NORTHEASTERN
DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WORK
SOWK 4873- Human Behavior and the Social Environment II
Spring 2004
INSTRUCTOR
Dr. Dolores Poole, Associate Professor
Office: BA C-157
Office: S.H 326
Telephone: 918-449-6537 Telephone: 918-456-5511, X3511
Fax: 918-449-6146 Fax: 918-452-2346
Office Hours: Mon:
Wed:
Thurs:
Fri:
And by appointment.
E-mail: poole@nsuok.edu
Web page: http://arapaho.nsuok.edu/~poole
COURSE: Human Behavior
and the Social Environment II
Tues & Thur
Wed.
Pre-Requisites: SOWK 3873; Restricted to majors
COURSE DESCRIPTION
A study of the social
systems’ theoretical model and knowledge of human bio-psychosocial development
of persons in the environment. Includes other theories and knowledge about social systems
in which individuals live (families, groups, organizations, communities and
institutions). Application of critical thinking enhances
an understanding of the interactions between human behavior in relation to
social, cultural, and economic forces. Restricted to Social Work majors. Prerequisite: SOWK 3873.
COURSE PURPOSE
The
purpose is to understand human bio-psycho-social behavior and development
in the environment. This includes content from the
Social System Theoretical model and other theories derived from biology,
psychology, and sociology. The generalist social
work practice perspective emphasizes how the life cycle is affected by interactions
between and among individuals as they live in (families, groups, organizations,
communities and institutions). Understanding of these
human interactions considers knowledge and sensitivity to diversity, culture,
and populations-at-risk (age,
class, color, disability, ethnicity, family structure, gender, marital status,
national origin, race, religion, and sexual orientation). It presents how
systems in rural, urban, and global areas express an omission, deterrence
and or promotion of access to people for the maintenance and achievement
of optimal health and well being throughout the life cycle and in relation
to other systems. Social work values and ethics are
related to theoretical models. Critical thinking skills
are applied in the application and evaluation of theory to client situations.
EDUCATIONAL OUTCOMES
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will demonstrate an ability to:
1.
Apply critical thinking within the context of
professional social work practice and the application of social systems theory
and its concepts
2.
Understand the value base of the profession and
its ethical standards and principles and practice accordingly in relation
to the NASW Code of Ethics.
3.
Understand that human behavior and the social
environment theories emphasize practice without discrimination and with respect,
knowledge, and skills related to clients’ age, class, color, culture, disability,
ethnicity, family structure, gender, marital status, national origin, race,
religion, spirituality, sex, and sexual orientation.
4.
Understand the knowledge and skills of generalist
social work practice with systems of all sizes in relation to social systems
theory.
5.
Understand and use theoretical frameworks supported
by empirical evidence to understand individual development and behavior across
the life span and the interaction among individuals and between individuals
and families, groups, organizations, and communities.
6.
Evaluate research studies and apply research
findings to mezzo and macro practice in relation to social systems theory.
7.
Understand the structure of organizations and
service delivery systems in relation to the social systems theoretical model.
8.
Understand the need for cultural sensitivity
in the application of theoretical models with emphasis on Native American
populations.
9.
Recognize and demonstrate the global context
of the social work profession across the human life span.
TEXT
Norlin, J., Chess, W., Dale, O., & Smith, R. (2003). Human behavior and the social environment: Social systems theory (4th ed.). Boston: Allyn & Bacon
INSTRUCTIONAL PROCEDURES
This course is designed in the lecture/discussion format. Students are expected to be conversant with readings and to actively engage in class discussion. Students are also expected to evidence the use of modern information and technology and services.
COURSE EVALUATION
The course is evaluated formally using the
MAKE-UP POLICY
If a student knows they will miss class, arrangements must be made in advance to make-up the missed work. In the event of personal illness contact the instructor ASAP.
Any assignment turned in late, without prior approval, will receive a 5% reduction (5 points) for each day it is late up to one week from the original due date. After that no papers will be accepted and the student will receive a zero for the assignment.
ATTENDANCE POLICY
Notify the instructor ASAP of any absences. Absences will affect the attendance and participation grade. In addition, any student who misses more than 25% of the classes will have their earned course grade lowered one complete letter grade.
PLAGIARISM AND CHEATING POLICY
Plagiarism is the presentation of another's work as your own. Plagiarism or other forms of cheating will result in a grade of "Zero" for the exam or assignment.
If any member of the class feels that he/she has a disability and needs special accommodations please advise the instructor of such disability at the first class attended. It is the responsibility of each student with a disability to notify the university of such disability and to make a request for an accommodation. Requests should be filed through the Office of Student Affairs.
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY
NSU is a community of people with respect for diversity that emphasizes the dignity and equality common to all individual faculty, staff, and students. This institution does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, age, religion, ethnic or national origin, handicaps, status as a veteran, or political or sexual orientation in any of its policies, practces or procedures. This includes, but is not limited to admissions, employment, financial aid and educational services. In addition, the university will not tolerate any behavior, verbal or physical conduct, by any administrator, supervisor, faculty or staff member which constitutes sexual harassment of a student. a committee, consisting of faculty members and students, has been created to consider any complaints by students concerning these regulations. An outline of the grievance procedure is on file in the office of Personnel Services, the office of the Dean of Student Affairs, and the Social Work Department office.
