I. General Information

1. Course Title:
Understanding and Promoting Systems Change

2. Course Prefix & Number:
HSER 1114

3. Course Credits and Contact Hours:

Credits: 3

Lecture Hours: 3

Lab Hours: 0

4. Course Description:

This course provides the theoretical background to systems change, as well as the practical application to implement such change at the individual and community levels. You will study theories and strategies for change from a systems perspective and apply them to a real problem in human services.

5. Placement Tests Required:

Accuplacer (specify test):

No placement tests required

Score:

6. Prerequisite Courses:

There are no prerequisites for this course.

9. Co-requisite Courses:

There are no corequisites for this course.

II. Transfer and Articulation

III. Course Purpose

1. Program-Applicable Courses – This course is required for the following program(s):

Human Services AAS

IV. Learning Outcomes

1. College-Wide Outcomes

College-Wide Outcomes/Competencies	Students will be able to:
Analyze and follow a sequence of operations	Utilize the action check list to achieve planned outcomes
Work as a team member to achieve shared goals	Identify key community partners needed to create systems change

2. Course Specific Outcomes - Students will be able to achieve the following measurable goals upon completion of the course:

• Discuss how policy and politics influence system change;
• Understand the theoretical frameworks of systems change and community building;
• Identify barriers that affect underserved communities when working towards system change;
• Identify how you can be a change agent at any level;
• Describe components of planning for systems change;
• Define the process of community based participatory research;
• Explain the five levels of capacity and development;
• Understand how power dynamics impact systems change;
• Identify the major action strategies and tactics to achieve systems change; and
• Identify community partners necessary for systems change.

V. Topical Outline

Listed below are major areas of content typically covered in this course.

1. Lecture Sessions

1. Understanding the Challenge to Change
• Identifying the Need
• Empowerment
• Resistance to Working for Change
• Confronting Oppression-Cultural Awareness, Respect, and Competence
• The Community as the Client
• Policy Change and Political Involvement
2. What Is Cultural Competence?
• Standards for Cultural Competence in Social Work Practice
• Developing Cultural Sensitivity
• Valuing Diversity
3. Theoretical Frameworks for Community Change
• Systems Theory, Chaos Theory
• Community Capital
• Organizing Models for Community Change
• Four Cornerstones of Community Building
4. Community Change and Professional Practice
• Three Views of Social Welfare
• Five Levels of Capacity and Development
• Five Stages of Partnership Development
• Implications of Professional Values
• Promoting Interdisciplinary Power
5. Community-Based Participatory Research
• Principles of Community-Based Participatory Research
• Implementing the CBPR Process
• Assessing the Community Needs and Resources
• Resource or Asset Assessments
• Readiness and Disposition to Change
• Five Stages of Community Life
6. Community Partners
• Talents and Assets
• Getting People Involved
• Maintain Involvement
7. Power
• What is Power?
• Relationship Between Your Issue and Power
• Using Your Power
• Empowering Others
8. Powerful Planning
• Logic Models
• Four-Level Plan for Action
• Monitor, Evaluate, and Refine
• Obstacles Encountered in Planning
9. Raising Resources
• Building Your Budget
• Six Basic Steps
• Population-Focused Funds
• Understanding the Terminology of Funding
10. Getting the Word Out
• Expose the Issue and Educate for Action
• Strengthen Affiliation and Get Buy In
• Credibility
• Marketing and Messaging
11. Taking Action—Strategies and Tactics
• The Process of Change and Empowerment
• A Checklist for Action
• Major Action Strategies and Tactics
• Adhering to a Firm Code of Ethics
• Strategies and Tactics an Opponent May Use on You
12. Increasing the Effectiveness of Health and Human Services Organizations
• Elements Affecting the Behavior of Organizations
• Principles for Increasing Your Effectiveness
13. Lobbying for Change