SOC 484. Progressive Community Organizing (3)

The course examines the history of community organizing in the United States; explores the different theories and approaches to effective grassroots organizing; and emphasizes the organizing skills necessary to empower people so they can improve their communities. The course intends to translate social work values into community level practice, with a focus on self-determination and empowerment in community organizing and advocacy through the study of barriers to organizing, including the power imbalances in society. There will be special attention given to organizing and advocacy with economically disadvantaged and historically disempowered communities. Available for graduate credit.