INCLEMENT WEATHER/DISASTER POLICY
The following are basic premises for the inclement weather
policy at
1. Classes are expected to be held if at all possible.
2. It is the student's responsibility to receive information when weather is questionable.
3. Neither students nor faculty are expected to risk life or limb.
4. Faculty members are obligated to hold classes if the University is not closed, unless the faculty member is unable to get to campus.
Policy: During times of inclement
weather, decisions concerning day classes will be made by
The media will be notified regarding closing of the campus. The automated attendant message on 918-456-5511 will be modified to include information concerning campus operations during inclement weather.
CLASS ASSIGNMENTS
10% Classroom group presentations and discussion
10% Group Article
Select a professional journal article on some aspect of social groups. Summarize the article (2-3 paragraphs), then analyze the group (2-3 paragraphs) utilizing social systems theory as presented in your text and in class discussion.
30% Mid-term exam
10% Organization Article
Select a professional journal article on some aspect of a formal organization. Summarize the article (2-3 paragraphs), then analyze the organization (2-3 paragraphs) utilizing social systems theory as presented in your text and in class discussion.
10% Presentation of Term Paper
Your presentation must include a 3-D poster on your topic. This poster will meet the guidelines for the NSU Research poster competition. You will present your paper and poster to the class.
30% Term Paper
Your final paper will be a minimum of 6 pages of text, in APA style, with a minimum of 5 references and 8 citations within the text of the paper. You will select an agency, an agency program, a community, or a community program for this paper. The following headings must be used in the paper:
1. Identify the system which is the subject of your paper and use systems terminology to define the system.
2. State the mission, goals, and objectives of your identified system
3. Identify two theories (beside social systems theory) which apply to your organization and analyze how the theories apply.
4. Explain the conversion operation of your identified system, utilizing social systems theory and terminology
5. Demonstrate the conversion operation by describing
an exemplar.
CLASS GRADING
Grading is based on standard grading practices:
100-90=A; 89-80=B; 79-70=C; 69-60=D; 59&below=F
No extra credit assignments are available.
CLASS SCHEDULE
Course Outline
SOWK 4873 HBSE II
Tahlequah Outline
Week 1
Thur
Week 2
Thur
Assignment: 1. Student Group 1: Examples of promotion of health and well being.
2. Student Group 2: Example of deterrence of health and well being.
3. Class Discussion – social systems theory variables (concepts)
Week 3
Thur
Week 4
Thur
Week 5
Thur
Week 6
Tues 2/17/04 The Family as a System of Rules,
Thur
Assignment: 1. Group Presentation of Family
2. Group Presentation of Community
3. Group Presentation of Group
4. Class Discussion – social systems theory variables (concepts)
Week 7
Thur
Week 8
Thur
Week 9
Thur
Week 10
Thur
Week 11
Tues 3/23/04 The Formal Organization and Social Systems
Thur
Week 12
Tues 3/30/04 The Formal Organization as a Social
Thur
Assignment: 1. System analysis for each system level and the effects about the interaction between and among systems.
2. Student Group Presentations
Week 13
Thur
Week 14
Thur
Assignment: 1. Student Theory Presentations linked to life cycle divisions.
Week 15
Tues 4/20/04 Social
Stratification & Diversity,
Thur
Week 16
Tues 4/27/04 Paper Due and Presentations
Thur
Assignment: 1. Paper Due on Theory(ies) and knowledge and range of social systems.
FINALS
Week 1
Introduction to theories and knowledge of the range of social systems theory, Ch. 1
Week 2
Ways social systems promote or deter maintaining or achieving health and well being.
Assignment: 1. Student Group 1: Examples of promotion of health and well being.
2. Student Group 2: Example of deterrence of health and well being.
3. Class Discussion – social systems theory variables (concepts)
Week 3
Assignment: 1. Review NASW Code of Ethics
Week 4
Week 5
Week 6
Content on: reciprocal relationships between human behavior and social environments.
Assignment: 1. Group Presentation of Family
2. Group Presentation of Community
3. Group Presentation of Group
4. Class Discussion – social systems theory variables (concepts)
Week 7
Bring test questions
Content on: factors that contribute to and constitute being at risk as a population at risk.
Week 8
Content on: how group membership includes access to resources.
Week 9
4 x 6 information card.
Week 10
Week 11
Week 12
Content on: Reciprocal relationships between human behavior and social environments. Empirical theories and knowledge about the interaction between and among systems (macro, mezzo, micro).
Assignment: 1. System analysis for each system level and the effects about the interaction between and among systems.
2. Student Group Presentations.
Week 13
Introduction to the community, Ch. 13
1. Social Justice
2. Economic Justice
3. Populations at Risk
Week 14
Theories & knowledge of biological, sociological, cultural, psychological, & spiritual development across the life span.
Assignment: 1. Student Theory Presentations linked to life cycle divisions.
Week 15
Discussion on distributive justice, human and civil rights & global interconnections of oppression.
Week 16
Assignment: 1. Paper Due on Theory(ies) and knowledge and range of social systems.
FINAL
Wednesday,
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