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Theories and Perspectives: Hispanic Children and Families

Explore the roles that race and culture play in Hispanic families.

Social worker interaction with ethnic communities requires in-depth knowledge of the various cultures to understand the influencing factors of those who live within them. In SOWK 7338 Theories and Perspectives: Hispanic Children and Families, you learn a number of theories and perspectives that help you better serve and relate to your Latino clients.

Course Description

As you explore Hispanic culture and the challenges faced by Hispanic and Latino families in the U.S., you will examine the ways in which many of these families are impacted by immigration and social justice issues. You will also evaluate other critical theories that affect Hispanics in our country, such as social constructionism, ecological/social systems theory, race theory, and feminist perspectives. You will develop a greater understanding of the Hispanic experience through films, documentaries, novels, poetry and webinars. This better prepares you for social work practice that is critical, anti-oppressive and multicultural. Additionally, you will see how foundational theories in social work relate to social work practice with Latino and Hispanic populations. In doing so, you will view these theories from four varied perspectives:

  • Psychodynamic
  • Cognitive-Behavioral
  • Humanistic
  • Existentialist

Sample Learning Exercise

Complete a self-assessment exercise gauging your self-awareness and professionalism at both the beginning and end of this course. By comparing the results, you will gain insight into both your strengths and areas that need improvement.

Assignment Example

Write a Personal Critical Incident Paper that identifies and explores a pivotal incident in your own life that contributed to your own ethnic identity development. This helps you distinguish aspects of your own ethnic identity and understand how your personal cultural background may impact social work practice with Hispanic and Latino clients.

Course Topics

Throughout each week of the course, you will focus on a core topic or theme. Sample topics are listed below and are subject to change based on the instructor.

  • Overview of Theories and Perspectives
  • Theory and Practice with a Critical and Multicultural Lens
  • Systems, Strengths and Ecological Perspectives
  • Critical Perspectives
  • Psychodynamic, Cognitive-Behavioral and Humanistic Perspectives
  • Crisis, Empowerment and Advocacy Perspectives
  • Macro Practice Perspectives
  • Theory to Practice: Integration and Application of Theories

Learning Outcomes

Through SOWK 7338, you gain a better understanding of topics specific to professional social work identity, values and ethics, diversity, human rights, social and economic justice, and cultural competence with emphasis on Hispanic families and children.

  • Demonstrate knowledge of theories and models of evidence-based, culturally appropriate practice with Hispanic children and families.
  • Understand group diversity among Hispanics and its impact in social work practice with Hispanic children and families.
  • Know how personal culture impacts social work practice with Hispanic children and families.
  • Recognize and respond to the critical role of language in working with dual-language families.
  • Apply relevant conceptual frameworks of human behavior and social systems to guide practice with Hispanic children and families.
  • Assess the environment, its resources, and its challenges as they impact and are impacted by Hispanic children and families.
  • Use critical thinking to explain the features of culture, identity, difference and social context in social work practice with Hispanic children and families.

Learn More About Helping Others

In SOWK 7338, you will explore major theories relevant to serving Hispanic children and families. To learn more about this course or any other course in the online Master of Social Work from Our Lady of the Lake University, call 855-275-1082 to speak with an admissions advisor right away, or you can request more information.

The content presented on this page is representative information for example purposes and is subject to change as course and student needs change over time.

Programs that include this course