Social Work Department

Goals and Objectives

1. Knowledge – To gain an understanding of:
   1. The biopsychosocial character of human behavior, including human biology, human growth and development, and the impact of the social environment
   2. The interactions between and among human biological, psychological, cultural, spiritual and social systems
   3. Cultural diversity and the differential impact of social and economic systems on different groups including women, racial and ethnic groups, lesbians and gay men, and others
2. Values
   1. To demonstrate positive regard for individual worth and dignity, human diversity, client self-determination, equitable access to needed resources, and humane and responsive institutional practices and service delivery
   2. To analyze personal values in relation to the values of the profession and its biopsychosocial approach to human behavior
3. Skills – To develop an ability to:
   1. Apply critical thinking skills in understanding human behavior
   2. Assess theories of human behavior in relation to the profession’s values
   3. Assess the dynamic interactions among biological, psychological, cultural, spiritual and social systems and their impact on individual human behavior and well-being
   4. Assess the role of social systems in promoting or deterring the maintenance or attainment of resources needed for optimal health and well-being
   5. Assess the consequences of discrimination and oppression for individuals, families and communities
   6. Assess the role of discrimination and oppression in the socioeconomic status and social problems of diverse groups

SW 3340 Human Behavior and the Social Environment I

SW 3350 Human Behavior and the Social Environment II

SW 3460 Human Diversity and the Social Environment

Statement—Directions

1. Read the goals and objectives for the human behavior/diversity courses in the curriculum.
2. Review the assignments you completed for this course, including in-class assignments.
3. Choose ONE assignment to add to your portfolio. Choose an assignment that you feel was most instrumental in your mastery of the objectives.
4. Then, answer each of the following questions separately in a one-page typed double-spaced response. Be sure to link your comments to the goals and objectives for this component of the social work curriculum.

Attach the original OR a copy of the assignment to the paper. (Your portfolio statements will not be returned to you until you are enrolled in SW 4550 Social Work Seminar.)

1. How did this assignment help you to understand the bio-psycho-social-cultural-spiritual dimensions of human behavior?
2. How did this assignment help you to value diversity and gain an appreciation for diverse social needs?
3. How did this assignment help you to understand the impact of cultural, spiritual, social and political systems on human development and human behavior?
4. Did you do your best with this assignment? If not, tell us why. If you did not do your best, how could you have improved your performance?
5. What areas of human behavior and the social environment do you think you should focus on for future learning and skill development?