Course Syllabus

Fall 2025 | SWK-2070-VO02 - Social Justice & Public Policy

Online Class

Online courses take place 100% online via Canvas, without required in-person or Zoom meetings.

Faculty

Melissa Holmes
View Faculty Credentials
View Faculty Statement
Hiring Coordinator for this course: Philip Crossman

Note

Many degree programs have specific general education recommendations. In order to avoid taking unnecessary classes, please consult with additional resources like your program evaluation, your academic program catalog year page, and your academic advisor.

Courses may only be used to meet one General Education Requirement.

Course Description

In this course, students develop an understanding of social justice as a perspective for understanding and assessing public policy. Students explore how public policy is developed and the relationship between social service professionals and the policy making process. This foundation is used to better understand avenues for advocacy in public policy and social justice platforms. Prerequisites: Introduction to Research Methods and one of the following courses: Introduction to Criminal Justice, Introduction to Early Childhood Education, Introduction to Substance Abuse, Human Growth & Development, or Introduction to Human Services.

Essential Objectives

1. Explore the concepts of oppression and social justice, including how they are experienced and practiced.
2. Analyze the role and functions of personal and professional ethical standards in human services.
3. Explore the relationship between social justice issues and the public policy agenda and how they are influenced by public opinion and legal, political, economic, and historic trends.
4. Explore the use of research in public policy development.
5. Analyze public policy using specific assessment techniques.
6. Explore and practice opportunities for participation in the public policy process.
7. Identify personal values, motivations, skills, and interests as they relate to policy-making and long-term career goals within a desired field.
8. Explore and create personal, professional, and leadership strategies that take into consideration a long-term career goal within one's desired field.

Required Technology

More information on general computer and internet recommendations is available on the CCV computer recommendations Support page.

Please see CCV's Digital Equity Statement (pg. 45) to learn more about CCV's commitment to supporting all students access the technology they need to successfully finish their courses.

Required Textbooks and Resources

*** This is a no cost textbook or resource class. ***

This course only uses free Open Educational Resources (OER) and/or library materials. For details, see the Canvas Site for this class.

Artificial Intelligence(AI) Policy Statement

CCV recognizes that artificial intelligence (AI) and generative AI tools are widely available and becoming embedded in many online writing and creative applications.

Integrated: This course's generative AI policy acknowledges the use of AI is an essential skill in today's world. By using genAI for specific purposes, students become equipped with relevant skills and tools necessary to thrive in a technology-driven society. Emphasizing the mastery of generative AI should empower you to harness its potential, enhancing your problem-solving abilities and preparing you for future challenges and opportunities. Be aware, however, that any time generative AI is used at any point in the assignment without attribution it may be considered a violation of CCV's Academic Integrity Policy.

Be aware, we know how to interpret a complete submission done by AI. Virtually every assignment I give requires "you" in the assignment. I want to know how you think, react and absorb controversial subjects. AI is a tool, nothing more. Use it wisely.

Methods

How You'll Learn in This Course

This class is designed to keep you active, inspired, and connected to the real world. Here’s how we’ll explore social justice and public policy together:

Active Participation

• Weekly discussion boards where your insights and engagement matter

• Sharing ideas with classmates helps build a vibrant learning community

Voice-Recorded Lectures

• Lectures are delivered through audio PowerPoint recordings

• Accessibility support is available for hearing-impaired students

Mini-Quizzes

• Short quizzes to reinforce key ideas

• No large tests—this course focuses on understanding, not memorization

Midterm Project

• You'll write your first basic Public Policy proposal

• This is your chance to apply concepts from class in a practical format

Weekly Readings

• Sources include The Washington Post, trade journals, and professional magazines

• These readings connect course topics to current events and real-world contexts

Strengths-Based Exercise

• Reflect on areas you excel in and areas for growth

• Discover how your strengths shape your personal and professional journey

Exploring Bias & Personality

• Learn how your values, traits, and biases influence your thinking

• Connect personal reflection to social and policy dynamics

Guest Expert: Nick Zaiac

• A researcher and publisher based in Washington, D.C., You will be analyzing one of his policies

• He’ll advise on how to find credible sources and strengthen your research

Final Project: Big “P” Policy Paper

• A formal, well-researched policy proposal

• Designed to be publication-ready or suitable for real-world submission

Evaluation Criteria

Grading Expectations in Your Capstone Course

This Capstone course is designed to reflect the rigor of real-world policy writing. As such, grading is precise and structured to uphold professional standards.

