FACULTY OF ARTS AND SCIENCE
DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WORK AND DEVELOPMENT
The role of Psychology in Social Work
General Data
Academic Year
2015-2016
Year Theme
Introduction to the context and the profession
Semester Theme
The role of psychology, research and the self
Lecturer/Coach
Kimberley Wever
kimberley.wever@ua.aw
T: 5262211
Semester
2, February 2016 - June 2016
Module
The role of psychology in Social Work
Code
ASWD-CC45-12
ECTS
4
Hours
112 hours
Contact Hours: 24 hours
Non-contact Hours: 88 hours
Course Description
Content
This module will introduce students to the term psychology and the basic
vocabulary of the discipline. Students will explore the different fields of psychology and
of their contribution to helping social work practitioners analyze and assess social and
human problems in a critical systemic and comprehensive manner. Some of the fields of
psychology that will be discussed include; social psychology, personality psychology,
developmental psychology, experimental psychology, physiological/biological
psychology, cognitive psychology, clinical psychology and industrial/organizational
psychology. Students will learn to distinguish the major psychological perspectives,
namely; behavioral, psychoanalytic, cognitive, physiological, and humanistic and
psychosocial. Students will also explore the ways these psychological perspectives are
used to describe, understand, predict, and control or modify thoughts and human behavior
of diverse client populations. This module will examine the basic concepts in the study of
behavior and mental processes. Therefore, the module will discuss the concepts of
hereditary, genetics, nature and nurture, behavior, personality, sensation, perception,
learning and memory. Students will be able to increase awareness of self and others and
provide a foundation for in-depth study of multi-disciplinary approaches to human
growth and development as a tool for analysis and conducting assessment for social work
practice with diverse client populations. The module will explicitly explore all the
transversal lines of sustainability, diversity and identity.
Objectives
Increase awareness and understanding in psychology and the role psychology
plays in Social Work.
Contents of the module
Date
Content
Literature
Assignment
(chapters)
3-2-16
Chapter 1 focuses on how to read effectively, study
1 (not part of
more efficiently, take good notes, prepare for tests,
the exam), 3
perform well on various types of tests, create study
schedules, and avoid procrastination.
Chapter 3 focuses on how the field of psychology
emerged, about the contemporary perspectives in
psychology, and the major specialties in psychology.
10-2-16
Chapter 7 focuses on the major divisions of the
7, 8
Self-reflection question about
nervous system and how the neurons operate and
(Miloushka),
chapter 9 (due date 12-2-16)
communicate with each other.
9, 10, 11
Chapter 8 gives attention to how the different parts of
the brain are identified and what their purpose is.
Chapter 9 focuses on the hemispheres and lobes of
the cortex and how they differ and what the functions
are.
Chapter 10 will focus on the subcortex and the
endocrine system, the major parts of the subcortex, as
well as the glandular system affecting behaviour.
(Jennifer)
Chapter 11 is about handedness and how right-and
left-handed individuals differ.
17-2-16
The purpose of chapter 12 is to understand how
12 (Edwin),
heredity and the environment affect development.
13, 14, 15, 16
In chapter 13 students will learn about emotional and
(Alize)
social development in childhood.
Chapter 14 will focus on language and cognitive
development in childhood and on how children
acquire language and how they learn to think.
Chapter 15 focuses on the life stage of adolescence
and adulthood and what the tasks and dilemmas are.
The development of morals and values will also be
discussed.
Chapter 16 will focus on well-being and happiness,
and to the factors that might contribute to a happy
life.
