11/20/2015
SOWO 7800: Human Behavior and the Social Environment
Course Change Request
New Course Proposal
Date Submitted: 11/19/15 10:32 am
Viewing: SOWO 7800 : Human Behavior
and the Social Environment
Last edit: 11/19/15 10:32 am
Changes proposed by: ZUGAZCB
In Workflow
1. SOCY Chair
2. LA Graduate Curriculum
Committee Chair
3. LA Editor
4. LA Associate Dean
5. Coordinator Curriculum
Management
6. Graduate Council
Curriculum Committee
Chair
7. Coordinator Curriculum
Management
Approval Path
1. 11/19/15 3:41 pm
LAF0014: Approved for
SOCY Chair
Submitter:
User ID:
Phone:
ZUGAZCB 4‐2879
Proposing
College/School:
College of Liberal Arts
Department:
Sociology, Anthro. & Soc. Wk.
Effective Term:
Fall 2016
Subject Code:
Social Work (SOWO)
Course Number:
7800
Justification for
Graduate Credit
This foundation level graduate course is designed to
provide the theoretical and knowledge base for social work
practice. It emphasizes theories of human behavior as
they relate to individuals and families in the social
environment, a critical factor in effective social work
practice. This course also provides special attention to
vulnerable populations and how social systems promote or
deter successful development. https://nextbulletin.auburn.edu/courseleaf/courseleaf.cgi?page=/courseadmin/10202/index.html&step=tcadiff
1/7
11/20/2015
Justification for new
course:
SOWO 7800: Human Behavior and the Social Environment
This is a course in the new Master of Social Work (MSW)
program.
Course Title:
Human Behavior and the Social Environment
Abbreviated Title:
Human Behavior
Weekly
Schedule Contact/Group
Credit Anticipated
or Per
Type
Hours
Hours Enrollment
Term?
Course Credit:
Lecture
3
Can the
course be No
repeated?
Grading Type:
Standard Grades
Prerequisites:
None
Weekly
3
20
Total Credit
Hours: 3
Prerequisite Courses:
Corequisites:
Restrictions:
Exclude Freshman
Exclude Junior
Exclude Sophomore
Exclude Senior
Exclude For Non Degree
Other Restrictions:
Students must be admitted to the Master of Social Work
program in order to take this course.
Admin Restrictions:
Course Description:
This graduate‐level foundation course covers theories,
themes, and issues that influence individual and group
behavior and development across the life span‐ in
interaction with the environment‐ as it underlies social
work practice and research. May Count Either:
Affected Program(s):
Overlapping or
Duplication of Other
Units' Offerings:
No
https://nextbulletin.auburn.edu/courseleaf/courseleaf.cgi?page=/courseadmin/10202/index.html&step=tcadiff
2/7
11/20/2015
Resources
SOWO 7800: Human Behavior and the Social Environment
Access to additional social work journals such as Journal of
Human Behavior in the Social Environment are
recommended.
Students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate knowledge about and critically analyze
relevant theories of human behavior and
development comparing definitional components,
philosophical underpinnings, values assumptions,
strengths, and limitations.
2. Analyze the reciprocal relationships of human
behavior and social systems and how this interaction
influences health and wellness; risk and
vulnerability.
3. Analyze the impact of such factors as race, ethnicity,
culture, gender, age, sexual orientation, socio‐
economic status, and physical and mental ability on
human development and behavior.
4. Understand the interaction between the biological,
psychological, social, cultural, and spiritual
dimensions of the human experience and
development.
5. Demonstrate awareness of personal attitudes and
values regarding human diversity and vulnerable
populations to better articulate professional values
and ethics in support of social justice as it relates to
human behavior and development.
Course
Objectives/Outcomes
Is this course
considered University No
Core?
Unit 1: A Multidimensional Approach for Multifaceted
Social Work
Week 1: Introduction to the Course and establishment of
course expectations
Week 2: A multidimensional approach to Human Behavior
Readings: Hutchison, E.D. (2014). Dimensions of
Human Behavior: Person and Environment (5th Ed.) Sage
Publications: Chapter 1
Week 3: Theoretical Perspectives on human behavior and
the social environment
Readings: Hutchison, Chapter 2
Unit 2: The Multiple Dimensions of the Person
https://nextbulletin.auburn.edu/courseleaf/courseleaf.cgi?page=/courseadmin/10202/index.html&step=tcadiff
3/7
11/20/2015
SOWO 7800: Human Behavior and the Social Environment
Week 4: The Biological Person
Readings: Hutchison, Chapter 3
Week 5: The Psychological Person: Cognition, Emotion, &
Self
Readings: Hutchison, Chapter 4
Week 6: The Psychosocial Person: Relationships, Stress &
Coping
Readings: Hutchison, Chapter 5
Week 7: The Spiritual Person
Readings: Hutchison, Chapter 6
Assignments Due: Literature Review
Course Content
Outline
Unit 3: The Multiple Dimensions of the Environment
Week 8: The Physical Environment ‐ understanding place
attachment
Readings: Hutchison, Chapter 7
Week 9: Culture ‐ Assessing the intersectionality of
identities.
Readings: Hutchison, Chapter 8
Week 10: Social Structure and Social Institutions – Global
and National
Readings: Hutchison, Chapter 9
Week 11: Families – Exploring the protective factors and
risk factors of families.
