Undergraduate Certificates
Social Justice and Equity
BA Social Work
Social Justice and Equity
This certificate is designed for employment at nonprofit and advocacy organizations in roles that promote social equity and shape or implement policies addressing social disparities.
CAREERS
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COURSES
HSC 310 Health Issues in the African American Community (3cr)
This course examines health and health disparities among African Americans in the U.S. Explores the primary health concerns and issues in the African American community. Topics include the impacts of infant mortality, cardiovascular disease, AIDS, violence, and cancer on the overall health status of African Americans. Ref: VCU - AFAM 310. African American Health: Health Disparities.
PSY 316 African American Psychology (3cr.)
This course introduces the fundamental concepts necessary for understanding the psychology of African Americans, drawing upon both African and American cultures and perspectives. Topics will include foundations of African American psychology, intrapersonal and interpersonal issues such as family, community, and racial identity, as well as physical and mental health issues. Prerequisite: PSY 101
SWK 255 Introduction to Social Work (3 credits)
This course introduces social work and its history of social welfare. Students will gain an understanding of the development and mission of the social work profession by examining the historical and current US social welfare system. Students will discover that social work is a helping profession that strives to make a difference by providing services to others and serving as a “field of action” by promoting social change. The course will introduce students to social work practice roles and methods, the various social service settings where social workers are employed, and the diverse range of people with social challenges that social workers serve.
SWK 380 Social Discrimination (3cr)
This course examines the identification and etiology of institutional and individual prejudice, stereotypes, racism, and discrimination, and their impact on recipients. The inquiry primarily employs a social justice model, incorporating social work values and practices. Emphasis is placed on the difficulties faced by racial and ethnic minority populations, as well as women, youth, the aged, and LGBT populations.
SOC 337 The Black Family (3cr)
This course focuses on the unique experience of the black family, both historically and contemporarily. Attention is given to the strength and survival of the black family as a social unit.
SOC 344 Race Relations (3cr)
This course provides an interpretation and analysis of social, economic, cultural, and political forces responsible for group control, with an emphasis on these aspects. Critical analysis is made of discrimination, segregation, exploitation, hostility, and feelings of cleavage.
This course examines health and health disparities among African Americans in the U.S. Explores the primary health concerns and issues in the African American community. Topics include the impacts of infant mortality, cardiovascular disease, AIDS, violence, and cancer on the overall health status of African Americans. Ref: VCU - AFAM 310. African American Health: Health Disparities.
PSY 316 African American Psychology (3cr.)
This course introduces the fundamental concepts necessary for understanding the psychology of African Americans, drawing upon both African and American cultures and perspectives. Topics will include foundations of African American psychology, intrapersonal and interpersonal issues such as family, community, and racial identity, as well as physical and mental health issues. Prerequisite: PSY 101
SWK 255 Introduction to Social Work (3 credits)
This course introduces social work and its history of social welfare. Students will gain an understanding of the development and mission of the social work profession by examining the historical and current US social welfare system. Students will discover that social work is a helping profession that strives to make a difference by providing services to others and serving as a “field of action” by promoting social change. The course will introduce students to social work practice roles and methods, the various social service settings where social workers are employed, and the diverse range of people with social challenges that social workers serve.
SWK 380 Social Discrimination (3cr)
This course examines the identification and etiology of institutional and individual prejudice, stereotypes, racism, and discrimination, and their impact on recipients. The inquiry primarily employs a social justice model, incorporating social work values and practices. Emphasis is placed on the difficulties faced by racial and ethnic minority populations, as well as women, youth, the aged, and LGBT populations.
SOC 337 The Black Family (3cr)
This course focuses on the unique experience of the black family, both historically and contemporarily. Attention is given to the strength and survival of the black family as a social unit.
SOC 344 Race Relations (3cr)
This course provides an interpretation and analysis of social, economic, cultural, and political forces responsible for group control, with an emphasis on these aspects. Critical analysis is made of discrimination, segregation, exploitation, hostility, and feelings of cleavage.