Human Behavior and the Social Environment I

Catalog description

Human Behavior and the Social Environment I is aimed at exposing students to the complex factors that may affect human development and experiences across the life course. Students will understand theories of human behavior and the social environment (HBSE), and critically evaluate their implications when applied across diverse populations. Students will gain knowledge of human development across differing contexts and understand salient topics across stages of the life course. Through examinations, papers, and presentations, students will demonstrate their knowledge of theories, apply theories to specific contexts, and engage in personal reflection about how their life experiences may affect social work practice. Students will develop an understanding of how differing theoretical frameworks can empower and/or oppress diverse populations and communicate this understanding in a professional and ethical way. This knowledge will provide the foundation to enable social workers to understand multiple factors when engaging with individuals and families to critically analyze theories, which will enable competent assessment, intervention, and evaluation in social work practice.