Tuesday and Thursday 9:30-10:50
Educational Objectives of HBSE I:
1. Provide content about theories and knowledge of child development as it relates to human bio-psycho-social development and the interaction between the child, family, organizations,institution, and communities.
2. Increase students self-awareness by looking at his/her own development, both through the life cycle and in relation to the issues of human diversity.
3. Help the student become more familiar with cultural, gay and lesbian, ethnic, gender, and spiritual issues, so that his/her social work practice will incorporate appropriate macro considerations.
4. Help the student recognize and respect that which all humans have in common and that which makes each human being unique.
5. Provide macro content on the impact of social and economic forces on children and their families.
6. Provide theoretical frameworks the student can use to learn and develop assessment skills in evaluating children.
7. Give the student an opportunity to apply the theoretical material presented and discussed in class through hands-on experience in a community volunteer placement.
8. Educate students on programs and policies that currently exist to meet the needs of children and their families.
9. Provide students the opportunity to explore policies and programs still needed to enhance the life of children and their families.
Tests
Two tests covering each developmental phase to evaluate the student’s specific knowledge from assigned readings, videos, and from class lectures. The dates for the exams are indicated on the class schedule given to the students at the beginning of the semester.
The following written assignments are also used to assess the student’s achievement of the course objectives:
Assessment Paper
Students are asked to choose and locate a child who is developmentally from one of the phases we cover during the semester. (AGES 1 TO 12)The students observe, and if age appropriate, interview the child. They are required to interview at least one parent and are encouraged to meet with as many additional family members as possible. Based on their observations and responses to the interview questions, students are asked to complete an assessment of the child in terms of the areas covered in the course-physical, cognitive, spiritual influences, and emotional and social behavior. Prior to interviewing the child and family, students are asked to develop a list of questions to ask each party, as well as develop other mechanisms to evaluate child functioning (such as having the child hop on one foot, or asking them to respond to a story, or draw a picture).
Community Service
One of the most important parts of every students learning experience will be participating in the four community service practicum during HBSE I. Each student will be assigned to 4, ten hour practicum. A total of forty hours will be spent with four different Social Work mentors or two community service projects. During practicum, the student will shadow the social worker at the agency where the social worker is employed. The object is to gain an understanding of the agency purposes, organizational structure, services provided, and populations served.
Students will be evaluated by their mentors using the HBSE Volunteer Form.(Attachment 2). In order to receive any credit for community service time, the student must complete the hours as previously stated. No late hours will be accepted
Two tests covering each developmental phase to evaluate the student’s specific knowledge from assigned readings, videos, and from class lectures. The dates for the exams are indicated on the class schedule given to the students at the beginning of the semester. No make-up exams are given for a missed exam unless a student has a documented excused absence from a physician or University authority. If a student does not have an acceptable excuse, a grade of 0 is recorded. I do not discuss grades over the phone. Please come by my office and set up an appointment if you wish to discuss your grades.
Grading and Attendance Policy
Exam I 100 points 340-306=A
Exam II 100 points 305-271=B
Assessment 100 points 270-236=C Community Service Hours 10 points 235-201=D
Community Service Hours 10 points 200-0=F
Community Service Hours 10 points
Total 340 points
SOWK 2544 Human Behavior and the Social Environment I is one of two courses in the Human Behavior in the Social Environment sequence. The introductory courses in sociology, psychology, biology and social work are prerequisites. Students are expected to bring to this course a basic understanding of terminology and processes regarding the social and psychological nature of the human being, as well as an understanding of social work values and the position of the social work profession at the interface between the individual and the social environment.
Human Behavior and the Social Environment I is a study of child development, beginning before conception and ending with late childhood. The course is taught in chronological order with theory from three aspects of development explored for each childhood age group. These aspects are physical development, cognitive and social development, spiritual and emotional development. Two themes that are prevalent from the main text become the core themes by which the course is organized. They are: (1) children develop within the family and in a social and cultural context and (2) research knowledge should be used to develop programs and policies that enhance the quality of life of children and their families. With this type of organizational structure, physical, psychological, and social and emotional development for the child is explained in terms of development in the context of the environment. Attention is given to understanding and appreciating the many macro influences on child development, including the effects of diversity, oppression, discrimination, social and economic injustice, and spirituality.
Any assignment not completed, will result in the final grade being dropped one (1) letter grade. Each 10 hour Community Service Hours is considered an assignment. You cannot pass this class if you do not perform your Community Service Hours.
You are required to complete at least two 10 hours Community Service Hours in two different agencies. That is ten hours per agency. You may count only one walkathon for ten Community Service hours. Remember that if you work Jr. High Career day, and participate in a walkathon, plus work on another community project, you still are responsible for completing 10 hours a piece in two different agencies to receive credit for Community Service Hours.
Any paper that is not turned into the instructor in class, on assignment day, will be lowered one (1) letter grade per each day late, beginning when the class is dismissed. Papers turned in by putting them under my door or giving them to someone else, may risk being lost or being turned in late, which may also result in a lower letter grade.
ATTENDANCE POLICY: After five (5) absences a Student Alert will be sent to the Dean of Students. At that time the student will either be dropped from the class or the s student will lose forty (40) points per each absence after the fifth absence. Tardiness and leaving the class early may be considered an absence.
CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR: Since this a class for students that are in professional training, all students are expected to conduct his or herself(s) in a professional manner. Students are expected to attend all classes, complete assigned readings, and participate in class discussions. Attendance is critical to the accomplishment of the learning objectives. When the professor starts speaking, the class members will become quite. With the exception of an occasional tardiness, students are expected to be in class and on time. STAY AWAKE!
Students are expected to abide by the N. A. S. W. code of ethics and behave in a respectable manner to fellow students and faculty. Students’ behaviors maybe discussed among the Social Work faculty.
A student maybe dropped with a W-F if the student’s behavior is disruptive in class.