SWK5400EN - Advanced Human Behavior and the Social Environment

Course description

An exploration of the theories and knowledge of human bio-psycho-social-spiritual-cultural development from birth through young adulthood in the context of the range of social systems in which individuals live: families, groups, organizations, and communities. In this course social workers will recognize that a holistic perspective requires taking into account the biological, psychological, sociological, and spiritual aspects of human needs, strengths, and experience. As well as the impact of social and economic forces on human development will be explored with special attention to evaluating theory and its application to issues of human diversity.

How this course benefits students

After successful completion of this course, student will be able to: Apply theories and knowledge of biological, sociological, cultural, psychological and spiritual development across the life span, including attachment theory, role theory, cognitive theory, learning theory, and theories of moral development. Use the ecological perspective and other theoretical models to describe and assess the development of individuals and families. Evaluate theories of human ehavior with an understanding of their implicit value base and their relevance to social work practice. Apply to practice a framework of knowledge, theory, values, and skills for spiritually-sensitive social work.

Why this course is important

This course will apply theory and knowledge of life span development to social work practice Students will be provided with assignments and learning experiences, which will foster the development of important core competencies in developing social work into a ministry.

Credit hours
3 hours
Subject area
Social Work
Educational level
Master
Learning type
Instructional
Prerequisites
None
Upcoming terms
Pending
* Schedule subject to change. Please contact the Registrar's office with schedule questions.

How this course relates to missional core values

Biblically based

This course is Biblically based because of students critically examining how various systems impact individuals from a psycho social and spiritual perspective.

Missionally driven

This course is missional because of the various changing locales, populations, scientific and technological developments, and emerging societal trends that students will be knowledgeable of and be equipped to provide leadership in promoting sustainably improved quality social service resources to all people.

Contextually informed

This course is organized around a contextual understanding of diversity.

Interculturally focused

Students will apply an intercultural understanding to people of diverse religious and nonreligious spiritual perspectives and traditions, with special consideration of those that have been marginalized and oppressed.

Practically minded

This course is practical in helping students assess and integrate multiple sources of information; utilize conceptual frameworks to guide the processes of assessment, intervention, and evaluation; critique and apply knowledge to understand person and environment, from a spiritual perspective.; and demonstrating effective oral and written communication. Students who complete this course will be able to have a biblical and practical understanding.

Experientially transformed

This course wil enable students to develop a culturally competent framework for analyzing human behavior in order to create empathic, empowering relationships with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Students will experientially apply a framework of knowledge, values, and practice methodologies needed to provide service to diverse populations.