INTRODUCTION TO INTERNATIONAL SOCIAL WORK

This course is designed for undergraduate students to introduce international social work and the theories and strategies of social work and social development in both industrial and developing countries. The course aims to explore how socio-cultural, historical, economic and political factors impact on country’s choice for unique social work/welfare and development strategy in an era of globalization. Students will engage in critical thinking and analysis of global social welfare issues including United Nations’ Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to post 2015 development agenda, poverty, inequality, child welfare, preventable diseases especially HIV/AIDS, women’s issues, population migration, and climate change. This course is relevant for social work students seeking to practice international social work and/or to apply international social work principles to practice in South Korea or elsewhere around the world.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to: 1. Define International Social Work and discuss theoretical approaches of social work and social development in both industrial and developing countries 2. Understand the influence of socio-cultural, historical, economic and political factors in designing the social work /welfare programs and policies in international arena 3. Demonstrate familiarity with international social work profession and code of ethics 4. Identify organization in international social work and their intended and real impact on international social welfare 5. Define and discuss major issues related to international social work including MDGs to post MDGs development agenda, poverty, inequality, child labor, HIV/AIDS, gender issues, population migration (refugee, migrant workers), and issues of climate change 6. Develop deeper understanding of international social work and apply lesson learned in glocal arena (in Korea or anywhere around the world).

Attendance and active participation are expected; absences or late arrivals may be reflected in the student's grade. Please come prepared to participate in class.