SOCIAL WORK 620A
HUMAN BEHAVIOR AND THE SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT: DIRECT PRACTICE
SAN DIEGO STATE UNIVERSITY, SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK
SPRING 2015
JAMES SHINN, LCSW
760-353-5059-SON-SHINE COUNSELING CENTER
760-352-2467-HOME
SHINNJC@SBCGLOBAL.NET CALL OR EMAIL FOR AN APPOINTMENT
I. PURPOSE AND DESCRIPTION
SW620A is the second of a three-semester course designed to provide a conceptual framework to view and
interpret behavior for Social Work practice. This framework includes the biological, psychological, sociological, and
cultural perspectives, their reciprocal interaction, and their cumulative effect on human functioning. Human
development is conceptualized as following a sequence with stage-specific characteristics, demands, and needs. In
order to present this vast knowledge base in a manageable framework, selected theories will be applied to each of
the life cycle stages. In each stage, specific attention is given to the impact of oppression, and the consequences of
gender, race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and sexual orientation on development. Psychosocial theory provides
the organizing framework.
II. LEARNING OUTCOMES
After completing this course, the student will be able to:
1)
Educational Policy 2.1.4—Engage diversity and difference in practice.
a. Recognize and communicate their understanding of the importance of difference in shaping life
experiences.
i. Demonstrate an understanding of diversity through the study of the similarities and differences
in development and social organization that a major ethnic group has with the majority culture
[quizzes, exam, portfolio]
ii. Assess the impact of cultural, ethnic, socioeconomic, race, sexual orientation, and genderfocused factors on human development [quizzes, exam, portfolio]
1a) CALSWEC Foundation Competency 4d
a. Student demonstrates ability to understand and communicate the effects of individual variation in the
human developmental process and its importance to the shaping of life experiences within diverse
groups. [class presentation]
2) Educational Policy 2.1.7—Apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment.
a. Critique and apply knowledge to understand person and environment.
i. Establish an understanding of individuals as they develop over the life span with particular focus
on transactions that occur within an ecological context [quizzes, exam, portfolio]
ii. Analyze the transactional relationships among biological, social, psychological, and cultural
systems as they influence human development over the life span [quizzes, exam, portfolio]
iii. Assess influence of mesosystems and exosystems (family, peer groups, neighborhoods, social
institutions) on human development [quizzes, exam, portfolio]
iv. Describe and analyze the domains, concepts, and main hypotheses of each theory of human
development presented [quizzes, exam, portfolio, class presentation]
v. Identify the tasks and optimal social and psychological environments associated with each
psychosocial stage relevant to development [quizzes, exam, portfolio]
vi. Analyze how the social environment can hinder optimal human development across the life cycle
[quizzes, exam, portfolio]
2a) CALSWEC Foundation Competency 7.a and 7.b
a. Demonstrate beginning ability to apply conceptual behavioral frameworks to social environments involved
in assessment, intervention and evaluation. [class presentation]
b. Demonstrate beginning ability to gather and interpret behavioral knowledge in perceiving person and
environment. . [class presentation]
II. TEXTBOOK
Required:
Newman, Barbara M. & Newman, Phillip R. (2012). Development Through Life: A Psychosocial Approach, 11th
Edition. New York: Brooks/Cole Publishing Company.
