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Hispanics in the U.S.: Policy and Programs

Explore theories of power and their effects on human rights and social and economic justice.

Social policies are in place to assist a number of populations. How each population benefits from these policies can differ according to its culture or shared experience. In SOWK 7366 Hispanics in the U.S.: Policy and Programs, you will gain insight into the effects of social policy on Latino individuals, families and communities.

Course Description

How different would the world and history appear when you examine history and policy through the lenses of a gender or ethnicity different than yours? Throughout this course, you will focus on how social policies affect Hispanic children and families. In analyzing policies, you will explore three theories of power relevant to this population—critical theory, critical race theory and feminist theory—as well as social development theory. You will consider human rights issues and social justice concerns for Hispanics in America, especially immigration concerns.

Hispanic homeownership lags far behind Caucasian homeownership in the U.S. In many urban areas in this country, housing costs outpace income for Hispanic families, posing a significant economic threat to them. You will view the condition of Hispanic housing as a human rights and social justice concern as you also evaluate policies designed to stabilize and increase Hispanic housing. Accompanying the housing disparity that Hispanic families face is a similar issue regarding health and mental health. These differences affect economic productivity, increase dependence on government programs and present human rights and social justice threats. You will explore the success of the Affordable Health Care Act and state policies designed to reduce or alleviate health and mental health disparities.

Assignment Example

Write a policy paper providing a thorough analysis of a policy or policy proposal designed to redress poverty-causing issues confronting Hispanic children and families in the United States.

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.

  • Social Policy Analysis
  • Theories of Power and Social Development Theory
  • Hispanic Poverty and Inequality in America
  • Hispanic Employment and Economics: Disparities and Opportunities
  • Human and Civil Rights — Hispanics in Education: Disparities and Advocacy
  • Human Rights, Advocacy and Hispanic Immigration Policies: Challenges and Opportunities
  • Hispanic Housing Disparities in the U.S. and Policies Related to Aging
  • Hispanic Health and Mental Health in the U.S.

Learning Outcomes

Through SOWK 7336, you will 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.

  • Recognize ideologies and ethnocentric practices that give rise to perpetuate oppression and discrimination towards Hispanic children and families.
  • Understand laws and policies impacting Hispanic children and families that have mixed immigration status.
  • Demonstrate advocacy skills that increase access to services for Hispanic children and families.
  • Use knowledge and resources available from professional associations and organizations that focus on health and well-being of Hispanic children and families.
  • Lead in advocacy for human rights and social and economic justice for Hispanic children and families.
  • Using theories of power, evaluate social policies affecting Hispanic children and families.
  • Articulate proposed change in current social policies that impact or could impact Hispanic children and families.
  • Leverage technology to access federal, state, and local demographic data bases and reports to analyze population trends of Hispanic children and families.
  • Acknowledge the impact of historical and ongoing oppression in the lived experiences of Hispanic children and families.

Learn More About Helping Others

In SOWK 7366, you will explore how social policies affect 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