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SWK 510: Human Behavior Theory For
Social Work Practice I
3 credits
This is the first of two courses that stresses critical thinking in regard to theoretical perspectives on human behavior. The course presents the bio-psycho-social perspective with a particular emphasis on multiculturalism. This is followed by an exploration of the various social systems that impact human behavior. This exploration includes an analysis of a variety of theories and application to the social systems students address in practice. The course introduces theories about and perspectives on the human life span and begins a discussion of the life cycle, which is continued in SWK 511, covering conception through middle childhood.
Learning Goals
1. Demonstrate critical thinking of human behavior theories within the context of social work values2. Exhibit basic knowledge of the relationship between Human Behavior theories and empirically-based knowledge and how these theories are applied in culturally responsive multidimensional assessments3. Demonstrate an ability to apply a bio-psycho-social perspective to individuals, families, and groups with an understanding of how ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, different abilities, spirituality, and socio-economic status may affect development and behavior4. Exhibit knowledge of how diverse families, groups, organizations, neighborhoods and communities are part of the social environment and influence human development5. Demonstrate knowledge of the role human behavior theory displays in Contemporary Direct Practice with diverse communities and social work’s commitment to social and economic justice6. Display knowledge of social work ethical standards as they are related to conceptualizing human behavior and development in society 2.1.4 – Engage diversity and difference in practice, Behavior A: recognize the extent to which a culture’s structures and values may oppress, marginalize, alienate, or create or enhance privilege and powerBehavior B: gain sufficient self-awareness to eliminate the influence of personal biases and values in working with diverse groupsBehavior C: recognize and communicate their understanding of the importance of difference in shaping life experiences2.1.5 – Advance human rights and social and economic justice, Behavior A: understand the forms and mechanisms of oppression and discrimination2.1.7 – Apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment, Behavior A: utilize conceptual frameworks to guide the processes of assessment, intervention, and evaluationBehavior B: critique and apply knowledge to understand person and environment2.1.10(b) – Assessment, Behavior D: collect, organize, and interpret client dataBehavior E: assess clients’ strengths and limitations
*The learning goals displayed here are those for one section of this
course as offered in a recent semester, and are provided for the purpose of
information only. The exact learning goals for each course section in a
specific semester will be stated on the syllabus distributed at the start
of the semester, and may differ in wording and emphasis from those shown
here.