What You Should Know

• Perfect scores (100%) are rare—but not impossible. The goal is growth through challenge.

• Your work will be graded fairly and consistently, with clear feedback that guides improvement.

• Assignments are meant to simulate authentic policy creation; I expect careful thought, revisions, and attention to detail.

• Mistakes aren’t setbacks—they’re stepping stones. You’ll learn more from revising your work than from a one-and-done submission.

My Promise to You

• I’ll push you toward excellence—not to be harsh, but to prepare you for a field where precision and clarity matter.

• Every critique aims to help you refine your voice, sharpen your ideas, and embrace the process—not just the product.

Grading Criteria

CCV Letter Grades as outlined in the Evaluation System Policy are assigned according to the following chart:

	High	Low
A+	100	98
A	Less than 98	93
A-	Less than 93	90
B+	Less than 90	88
B	Less than 88	83
B-	Less than 83	80
C+	Less than 80	78
C	Less than 78	73
C-	Less than 73	70
D+	Less than 70	68
D	Less than 68	63
D-	Less than 63	60
F	Less than 60
P	100	60
NP	Less than 60	0

Weekly Schedule

Attendance Policy

Regular attendance and participation in classes are essential for success in and are completion requirements for courses at CCV. A student's failure to meet attendance requirements as specified in course descriptions will normally result in a non-satisfactory grade.

• In general, missing more than 20% of a course due to absences, lateness or early departures may jeopardize a student's ability to earn a satisfactory final grade.
• Attending an on-ground or synchronous course means a student appeared in the live classroom for at least a meaningful portion of a given class meeting. Attending an online course means a student posted a discussion forum response, completed a quiz or attempted some other academically required activity. Simply viewing a course item or module does not count as attendance.
• Meeting the minimum attendance requirement for a course does not mean a student has satisfied the academic requirements for participation, which require students to go above and beyond simply attending a portion of the class. Faculty members will individually determine what constitutes participation in each course they teach and explain in their course descriptions how participation factors into a student's final grade.

Missing & Late Work Policy

Late Work Policy

• Automatic 10-point deduction for any late submission.

• Late work is accepted for up to one week past the due date.

• If something serious comes up, contact me immediately. Otherwise:

  • Work received more than one week late, without communication, receives a zero.

  • Zeroes are final and cannot be changed.

In-Class Participation & Attendance

• I value rich discussions—multiple voices make for meaningful learning.

• You’re allowed three absences for any reason (illness, travel, mental health, etc.).

• After three absences, we’ll contact your advisor to discuss your continuation in the course (CCV policy).

• Missing class means missing out on valuable dialogue that could benefit your future career.

Weekly Discussion Guidelines

• Your original post is due by Friday at 11:59 PM.

  • This post counts for 70% of your discussion grade.

• You must respond meaningfully to at least three classmates.

  • Each missing reply deducts 10 points from the 30-point peer response total.

  • Shallow or brief replies won’t receive credit.

Accessibility Services for Students with Disabilities:

1. Provide disability documentation to the Accessibility Coordinator at your academic center. https://ccv.edu/discover-resources/students-with-disabilities/
2. Request an appointment to meet with accessibility coordinator to discuss your request and create an accommodation plan.
3. Once created, students will share the accommodation plan with faculty. Please note, faculty cannot make disability accommodations outside of this process.

Academic Integrity

Apply Now for this semester.