SWK 3510 - Spirituality and Religion in Social Work

Credits: 3

Prerequisite(s): ENG 1009 or ENG 1010 and ENG 1020 or ENG 1021

Description: Faith and spirituality play an integral role in people’s lives and the social work profession. “The inclusion of spirituality as a concept according to the Council on Social Work Education is not only a demonstration of one’s cultural competence, but a part of one’s ethical responsibility” (CSWE, 2018). This course will explore the role faith plays in the lives of our clients, communities, and social service agencies, and examines many faith traditions including atheist and agnostic frameworks. This course critically looks at the past, present, and future of religion and faith with regard to how it has supported social change and at the same time denied human rights and caused historical trauma. Self-examination of our own beliefs and practices will increase awareness of how our faith impacts ourselves, our practice, and those we work with. Finally, students will learn and practice ways of integrating and using faith, religion, and spirituality in our social work practice to make change.