Social Construction and Social Work Practice: Transforming Dialogues

1 Course Unit

This course focuses on the application of a social constructionist orientation to social work practice and inquiry with an emphasis on its transforming potential. Using critical analyses and dialogue, we will examine traditional and contemporary issues germane to social work and explore how assumptions and dominant understandings of these issues influence policies, practice, and inquiry. Our explorations will be informed by readings, dialogue, presentations, and reflexive/reflective/ analytical writing. Relevant contexts will include your current practice, your dissertation research, future – post-DSW – environments, and more broadly, national and global trends. As much as possible, the course will employ a seminar format. Course readings were selected to provide rich and stimulating material for spirited dialogue. Guest presenters will provide firsthand experience related to selected course topics. The course is restricted to Doctorate in Clinical Social Work (DSW) students. Spring 1 Course Unit