24-2-16
Chapter
23, 24
Self-reflection question about
(Samantha),
chapter 23 (due date 26-2-16)
Chapter
25, 26
Chapter
Chapter
(Jennifer)
2-3-16
Chapter
27, 28, 29, 30 Self-reflection question about
(MichelleL),
chapter 27 (due date 4-3-16)
Chapter
31 (Alize)
Chapter
Chapter
9-3-16
Chapter
32, 33
Self-reflection question about
(Barbara),
chapter 36 (due date 11-3-16)
Chapter
34, 35, 36
Chapter
(Hilde)
Chapter
14-3-16
Study week
21-3-16
Midterms
30-3-16
Chapter
Chapter
40, 42, 43
Self-reflection question about
(MichelleB),
chapter 40 (due date 1-4-16)
44 (Josette),
Chapter
45 (Edwin)
Chapter
6-4-16
Chapter
46, 47
(MichelleB),
Chapter
48, 49
Chapter
Chapter
(Chantal)
13-4-16
Chapter
50, 51
Self-reflection question about
(Deanna), 52
chapter 50 (due date 15-4-16)
Chapter
(Josette), 54
20-4-16
Chapter
(Samantha),
Chapter
59 (Gertjan)
Chapter
60, 61
Self-reflection question about
(Miosotis),
chapter 61 (due date 22-4-16)
Chapter
62 (Hilde),
Chapter
63, 64
Chapter
(Miloushka)
2-5-16
Study week
11-5-16
Chapter
65, 66, 67
(Michelle),
Chapter
68, 69
Chapter
(Miosotis)
Chapter
18-5-16
Chapter
70, 71, 72
(Barbara),
Chapter
73
25-5-16
Chapter
(Gertjan),
Chapter
74 (Deanna)
No classes due to accreditation
30-5-16
Resit week midterms
6-6-16
Final exam week
13-6-16
Study week
20-6-16
Study week
27-6-16
Resit week finals
Entry requirements
None
Curriculum
Core Competencies
1. Critically engage, assess, assess, intervene and evaluate social and human problems
within a development perspective at multiple levels.
Indicator 1.1
The student understands human development and have knowledge of the factors that
affect human development.
Knowledge, skills, attitude
Knowledge
Psychology
Social work theories
and methods
Skills
NOS.
24
26
Presentation
Professional and ethical
use of self
Attitude
NOS.
3
7
Collaborative
Engagement
9
13
15
16
17
20
Independence
Openness
Professionalism
Responsibility
Reflective
Willingness to
learn
Attention for Transversal Lines
Sustainability
As a scientific and a respected profession, psychology prides itself in the active
contributions it has and will continue to make to the capacity of society to regenerate and
preserve its existence. The issue of sustainability in areas of the human and natural
environment may be described as an implicit ethical responsibility of psychology as
evidenced through relevant research in areas such as the natural environment
(environmental pollution, reducing litter), health, education, law and several other areas.
Students will recognize psychology’s contribution to sustainable development of society
through their acquired knowledge and demonstrated ability to think critically about the
psychological application of various principles and theories of psychology.
Diversity
Psychology to the average man who does not understand its values, uses and
purposes means nothing. But psychology in and of itself is a tool that can be used to
increase one’s appreciation and respect for heterogeneity or differences among members
in society. It is through a scientific understanding of human behavior that one comes to
appreciate, understand and accept the influences of the environment, culture, heredity,
cognition and emotions and how these factors interplay to result in human diversity in
any society.
Psychology therefore promotes respect for the diversity even through its approach
to conducting research, and working with individuals and groups of diverse backgrounds
through multicultural counseling and eclectic approach to working in various settings.
The Aruban society appears to reflect various cultures existing side by side. The
existence highlights the importance of developing cultural tolerance in students; hence
the emphasis on the relationship between psychology and diversity.
Identity
Understanding who we are is a first step in developing the notion of an “identity.”
Identity therefore manifests itself at varying degrees, because the individual exists at
various levels. The self plays a major role in identity formation. Through psychology, we
come to develop keen understanding of who we are on a personal, social and professional
level. But it stands to reason that knowing who we are on these entire contexts is possible
through a master identity. For instance, the social identity theories and identity theories
are ways in which social psychology as a specialist area focuses on a deep and informed
exploration of the issue of identity and its importance in the way we think and behave as
human beings.
Civic participation: Social action and social interactions
Community psychology addresses the issues of social action and interaction as
emphasis is placed on the relationships between the individual and the community and by
extension the wider society. This concentration in psychology therefore aims at
understanding the quality of life of individual, communities, and society through
collaborative research and action (Dalton & Wandersman, 2001). This introductory
course in psychology through various content deliverables will hopefully stimulate in
students personal responsibility to self and others and the environment. It therefore
stands to reason that once the individual strives for a delicate balance in existing at the
three levels, then advocacy in these three respects should fall into place.
While recognizing the need for individuality, it is hoped that the students will see
him or herself as part of what sociologists call a “collective conscience” responsible for
being a part of solution for addressing issues that affect self and others through
established and respected channels. Civic engagement and responsibility starts in the
mind which later culminates into social action guided by skillful social interactions.
