3 credits

This course will examine how professional social work knowledge evolves in philosophy and the social sciences, including debates in epistemology, ontology, and political and moral philosophy. Traditional and postmodern theories will be examined and deconstructed in relation to clinical practice with vulnerable populations traditionally served by social workers. It will also explore the elements of racial trauma which is a form of race-based stress and the hidden wounds associated with it. Specific strategies for healing and transformation will further be examined that involve an integration of cultural humility and a DEIPAR social justice approach to clinical practice.