A Course Sequence as a Model to Teach Cultural Humility to MSW Students

This paper discusses the utilization of a cultural humility model to educate social work students in understanding the importance of diversity, power, privilege, oppression, marginalization and social and economic justice in an increasingly diverse society. Social work programs are required to teach students to effectively engage a diversity of clients in practice as well as to take action to resolve issues of oppression and discrimination. While the cultural humility model is gaining acceptance in social work and in social work education, there are few models of how to effectively teach it within the social work curriculum. One model that includes a two-course sequence is presented. The paper discusses components in creating a culturally humble classroom environment as well as specific materials and classroom assignments aimed at providing students with the knowledge, tools and skills essential to practicing with cultural humility. The power of utilizing materials that are representative of a diversity of voices is emphasized with appendices providing written and audio resources.