Topics like emotions, perception, social behavior, personality and motivation are just a
few of the key topics that provide a scientific exploration of information that can enhance
student’s understanding of the importance of the civic participation in Aruba as a national
or even an immigrant.
Learning Methods
General
The module will be presented in twelve two hour sessions. Students shall take
notes of all relevant issues that are addressed or raised during the discussions, particularly
those not in the handouts of the power point presentations, interactive and dynamic group
discussions, document analysis, and reflections on own development. Students should
take notes of all relevant issues that are addressed or raised during discussions.
Work forms
1. Presentations and discussion
2. In class assignments
3. Individual and group work
Evaluation Devices
Assignment
Due date
Grade 100%
Mid semester exam*
30-03-2015
25%
01-06-2015
25%
Chapters 3, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13,
14, 15, 16, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28,
29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36
Final exam*
Chapters 40, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47,
48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 54, 59, 60, 61,
62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70,
71, 72, 73, 74
Assignments
50%
Total
100
*Grades must be sufficient and are mandatory
Assignments
There are 10 assignments (2 chapter presentations, 7 take-home assignments, 1 reflection
paper). For each assignment you can get 0, 0.5 or 1 point. The maximum total amount of
points you can get for these assignments are 10 points.
-
-
Chapter presentation
Individually students will present two chapters. Each presentation is given a 0, .5,
or 1 point for completing this task. There is no possibility to resit the chapter
presentation. Each presentation will take no longer than 15 minutes.
Take-home assignments
7 different assignments will be given. Each take-home assignment will be given 0,
-
0.5, or 1 point. There is no possibility to resit the take-home assignments.
Guidelines for the take-home assignment: the paper may not succeed 2 pages and
all aspects of the assignment have to be answered.
Reflection paper*
The students will reflect on the core competence and how they think they
acquired the indicator using the STARRT method. The reflection paper may not
succeed 2 pages. This assignment is mandatory and is graded with a 0, 05, or 1
point.
Attendance Policy
Attendance and participation are vital elements of active student learning and
significantly enhance your chances of successfully completing the module and the
program. Students shall attend 80% or more of the classes. Repair assignment(s) will be
given for every missed class if the 80% is not met. The student is registered as absent if
he/she misses more than 15 minutes of the class.
Classroom Etiquette
Remember that, just as presence in the work place is a requirement for
compensation, the attentive presence of the student for the entire session is a determining
factor in assigning a grade. It is not enough to “come to class”- be involved and help
yourself and others to learn. Students having the OCCASSIONAL NEED to leave early
or arrive late, or not able to attend class must inform the Lecturer PRIOR TO THE
EVENT via email. Just like in the workplace.
ALL MACHINES (e.g., Laptop, Blackberry, etc.)MUST BE OFF WHEN
LECTURING EXCEPT TO TAKE NOTES AND TO DO RESEARCH UPON THE
REQUEST OF THE LECTURER.
Disability Accommodation
Reasonable accommodations are available for students who have a documented
disability. Please notify the Lecturer during the first day of class of any accommodations
needed for the course. Late notification may cause the requested accommodations to be
unavailable. Any student who has a need for accommodation based on the impact of a
disability should contact the Lecturer to discuss the specific situation as soon as possible.
Delivery of Academic Papers and Assignments
All assignments should be delivered in the following manner:
1. Assignments are uploaded on EDU before the deadline. Late submissions will not
be accepted.
Fraud/Plagiarism
1. Indicate clearly all sources that have been used with the complete reference of
literature as per the APA Style.
2. In case of material from Internet, the exact site should be given and the institution,
author and date as per the APA Style.
3. All forms of plagiarism will directly affect the evaluation and be given the grade
“1”. Any text that is not placed in quotation marks of which lacks an explicit
reference to a source is considered own work. Make sure that at no point writings
or contributions of others are presented as your own. Therefore, all literary quotes
should be placed in quotation marks and sources should be explicitly mentioned,
even when paraphrasing. Plagiarism also includes copied texts from the internet
incorporated without mention, particularly from other papers, which can be
detected easily with modern search technology.
Literature
Mandatory
Coon, D. & Mitterer, J.O. (2009). Psychology: Modules for active learning. (12th edition).
Cengage learning: Wadsworth