SOC W 599: Independent Study
Poverty and Inequality: Women in India
Credit hours: Location: Quarter: Advisors: Contact Info: | 10 credits (2 credits: Course preparation, 7 credits: On-site research in India, 1 credit: Final project) Seattle, WA, Bangalore, Kochi, Goa, Dehli, Nagpur, Calcutta, India Spring 2010 - Summer 2010 Stan de Mello MSW, Reina Dastur, MSW demellos@u.washington.edu, dastur@u.washington.edu, wlewis84@u.washington.edu, gritsk@u.washington.edu |
Course Description:
This 10 credit course will occur over the span of two quarters; Spring 2010 and Summer 2010. The purpose of this course is to gain perspectives on the condition of women globally through the lens of social work practice. Using theories of economic and social justice this project will examine poverty and inequality experienced by women in India. Driven by issues of gender inequality and oppression, this course will require students to participate in critical reflection and self-awareness. Additionally, cultural humility will be a core component of this study as students engage in research via interviewing, observation and praxis reflecting core social work values.
Course Objectives:
1. Apply an anti-oppression lens to analyze critically the effects of power, inequality and poverty on the lives of women in India.
2. Critically understand and engage with cultural humility as it applies to American social worker practice in a global context.
3. Gain a better understanding of structural, institutional and cultural influences on poverty and inequality as experienced by women in India.
4. Engage in assessment of organizations in India to learn about programmatic approaches to bettering the lives of women. Including the examination of approaches on a micro, mezzo and macro level.
5. Cultivate research skills, methods and comparative analysis techniques.
6. Take adequate and appropriate preparatory measures prior to on-site work in India. Including informational interviews, compiling academic materials, compliance with School of Social Work and IPE independent study requirements, regular advisory meetings and logistical planning.
7. Critically analyze, articulate and reflect upon knowledge gained from experiences in India in the form of a capstone project (to be completed upon return).
Relationship of this course to core social work values:
1. Multiculturalism: This course will take multiculturalism into consideration by examining gender, age, caste, ability, education, religion and other culturally specific group identities as they pertain to Indian culture and how these groups are socially and structurally positioned.
2. Social and Economic Justice: Using theories of poverty and inequality, this course will force students to look beyond American social and economic structures. By examining international structures upholding injustice, students will develop a multidimensional framework for understanding social work. Furthermore, the allocation and stratification of power will be critically examined on micro, mezzo and macro levels.
3. Empowerment: Understanding the historical oppression of women in India, this course will investigate power dynamics, the systematic disempowerment of women and the use of empowerment methods for social change.
Course Format:
This course consists of individual planning meetings, meetings with advisors, informational interviews, organizational interviews, two months of on-site research in India, production of a final project, blog development and student lead completion of course assignments. Students will meet with advisors one time per month (at a minimum) up till departure. Once in India, weekly check-ins will be required via email and/or phone. Completion of final project is due prior to first day of fall quarter. Presentation will occur within first month of fall quarter 2010.
Student responsibility for learning:
Students are expected to facilitate learning process through self directed study, and spend a minimum of 200 hours (2 credits) in pre-departure preparation, 700 hours (7 credits) in on-site study, and 100 hours (1 credit) for final project.
Assignments/Activities:
Pre-departure:
- Coordinate IPE requirements through Shannon Kholler
(conducted: March 12, 2010)
- Discuss credit requirements with School of Social Work
(conducted: January 29, 2010, March, 16, 2010)
- Facilitate discussions with faculty advisors
(conducted: January 20, 2010, February 23, 2010, March 16, 2010)
- Weekly independent organizational meetings until departure
(conducted: December 2009 - June 20, 2010)
- Conduct Informational Interviews in Seattle:
· Amelia Derr - (conducted: February 10, 2010)
· Roxanna Norouzi - (conducted: February 19, 2010)
· Reina Dastur - (conducted: February 24, 2010)
· Shravya Raghunand - (conducted: April 9, 2010)
· Priti Ramamurthy - (tbd)
- Informatinal Interviews in Vancouver, BC:
· Patsy George – (conducted March 17, 2010)
· Kathleen McKay – (conducted March, 17, 2010)
- Prepare all travel logistics prior to departure (ie: budget, travel accommodations, visas, lodging, itineraries, etc.)
- Submit proposals and IPE forms, create syllabus and credit approval
(completed May 1, 2010)
India:
- Meet with organizations outlined in itinerary
- Develop and maintain updated blog
- Participate in critical reflection and dialogue
- Conduct informational interviews with leaders and experts working with women in India
- Engage in experiential learning
Final Project:
- Develop creative, informative, and reflective final project (project will be determined upon return due to unknown learning outcomes)
- Submit written component to advisor for evaluation/ creative component will be visually presented
- Present final project to faculty, staff and students at School of Social Work
Required Academic Materials:
Readings:
Abraham, A. (1992). Women in the indian society. Navdin prakshan kendra of the indian society for promoting christian knowledge. New Dehli, India: Printsman.
Aranha, C., Fernando, P. & Mahale, P. (1991). Beyond the fire line: Perceptions of eight tribal women. New Dehli, India: Indian Social Institute.
Datar, C. (1995). The struggle against violence. Calcutta, India: Gopsons Papers.
Immanuel, U. (1993). Violence and Women. Navdin prakshan kendra of the indian society for promoting christian knowledge. New Dehli, India: Printsman
Kapur, R. & Cossman, B. (1996). Subversive sites: Feminist engagements with law in india. New Delhi, India Sage Publications.
Lewis, Stephen (2005). Race against time.
Ray, R. (1999 ). Fields of protest: Women's movements in india. University of Minnesota Press.
Tully, M. (1991). No full stops in india. Viking Press.
