SSW102 - Diversity: Awareness and Practice:

Subject Title
Diversity: Awareness and Practice:

Subject Description
By relying on ananti-oppression framework,this course will invite students to explore the various forms of individual, cultural and systemic discrimination experienced by diverse groups of people in Canada. This course challenges students to use an integrative anti-oppression framework as well as an access and equity analysis to develop their own reflective practice.The foundation of this course is in social justice and the ?belief that understanding the systemic contexts of identities and culture and critically examining one's own social locations in the web of these power relations is of paramount significance for social [service] workers to engage meaningfully with people of different and multiple identifications (Wong, 2004). Through this framework, students will also begin to comprehend how systemic barriers shape people?s access to political, social, material, human rights and personal resources.
The [anti-oppressive] framework enables links to be made between individual action and social structures. It informs practice by enabling the worker to evaluate the differences that exist at an individual level and within society and how these impact on each other. It provides the means of making accurate assessments by taking into account the inequities that texture the lives of those denied access to society?s resources because of their defined social status and the exclusionary practices of the dominant system. It demands that we constantly engage in the process of critical self-examination, which in turn enable us to engage in the process of change (Dalrymple& Burke, 1995, p.18)

Social [service] workers need to incorporate a political dimension into their practice, not as an appendage? but as the heart of our work? (Reisch, 1997)

Credit Status
One credit in the Social Service Worker or Social Service Worker Gerontology program.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

1. Demonstrate a beginning understanding of one's own self-awareness and social locations and how one's subjectivity , values, beliefs and practices get articulated in diverse situations and settings;
2. Demonstrate a beginning knowledge and understanding of how forms of oppression, prejudice and discrimination affect individuals and society;
3. Demonstrate an ability to identify the skills, knowledge and practices necessary to implement effective social work interventions;
4. Demonstrate the ability to identify and use the principles of an integrative anti-oppression, access and equity framework;
5. Demonstrate the ability to comprehend how systemic barriers shape people's access to political, social, material, human rights and personal resources;
6. Demonstrate a beginning understanding of the root causes that perpetuate the social inequities that are experienced by diverse group of people in Canada.
7. Demonstrate the ability to think critically, act respectfully and practice with sensitivity and awareness;

Cheating and Plagiarism
Each student should be aware of the College's policy regarding Cheating and Plagiarism. Seneca's Academic Policy will be strictly enforced.

To support academic honesty at Seneca College, all work submitted by students may be reviewed for authenticity and originality, utilizing software tools and third party services. Please visit the Academic Honesty site on http://library.senecacollege.ca for further information regarding cheating and plagiarism policies and procedures.

Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecacollege.ca.

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Disabilities Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.