SCWK 2644 - Human Behavior and the Social Environment for Social Workers 2
Fall 2026 Syllabus, Section 03, CRN 42464,
Credit hours: 3
Course Meeting Times
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Instructor
Alicia Williamson
Email: aswilliamson@ysu.edu
Course Description
2644. Human Behavior and the Social Environment for Social Workers 2. An ecosystems perspective in understanding families, groups, organizations and communities. Focus on individuals and their transactions with each other and their environment. Application of theory and research to social work. 3 s.h.
Course Readings
| Group | Title | Author | ISBN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Required | Human Behavior and the Social Environment: Shifting Paradigms in Essential Knowledge for Social Work Practice. 7th ed., Pearson, 2020 |
Required Text
Schriver, Joe M. Human Behavior and the Social Environment: Shifting Paradigms in Essential Knowledge for Social Work Practice. 7th ed., Pearson, 2020.
The course readings are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, research developments, current events, and/or to ensure better learning.
Assignments/Assessments
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Schedule of Topics and Assignments
| Day | Date | Reading(s) | Proposed Topic | Due/To Prepare for Class |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thu | 8/27 | Readings: Textbook: CHAPTER 1-Human Behavior and the Social Environment (HBSE) and Paradigms | Introduces the core competencies and the basic and fundamental values within the field of social work • Explores how prevailing paradigms, as well as past and future paradigms, have shaped the course of human knowledge and the human experience • Discusses the ethical imperative for social workers to maintain an awareness of their own worldview and an ongoing consideration of alternative paradigms • CSWE COMPETENCIES FOUND IN THIS CHAPTER • Professional Identity • Critical Thinking • Diversity in Practice • Human Rights and Justice Understanding Core Competencies: Understanding the 9 Core Competencies of Social Work | Chapter 1 Discussion 1 (20 points) Chapter1 Discussion 2 (20 points) |
| Thu | 9/3 | Textbook: CHAPTER 2-Understanding Traditional and Alternative Paradigms | • Presented terms used in exploring paradigms • Explore a conceptual framework for HBSE content using traditional and alternative paradigms • CSWE COMPETENCIES FOUND IN THIS CHAPTER • Critical Thinking • Diversity in Practice • Human Rights and Social Justice • Research Based Practice Videos: Doron-Yitzchak Giibor. “What is a paradigm?” YouTube, https://youtu.be/6o1le2GesiI. Accessed 17 Mar. 2025. https://youtu.be/6o1le2GesiI | Chapter 2 Discussion (20 points) Chapter 2 Quiz (20 Points) |
| Thu | 9/10 | Textbook: CHAPTER 3-Enduring Theories, Perspectives, and Practice Models Influencing Social Work Practice | • Explore cultural competence and cultural humility in social work practice. • Discussion of PIE and EBP assessment models. • Explore several enduring theories and practice perspectives • CSWE COMPETENCIES FOUND IN THIS CHAPTER • Human Behavior • Diversity in Practice • Human Rights and Social Justice • Engage, Assess, Intervene, Evaluate Ethics Alive! Cultural Competence, Awareness, Sensitivity, Humility, and Responsiveness: What's the Difference? Cultural Humility and Empathy — Steps on the Journey of Cultural Competence Person-in-Environment (PIE) theory | Chapter 3 Discussion (20 points) |
| Thu | 9/17 | Textbook: Chapter 4-Contemporary and Emerging Theories, Perspectives, and Practice Models Influencing Social Work Practice with Individuals | • Explore several contemporary and emerging theories and practice perspectives • Explore how these models can be applied on micro, mezzo, and macro levels • CSWE COMPETENCIES FOUND IN THIS CHAPTER • Human Behavior • Diversity in Practice • Human Rights and Social Justice • Engage, Intervene, Evaluate | Chapter 4 Discussion (20 points) |
