I. Course Domain and Boundaries

The purpose of this course is to introduce the social work student to knowledge of human development as a base for social work practice. Human problems are viewed within their environmental context. Individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities are in constant transaction with each other in the physical and social environmental context. Thus, people and environments reciprocally affect one another, and adequate assessments of human problems and plans of intervention must consider the reciprocal impact of people and a range of environmental systems. Life span development from conception to very old age is examined. The course focuses on theories and knowledge related to biological, sociological, psychological, spiritual and cultural processes and development across the life span. It addresses the environmental conditions that support or inhibit individual and family growth; and variations arising form ethnicity, class, cohort, gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, and other differences. Particular attention is given to factors that contribute to persons being at risk and the issues and concerns of multi-cultural, urban populations. COMPETENCIE