SER 210 : Human Behavior and Social Environment
This course provides a conceptual framework for evaluating and understanding the correlation between human behavior and the social environment. There is a strong emphasis on the ecological perspective and the social systems theory. Life course, assets and resiliency-based perspectives are also utilized and examined. Theories, themes, and terms from the course will be applied to evaluating the impact of the social environment on human functioning with a focus on how these theories pertain to diversity, poverty, discrimination, and oppression. 3 credits. Prerequisites: A passing score on the college's reading and writing placement tests or concurrent enrollment in ENG 091 or ENG 092.
Course Outcomes
1. Synthesize bio-psycho-socio-cultural-spiritual influences on human behavior in the context of individual, family, and larger system environments.
2. Apply relevant traditional and alternative theories of HBSE, including social systems theory, the ecological perspective, life course theory, and the empowerment
perspective, to individual and family, groups, organizations, and communities.
3. Identify the impact of racial, ethnic, cultural, religious, ability, socioeconomic, gender, sexual orientation, age differences, and historical contexts on the individuals,
families, groups, organizations, communities, and the world.
4. Explain the ethical responsibility of social workers as it pertains to the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) code of ethics and greater society.
5. Critique one’s own self-awareness regarding the formation of one’s beliefs and biases regarding cultural competency, skills, knowledge, and values.