| Thu | 9/24 | Readings: Textbook: Chapter 5-Enduring Theories, Perspectives, and Practice Models Influencing Social Work Practice with Individuals | • Discussed the benefits and limitations of using traditional models in conceptualizing cases. • Explored several traditional theories, perspectives and practice models including their strengths and weaknesses • Explored specifically how these models approach the impact of race and culture • CSWE COMPETENCIES FOUND IN THIS CHAPTER • Human Behavior • Diversity in Practice • Critical Thinking • Engage, Assess, Intervene, Evaluate Videos: "Freud's Psychoanalytic Theory on Instincts: Motivation, Personality and Development."YouTube, uploaded by YSU Social Work Department, 25 Mar. 2025, https://youtu.be/7vFf5CS27-Y?si=U5vBMJosdy-lszpZ. "8 Stages of Development by Erik Erikson."YouTube, uploaded by YSU Social Work Department, 25 Mar. 2025, https://youtu.be/aYCBdZLCDBQ?si=08YFWHawCLPBsQpA. "Piaget's Theory of Cognitive Development."YouTube, uploaded by YSU Social Work Department, 25 Mar. 2025, "Kohlberg’s 6 Stages of Moral Development."YouTube, uploaded by YSU Social Work Department, 25 Mar. 2025, https://youtu.be/bounwXLkme4?si=ShUDGFLZ_sBe7kyd | Chapter 5 Discussion (20 points) |
| Thu | 10/1 | Readings: Textbook: Chapter 6-Contemporary and Emerging Theories, Perspectives, and Practice Models Influencing Social Work Practice with Individuals: Neuroscience, Trauma, and Interventions | • Discussed emerging research findings in the study of neuroscience and the impact of the social environment on the brain • Explored several traditional theories, perspectives, models and interventions relating to the interaction between the environment and the developing brain • CSWE COMPETENCIES FOUND IN THIS CHAPTER • Human Behavior • Policy Practice • Research Based Practice • Engage, Assess, Intervene, Evaluate Video: Stress Adaptation Response, Animation. YouTube, uploaded by YSY Social Work Department, 25 Mar. 2025, https://youtu.be/dwGbUXGC_to?si=pD4ysxFLLsHLKlpq. Understanding ACEs: What are Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)? [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-vIqJK8Nu1Q What is Trauma-Informed Care? YouTube, uploaded by YSU Social Work Department, 25 Mar. 2025, https://youtu.be/fWken5DsJcw?si=iAACsbMit098Qrl8 | Chapter 6 Discussion (20 points) |
| Thu | 10/8 | EXAM: Exam Chapters 1-6 (60 points) | ||
| Thu | 10/15 | Readings: Textbook: Chapter 7-Contemporary and Emerging Theories, Perspectives, and Practice Models Influencing Social Work Practice with Individuals: Identity, Diversity, and Development | Readings: Textbook: Chapter 7-Contemporary and Emerging Theories, Perspectives, and Practice Models Influencing Social Work Practice with Individuals: Identity, Diversity, and Development • CHAPTER SUMMARY • Examined in depth the processes and implications of identity development • Explored multiple identity development models, theories and perspectives • CSWE COMPETENCIES FOUND IN THIS CHAPTER • Human Behavior • Diversity in Practice • Research Based Practice • Human Rights and Social Justice Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity Videos: Nigrescence Model: BLST 15 Final. YouTube, uploaded by YSU Social Work Department, 25 Mar. 2025, https://youtu.be/gExORWfBD88?si=cEegyDXQAntVMcf. Osmosis from Elsevier. (2020, June 18). Sexual orientation and gender identity [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/xCMmZUu07IQ?si=i2cBRT8sWPFomgRl Cass's Homosexual Identity Formation Model. YouTube, uploaded by YSU Social Work Department, 25 Mar. 2025, https://youtu.be/oRUn1tQbdIU?si=E0uaUtW4l7-UXtyy. | Chapter 7 Discussion (20 points) |
| Thu | 10/22 | Textbook: Chapter 8-Enduring, Contemporary and Emerging Theories, Perspectives, and Practice Models Influencing Social Work Practice with Families | • Examined familiness from a range of perspectives • Explored multiple, theories and practice models for working with families • Examined the arena of family-centered social work • CSWE COMPETENCIES FOUND IN THIS CHAPTER • Human Behavior • Diversity in Practice • Research Based Practice • Human Rights and Social Justice Videos: The Attachment Theory: How Childhood Affects Life. YouTube, uploaded by YSU Social Work Department, 25 Mar. 2025, https://youtu.be/WjOowWxOXCg?si=MvOoq7VMB2j2jyxF Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems: 5 Forces Impacting Our Lives. YouTube, uploaded by YSU Social Work Department, 25 Mar. 2025, https://youtu.be/g6pUQ4EDHeQ?si=quVvr1lk9jd6hDN7. The Social Model vs Medical Model of Disability | Chapter 8 Discussion (20 points) |
