CED 252Anti-Racist Theory and Practice in Community Work

3 credits · Community Environment and Development · Penn State

The career path for many students in the CED program will position them to work in neighborhoods and communities where people come from a diversity of backgrounds, often different from the students¿ own background. Without proper training in histories of racism and marginalization as well as how those practices continue today, students are likely to perpetuate those harms within the communities they intend to serve. This course addresses issues of race, racism, and privilege, helping students develop a critical lens on community development through exploring questions such as "who is developed and by whom?":, "who has decision making power in the community development world?" and "what does sustainability mean, and whose experience or knowledge counts in working to build more sustainable futures?'' The broad theme of social justice is explored by critically analyzing current trends and ethical issues and their implications. Additional focus is directed towards how structural and institutional conditions affect the opportunities and well-being of different populations (advantaged and disadvantaged groups) in society. While this course is primarily focused on the US context, there is also discussion of international issues, especially how race and racism impact media coverage and societal responses to world events impacting different groups. Students will have the opportunity to learn about and engage with community development issues related to race, racism, oppression, and privilege in State College and/or in their home communities through different course assignments. After taking this course, students should feel better equipped to deploy an equity lens in their educational and community-based experiences and practices. The learning objectives and themes of this course are reinforced throughout upper level CED courses so students are able to carry this knowledge and skills into their future professional lives.