Course Description
This first course in the human behavior sequence studies the bio-psycho-social, cultural, and spiritual influences on the life cycle from pre-birth through adolescence. The content will emphasize on understanding the interactions between individuals, groups, institutions and communities and their environments from various perspectives including systems, ecological, strengths, diversity, and human development. This course will allow students to understand how to engage from a change agent/leader perspective. Formerly titled: SWK 320: Human Behavior in the Social Environment 1 and SWK 225: Evolution of Change (3 credits)
Prerequisites
- SWK 101: Introduction to Social Work
- SWK 110: History of Social Welfare
Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- Apply theories and knowledge of biological, sociological, cultural, psychological and spiritual development across the life span, including attachment theory, role theory, cognitive theory, learning theory, and theories of moral development.
- Recognize individual and family developmental stages and the reciprocal interaction between the individual and larger systems.
- Use the person-in-environment perspective and other theoretical models to describe and examine the development of systems and social work practice.
- Evaluate theories of human behavior with an understanding of their implicit value base and their relevance to social work practice.
Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) / Competencies
- Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior
- Advance Human Rights and Social, Economic, and Environmental Justice
- Engage Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ADEI) in Practice
- Engage in Practice-informed Research and Research-informed Practice
- Engage in Policy Practice
- Engage with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
- Assess Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
- Intervene with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
- Evaluate Practice with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
Course Activities and Grading
| Assignments | Weight |
|---|---|
Discussions (Weeks 1-8) | 25% |
Chapter Quizzes (Weeks 1-8) | 25% |
Weekly Assignments (Weeks 1-8) | 25% |
Child/Adolescent Development Theory Group Presentation (Week 8) | 25% |
Total | 100% |
Required Textbook
Available through Charter Oak State College's Book Bundle
- Zastrow, C., Kirst-Ashman, K., Hessenauer, S. (2019). Understanding Human Behavior and the Social Environment - with MindTap Access. 11th ed.
Course Schedule
Week | PLOs | SLOs | Readings and Exercises | Assignments |
1 | 1-6 | 1-3 | Topic: Introduction to Human Behavior and the Social Environment
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2 | 1-7 | 1-4 | Topic: Biological Development in Infancy and Childhood
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3 | 1-5 | 1-4 | Topic: Psychological Development in Infancy and Childhood
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4 | 1-7 | 1-4 | Topics: Social Development in Infancy and Childhood
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5 | 1-5 | 1-4 | Topics: Ethnocentrism and Racism
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6 | 1-7 | 1-4 | Topics: Biological Development in Adolescence
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7 | 1-7 | 1-4 | Topic: Psychological Development in Adolescence
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8 | 1-8 | 1-4 | Topic: Social Development in Adolescence
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COSC Accessibility Statement
Charter Oak State College encourages students with disabilities, including non-visible disabilities such as chronic diseases, learning disabilities, head injury, attention deficit/hyperactive disorder, or psychiatric disabilities, to discuss appropriate accommodations with the Office of Accessibility Services at OAS@charteroak.edu.
COSC Policies, Course Policies, Academic Support Services and Resources
Students are responsible for knowing all Charter Oak State College (COSC) institutional policies, course-specific policies, procedures, and available academic support services and resources. Please see COSC Policies for COSC institutional policies, and see also specific policies related to this course. See COSC Resources for information regarding available academic support services and resources.