| Thu | 10/29 | Readings: Textbook: Chapter 9-Enduring, Contemporary and Emerging Theories, Perspectives, and Practice Models Influencing Social Work Practice with Groups | Readings: Textbook: Chapter 9-Enduring, Contemporary and Emerging Theories, Perspectives, and Practice Models Influencing Social Work Practice with Groups • CHAPTER SUMMARY • Examined a “big-picture” view of small groups • Explored group processes that often result in bad decision-making in groups • Examined diversity and oppression in groups as well as inclusiveness • CSWE COMPETENCIES FOUND IN THIS CHAPTER • Human Behavior • Diversity in Practice • Research Based Practice • Human Rights and Social Justice Videos: Historical Background of Group Work As A Method In Social Work. YouTube, uploaded by YSU Social Work Department, 25 Mar. 2025, https://youtu.be/PNGNb9QbPA8?si=VSX2m8wXqTa945Mi. Three Models of Group Work (Remedial, Reciprocal and Mediating)."YouTube, uploaded by YSU Social Work Department, 25 Mar. 2025, https://youtu.be/Q_wMCuNbJlI?si=p1qtO44SjvuX7DnE. What is Group Dynamics? | Chapter9 Discussion (20 points) Chapter 9 Quiz |
| Thu | 11/5 | Readings: Textbook: Chapter 10-Enduring, Contemporary and Emerging Theories, Perspectives, and Practice Models Influencing Social Work Practice with Organizations | Readings: Textbook: Chapter 10-Enduring, Contemporary and Emerging Theories, Perspectives, and Practice Models Influencing Social Work Practice with Organizations • CHAPTER SUMMARY • Explored enduring, contemporary and emerging theories, perspectives and practice models influencing social work with individuals. • Explored multiple perspectives regarding organizational leadership • Examined influence of technology on organizations and social work practice • CSWE COMPETENCIES FOUND IN THIS CHAPTER • Human Behavior • Professional Identity • Research Based Practice • Policy Practice Videos: Frederick Taylor Scientific Management. YouTube, uploaded by YSU Social Work Department, 25 Mar. 2025, https://youtu.be/vNfy_AHG-MU?si=FA3FBGXJoAk3_VEr. Elton Mayo Human Relations Theory at Workplace. YouTube, uploaded by YSU Social Work Department, 25 Mar. 2025, https://youtu.be/0FjjqHXHqoU?si=1lKt3baY318yW7k2 Weber's Bureaucratic Management. YouTube, uploaded by YSU Social Work Department, 25 Mar. 2025, https://youtu.be/4yI1gytXQGs?si=avph1iYZuP3qNtTc. | Chapter 10 Discussion (20 points) |
| Thu | 11/12 | Readings: Textbook: Chapter 11-Enduring, Contemporary, and Emerging Theories, Perspectives, and Practice Models Influencing Social Work Practice with Communities | • Explored the concept of community including history, definitions, and components from a variety of perspectives • Explored a range of approaches to community change • Examined range of approaches to community building • CSWE COMPETENCIES FOUND IN THIS CHAPTER • Human Behavior • Professional Identity • Human Rights and Justice • Policy Practice Videos: Community Organizing Definition (THE SECRET TO SOCIAL CHANGE)."YouTube, uploaded by YSU Social Work Department, 25 Mar. 2025, https://youtu.be/ELoiluGDdGg?si=j_Lvp1IGYxn6GWr8 | Chapter 11 Discussion (20 points) |
| Thu | 11/19 | HOLIDAY |
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| Thu | 11/26 | Readings: The Cycle of Abus and its use to understand Domestic Violence Fact Sheet: Aging in the United States Reality vs. Myth 10 Myths About Aging | Videos: Dr. Phil. (2019, October 28). The Cycle Of Violence Explained [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=itH38jKB3Vg Ory, M. (2020 Sep 28). How will society change as the US population ages? [video]. https://today.tamu.edu/2020/09/28/how-will-society-change-as-the-u-s-population-ages/ National Association of Social Workers. (2017, June 13). Social Workers Stand Up for Older Adults | Chapter 12 Discussion (20 points) |
| Thu | 12/3 | Final Exam- Case Analysis Paper | Final Exam- Case Analysis Paper | |
| Thu | 12/10 | No assignments due |
The course schedule, policies, procedures, and assignments in this course are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, by mutual agreement, and/or to ensure better learning.