Readings: Hutchison, Chapter 10
Assignments Due: Contemporary Issues Paper
Week 12: Small Groups & Formal Organizations
Readings: Hutchison, Chapter 11 & 12
Week 13: Communities
Readings: Hutchison, Chapter 13
Assignments Due: Theory Matrix
Week 14: Social Movements
Readings: Hutchison, Chapter 14
https://nextbulletin.auburn.edu/courseleaf/courseleaf.cgi?page=/courseadmin/10202/index.html&step=tcadiff
4/7
11/20/2015
SOWO 7800: Human Behavior and the Social Environment
Week 15: Integrating HBSE into Practice
Readings: Case Study (Choose one of 4)
Assignments Due: Book Review
Assignments /
Projects
1. Literature Review Paper – Students will be expected
to use critical thinking skills to complete a scholarly
literature review on a selected human
development/behavior topic that may be confronted
in social work settings. The 8‐10 page paper will
allow the student to examine a specific topic,
problem, or issues in depth by reviewing what other
scholars have written about it. (20% of Total Grade).
Learning objectives 3 & 4
2. Theory Matrix – Students will develop a theory
matrix of 10 of the theories covered in class. The
matrix will include key concepts, value assumptions,
philosophical underpinnings, methodological issues
and evidence for empirical support, a description of
the social worker and client role, consistently with
social work values and ethics, how does (if it does)
the theory account for biological, psychological, and
spiritual factors, and how does (if it does) the theory
account for social, cultural and economic forces.
(30% of Total Grade). Learning objectives 1 & 3
3. Contemporary issues paper – Students will develop
an understanding of how theory is applied to a
contemporary social welfare related event (i.e.
school violence, poverty, racism, violence against
women, etc.). Choose an event from a popular
media source (newspaper, magazine, etc). Select a
theory of interest that we have covered in class and
write an 8‐10 page paper analyzing the selected
event in relation to the chosen theory. (15% of Total
Grade) Learning objectives 2 & 3
4. Book Review paper – Students will complete a 6 ‐ 8
page, typed, double‐spaced paper discussing Wes
Moore’s book, The Other Wes Moore, One Name,
Two Fates. Students will use two theories discussed
in class to describe the family and their situation.
Students must explain the theory, and then create a
case analysis using the key concepts of each theory.
(10% of Total Grade). Learning objectives 2, 3 & 5
5. Exam‐ Students will complete one final
comprehensive exam. (25% of Total Grade).
Learning objectives 1‐4
Rubric and Grading Scale:
Literature Review Paper – 20%
https://nextbulletin.auburn.edu/courseleaf/courseleaf.cgi?page=/courseadmin/10202/index.html&step=tcadiff
5/7
11/20/2015
SOWO 7800: Human Behavior and the Social Environment
Theory Matrix – 30%
Contemporary issues paper – 15%
Book Review – 10%
Rubric and Grading
Scale
Exam – 25%
Grading scale:
90‐100 = A
89 – 80 = B
79 – 70 = C
69 – 60 = D
59 & Below = F
Supplemental Information For Addition Of Distance
Education Course
Justification for DE
Delivery
Access to Resources
Course Content
Delivery
Course Interaction
Attachments
Course reviewer
comments
ISRAECA (11/18/15 2:47 pm): Rollback: as requested by
program
Preview Bridge
Key: 10202
POLICY STATEMENTS
Preview Bridge
Attendance: Although attendance is not required, students are expected to attend all classes, and will be held
responsible for any content covered in the event of an absence.
Excused Absences: Students are granted excused absences from class for the following reasons: illness of the student or serious
illness of a member of the student's immediate family, the death of a member of the student's immediate family, trips for
student organizations sponsored by an academic unit, trips for university classes, trips for participation in intercollegiate athletic
events, subpoena for a court appearance, and religious holidays. Students who wish to have an excused absence from class for
any other reason must contact the instructor in advance of the absence to request permission. The instructor will weigh the
merits of the request, and render a decision. When feasible, the student must notify the instructor prior to the occurrence of
any excused absences, but in no case shall such notification occur more than one week after the absence. Appropriate
documentation for all excused absences is required. Please consult the Student Policy eHandbook for more information on
excused absences.
Make‐Up Policy: Arrangement to make up a missed major examination (e.g.:hour exams, mid‐term exams) due to properly
authorized excused absences must be initiated by the student within one week of the end of the period of the excused
absence(s). Except in unusual circumstances, such as the continued absence of the student or the advent of university holidays,
https://nextbulletin.auburn.edu/courseleaf/courseleaf.cgi?page=/courseadmin/10202/index.html&step=tcadiff
6/7
11/20/2015
SOWO 7800: Human Behavior and the Social Environment
a make‐up exam will take place within two weeks of the date that the student initiates arrangements for it. Except in
extraordinary circumstances, no make‐up exams will be arranged during the last three days before the final exam period begins.
Academic Honesty Policy: All portions of the Auburn University student academic honesty code (Title XII) found in the Student
Policy eHandbook will apply to university courses. All academic honesty violations or alleged violations of the SGA Code of Laws
will be reported to the Office of the Provost, which will then refer the case to the Academic Honesty Committee.
Disability Accommodations: Students who need accommodations are asked to electronically submit their approved
accommodations through AU Access and to arrange a meeting during office hours the first week of classes, or as soon as
possible if accommodations are needed immediately. If you have a conflict with my office hours, an alternate time can be
arranged. To set up this meeting, please contact me by e‐mail. If you have not established accommodations through the Office
of Accessibility, but need accommodations, make an appointment with the Office of Accessibility, 1228 Haley Center, 844‐2096
(V/TT).
https://nextbulletin.auburn.edu/courseleaf/courseleaf.cgi?page=/courseadmin/10202/index.html&step=tcadiff
7/7