Cross Cultural Field Assignments in an Undergraduate Community Practice Course

ABSTRACT

An undergraduate social work course was developed around intensive field studies in culturally diverse neighborhoods. The article describes the development of the course, format and methods. Cross-cultural fieldwork assignments are presented with details of each learning task. These tasks include photo documentation and the development of community proposals. The authors provide both quantitative and qualitative data on students' assessment of the course and learning assignments. Implications for integrating the reported field study assignments into course curriculum are presented. Cross-cultural assignments using photo documentation can be a catalyst for developing cultural sensitivity, in-depth knowledge of neighborhood diversity and resources.

Key Words:

• Community practice
• field assignments
• multimedia
• teaching strategies
• cultural diversity