IV. COURSE ASSIGNMENTS AND GRADES
ATTENDANCE
CLASS PARTICIPATION
WEEKLY QUIZZES
PORTFOLIO
CLASS PRESENTATION
PSYCHO-DEVELOPMENTAL ESSAYS
FINAL EXAM
A = 100-95
A- = 94-90
B+ = 89-87
B = 86-84
B- = 83-80
C+ = 79-77
10%
10%
20%
10%
10%
10%
20%
C = 76-74
C- = 73-70
D+ = 69-67
D = 66-64
D- = 63-60
F = 59 or less
V. CLASS POLICIES
1. NASW Code of Ethics: The NASW Code of Ethics is an academic standard at the SDSU School of Social Work.
Students are expected to maintain a high standard of professionalism and to follow all the principles of the
NASW Code of Ethics (Revised, 1996). The Code of Ethics specifies that social workers should be “continually
aware of the profession's mission, values, ethical principles, and ethical standards and practice in a manner
consistent with them” (NASW, Revised 1996, Ethical Principles). Adherence to the Code of Ethics includes
placing clients’ interests in highest priority, maintaining client confidentiality, demonstrating appropriate
professional boundaries, treating one’s colleagues with respect, and maintaining standards of honesty and
integrity.
2. Participation/Classroom Etiquette: Class participation means being actively engaged in the learning process. I
encourage you to contribute comments, ask questions and be an active participant in the learning process.
Please respect the contributions of others. Cell phones should be turned off during class time to avoid
distracting others and detracting from the learning process. If you need to use your cell phone, please leave the
classroom. If you do it too often, it will reflect on your class participation grade. Personal computers are to be
used for note taking only.
3. Academic Honesty, Integrity, and Plagiarism: Please adhere to the guidelines set forth in the Graduate Bulletin
(see Regulations of the Division of Graduate Affairs). Instances of academic dishonestly will be referred to the
SDSU Center for Student Rights and Responsibilities.
VI. COURSE SCHEDULE
WEEK/DATE
ACTIVITIES
ASSIGNMENTS DUE/READING REQUIRED
Week 1/Jan. 22
Review Syllabus; Stress
Assessment; Review of Ch. 1
Quiz Ch 1 & 2; Review of Ch.
1 &2; Begin Portfolio; Group
Work; LCSW Presentation
Quiz; Discussion Cinema
PSA Discussion; Group Work
Review Chapter
Quiz; Discussion PD Essay
Portfolio Submission
Review Chapter ; LCSW Present.
Quiz; Group Work; Review
Chapter; Discuss PD Essays
Quiz; Group Work
Review Chapter
Quiz; Group Work; Review Chapter
Come with open mind and heart
Week 9/March 19
Quiz; Group Work; Review Chapter
LCSW Presentation
Quiz; Group Work; Review Chapter
Week 10/March 26
Quiz; Group Work; Review Chapter
Chapter 8-Early School Age
Begin presentation of Cinema PSA’s
Chapter 9 and 10-Middle Childhood and
Early Adolescence
Chapter 11-Later Adolescence
PD Essay #3Due-Teen Troubles
Cinema PSA’s; Portfolio’s Due
Week 2/Jan. 29
Week 3/Feb. 5
Week 4/Feb. 12
Week 5/Feb. 19
Week 6/Feb. 26
Week 7/March 5
Week 8/March 12
Chapter 1 and 2-Development Though Life
and the Research Process
PD Essay #1 Due
Chapter 3-Psychosocial Theory
Chapter 4-Theories of Human Development
PD Essay #2-Pregnancy and
Parenting; Turn in Portfolio
Chapter 5-Pregnancy and Prenatal
Chapter 6-Infancy
PD Essay Due-The Elementary Years
Chapter 7-Toddlerhood
March 30-April 3 Spring Break Plan for Final Stretch
Week 12/April 9
Week 13/April 16
Week 14/April 23
Quiz; Group Work; Review Chapter
LCSW Presentation
Quiz; Group Work; Review Chapter
Week 15/April 30
Quiz; Group Work; Review Chapter
LCSW Presentation
Quiz; Group Work; Review Chapter
Week 16/ May 7
FINAL EXAMINATION??
Chapter 12-Early Adulthood
Cinema PSA presentations
Chapter 13-Middle Adulthood
PD Essay #4 Due-The Graduate Blues
Chapter 14-Later Adulthood
PD #5 Essay Due-Growing Old Good
Chapter 15-Very Old Age
Turn in Portfolios/Review for Final