Human Behavior & The Social Environment

Examines human growth and development through the life cycle using biological, psychological, sociological, spiritual, and cultural perspectives. Gives an introduction to: the family, the social systems model, personality theories and ego defense mechanisms. Emphasizes the various stages of lifespan development and understanding of biopsychosocial factors on human adaptation from conception through death. Promotes an understanding of the Black Perspective and how this perspective informs human development and behavior. [Required for all students.]

Studies human behavior at the levels of small groups, the family, formal organizations, and communities. Explores a range of empirically-based theories and knowledge of how a biological, sociological, cultural, spiritual, and psychological system determines the health and well-being of individuals, groups, and other social units in the society. The social systems model is used to integrate this content with the individual-level development content from the HBSE I course. This course includes content on the strengths perspective, empowerment, and the Black perspective in order to help students to understand the ways in which social systems impact the well-being of human beings and other social systems.

(Advanced course) Builds upon knowledge gained in Human Behavior in the Social Environment courses. Focuses on theoretical perspectives and clinical knowledge of clinical assessment and diagnoses of childhood and adult disorders. This is NOT a practice course with a focus on intervention. Emphasis is placed on the historical construct of mental health service delivery and the effect of racism on theory and classification as well as contemporary nosology with emphasis on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders IV-revised and theoretical constructs to understand abnormal behavior from a biopsychosocial, culturally diverse viewpoint. [Advanced second year elective for Community, Administration and Policy Practice majors]

(Elective) Offers an introduction to selected, empirically based biological, sociological, cultural, psychological theories and research on human sexuality. Focuses on sexual development throughout the life span (childhood to old age) with consideration given to perspectives (historical and current) and treatment of sex and sexuality. Examines the relationship between human sexuality, physical and emotional disability, service delivery, societal attitudes and values, and the impact of discrimination, oppression and economic injustice.

(Elective) Explores race, class and gender as interrelated biological, social, psychological, historical and power-based constructs using social work values and ethics as undergirding principles. Examines theories and models of racial and multicultural identity and adaptation, and worldview formation. Focuses on feminism, male role studies, sexual identity, spirituality, diversity, cultural competency in relation to social policy and social justice.