Course Descriptions

 

Social Work in a Latin American Context

A semester abroad program of the
Center for Global Education at Augsburg College 

 

See Complete Program Syllabi

 

Students should choose one of the following Spanish courses*:

SPA 111 & 112	Beginning Spanish I & II
SPA 211 & 212	Intermediate Spanish I & II
SPA/ART 231	Pre-Columbian, Colonial, & Contemporary Mexican Art
SPA 295.A	Spanish for Health Care Professionals
SPA 295.F/495.F	Spanish for Heritage Speakers
SPA 295.G/495.G	Spanish for Ministry
SPA 311	Conversation and Composition
SPA 316	Conversations in Cultural Context (recommended)
SPA 332	Latin American Civilization and Culture
SPA 356	Latin American Literature
SPA 411	Advanced Conversation and Composition
SPA 495.D	Topics: Contemporary Mexican Literature
SPA 495.E	Topics in Business Spanish
SPA 495.H	Topics: Contemporary Latin American Women: Texts & Voices

 

* Students from BSW Mexico Consortium Schools:  please make sure that the Spanish course you plan to take is approved by your home school.

 

Students may choose 2-3 of the following courses:

SWK 294 International Social Welfare:  The Mexican Context (required)

This course develops students’ understanding of current social, economic, political and cultural realities in Mexico through an exploration of Mexican culture and history.  Particular emphasis will be placed on intercultural communication and the role of U.S. foreign policy in Mexico both historically and currently.  This understanding will frame students’ knowledge of contemporary social welfare and social work practice with migrants and immigrants in the United States and will serve as a foundation for the other Social Work courses taught in Mexico.

 

SWK 295 Comparative Social Policy

This course in comparative social policy will use Mexico and the United States as the context for studying policy formation, implementation, analysis, and the influence of values on these processes.  Roles and responsibilities of citizens and professionals in formulating and implementing policy responsive to social needs will be addressed.  The course includes 15-20 hours of service-learning in local communities and/or service organizations. 

 

SWK 316 Social Work with Groups and Families:  Theory and Practice

This course is part of the practice sequence in generalist social work education.  The primary focus is on the study of human behavior in groups with extensive opportunity to practice skills necessary to be an effective group member and leader.  Historical development of group work and mutual aid systems will be studied.  The effect of diversity on group interaction in both Mexico and the USA is highlighted.

 

*SWK 317 Social Work Field Experience

*This course is only for students who are required by their school to fieldwork during this semester and who have at least an intermediate level of Spanish.  Students who are interested must complete a fieldwork application form. The Field Experience contributes to the practicum hours required for the BSW degree. Students will be placed in a community social service agency in order to observe, learn from, and work with social work practitioners involved in the tasks and activities of the agency.  A seminar will be provided to help link theory to practice under the supervision of a Mexican practitioner and a faculty member from a CSWE accredited school.  Total hours of placement will be approximately 100 in Mexico.

 

See Complete Program Syllabi