possible to discuss your options. Generally, modifications will be made where medically necessary and similar in scope to accommodations based on temporary disability. Learn more about the rights of pregnant and parenting students by consulting the FAQ sheets provided by the Institutional Equity Office.
Mental Health Support Services
If you are experiencing any mental health issues that are impacting your academic performance, counseling is available at the University Counseling Center (UCC). The Center is located on the second floor of the Goddard Health Center, at 620 Elm Rm. 201, Norman, OK 73019. To schedule an appointment, call 405-325-2911. For more information, please visit the University Counseling Center.
Final Exam Preparation Period
Pre-finals week will be defined as the seven calendar days before the first day of finals. Faculty may cover new course material throughout this week. For specific provisions of the policy please refer to OU's Final Exam Preparation Period policy.
Required Policies for Students On Campus
Emergency Protocol
During an emergency, there are official university procedures that will maximize your safety.
Severe Weather: If you receive an OU Alert to seek refuge or hear a tornado siren that signals severe weather:
- Look for severe weather refuge location maps located inside most OU buildings near the entrances
- Seek refuge inside a building. Do not leave one building to seek shelter in another building that you deem safer. If outside, get into the nearest building.
- Go to the building’s severe weather refuge location. If you do not know where that is, go to the lowest level possible and seek refuge in an innermost room. Avoid outside doors and windows.
- Get in, Get Down, Cover Up.
- Wait for official notice to resume normal activities.
Additional Weather Safety Information is available through the Department of Campus Safety.
Severe Weather Preparedness Video
Armed Subject/Campus Intruder
If you receive an OU Alert to shelter-in-place due to an active shooter or armed intruder situation or you hear what you perceive to be gunshots:
- Avoid: If you believe you can get out of the area without encountering the armed individual, move quickly towards the nearest building exit, move away from the building, and call 911.
- Deny: If you cannot flee, move to an area that can be locked or barricaded, turn off lights, silence devices, spread out, and formulate a plan of attack if the shooter enters the room.
- Defend: As a last resort fight to defend yourself. For more information, visit:
OU's Emergency Preparedness site
Shots Fire on Campus Procedure
Fire Alarm/General Emergency
If you receive an OU Alert that there is danger inside or near the building, or the fire alarm inside the building activates:
- Leave the building. Do not use the elevators.
- Know at least two building exits
- Assist those that may need help
- Proceed to the emergency assembly area
- Once safely outside, Notify first responders of anyone that may still be inside the building due to mobility issues.
- Wait for official notice before attempting to re-enter the building.
Course Summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
|---|---|---|