An overview of typical and divergent developmental trajectories over the life course. This includes how biological, psychological, spiritual, interpersonal, family, community, socio-cultural, historical, and economic factors shape these trajectories. It also surveys major theoretical frameworks for explaining typical and divergent development in an environmental context.
Athena Title
Human Behavior in Social Envir
Equivalent Courses
Not open to students with credit in SOWK 7112E
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student learning Outcomes
The student will be able to summarize key concepts and theories of human behavior in social environments.
The student will be able to utilize critical thinking to: (a) evaluate and enhance existing theories of human behavior, person-in-environment and other interprofessional conceptual frameworks; and (b) propose innovative ethical solutions to address social work challenges in contemporary settings.
The student will be able to apply knowledge of human development across the lifespan to address the diverse needs of social work clients and constituencies, with specific attention to neurobiological, psychological, cultural-historical, and socio-economic/socio-structural factors.
The student will be able to explain the impact of family, group, community and broader systemic contexts on individual development, including both typical and divergent trajectories, and identify key risk and protective factors within these environments.
The student will be able to demonstrate cultural humility by applying critical reflection and self-awareness of how personal experiences, values, biases and beliefs influence professional judgement and behavior.
Topical Outline
Process of social work: Importance of theory, assessment, and intervention
The Person-In-Environment: Systems Theory, Ecological/Transactional & Resilience Frameworks
Sociocultural Dimensions: Critical Theories, Social Constructionism
Social Change Dimensions: Critical Race Theories, Feminist Theories, Queer Theories
Biological, psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions of typical and atypical development over the lifespan (pre-pregnancy through late adulthood) and the interplay among these dimensions
Institutional Competencies Learning Outcomes
Critical Thinking
The ability to pursue and comprehensively evaluate information before accepting or establishing a conclusion, decision, or action.
Social Awareness & Responsibility
The capacity to understand the interdependence of people, communities, and self in a global society.
