SOCW 3551: Human Development in the Social Environment
Students are introduced to the aspects and models of how human behaviour is acquired, maintained and modified in a social environment. A perspective of bio-psycho-social- spiritual human development is used as a knowledge basefor practice with individuals, families and groups. Human development and behaviour is examined through the lens of various theoretical perspectives including Indigenous, feminist and anti-oppressive approaches to practice.
Learning outcomes
- Describe the major theories of human growth and development, focusing in particular on the impacts of social environment on development;
- Apply and critique the major theories of human growth and development, emphasizing the concept of ongoing development throughout the life span;
- Compare and contrast major theories on growth and development using Aboriginal, feminist and anti-oppressive critiques;
- Demonstrate an understanding of the range of normative human development that will serve as a knowledge base for social work practice with individuals, families and groups;
- Outline how developmental stages may be impacted by the intersectionality of gender, sexual identity, culture, race, class, disability etc.;
- Explore the influence of students' own gender, sexual identity, culture, race, class, language and developmental stage on their social work practice.
Course topics
- Unit 1: Introduction to the Field of Human Development
- Unit 2: Theoretical Frameworks and Research Methods
- Unit 3: The Start of Life
- Unit 4: Infancy
- Unit 5: The Preschool Years
- Unit 6: Middle Childhood
- Unit 7: Adolescence
- Unit 8: Early Adulthood
- Unit 9: Middle Adulthood
- Unit 10: Late Adulthood
- Unit 11: Death and Dying
Required text and materials
The following materials are required for this course:
- Anderson, K. (2011). Life stages and Native women: Memory, teachings and story
medicine. Winnipeg: University of Manitoba Press.
Type: Textbook. ISBN: 9780887557262
Students require the following e-textbook, which can be purchased directly from the TRU bookstore site at: https://thebookstore.tru.ca/site_digital.asp
- Feldman, R. S. (2021). Revel for Discovering the lifespan (5th ed.). Pearson. REVEL
Access.
Type: E-Textbook. ISBN: 9780135685372
Optional materials:
- Wagamese, R. (2012). Indian Horse. Madeira Park, BC: Douglas & McIntyre Ltd.
Type: Novel. ISBN: 9781553654025
Assessments
Please be aware that should your course have a final exam, you are responsible for the fee to the online proctoring service, ProctorU, or to the in-person approved Testing Centre. Please contact exams@tru.ca with any questions about this.
To successfully complete this course, students must achieve a passing grade of 50% or higher on the overall course, and 50% or higher on the final mandatory exam.
| Assignment 1: Short Answers A | 15% |
| Assignment 2: Reflection on Childhood Development | 15% |
| Assignment 3: Short Answers B | 15% |
| Assignment 4: Reflection on Social Issues and Development | 15% |
| Final Exam (mandatory) | 40% |
| Total | 100% |
Open Learning Faculty Member Information
An Open Learning Faculty Member is available to assist students. Students will receive the necessary contact information at the start of the course.
