Course credit
3 credit hours
Course description
Assessment of applicability of various perspectives of human behavior to social work diagnosis, planning and intervention; general systems theory serves as organizing framework. Student should have a strong base of courses in human behavior.
Delivery
This course is available in a web-based format, utilizing web pages and WebCT, a computer conferencing program. WebCT requires Internet access and a web browser — no additional software is required. Students may need access to someone who can assist with computer set-up.
This course is available in a print-based format. Mail completed assignments to the GIS Office. We will forward them to the instructor for grading.
Prerequisites
UNI students: 31F:055 or 400:120; 840:014 or a course in biology; junior standing.
Instructor
Katherine van Wormer, Professor
Katherine van Wormer grew up in New Orleans, Louisiana and received her B.A. from the University of North Carolina in 1966; a postgraduate degree in education from Queen’s University, Belfast, Northern Ireland; an M.A. in sociology from Western Kentucky University; and a Ph.D. in sociology from the University of Georgia (1976). In 1984, Dr. van Wormer returned to graduate school and obtained an MSSW from the University of Tennessee - Nashville.
Active in the civil rights and peace movements at home and in Northern Ireland, Katherine van Wormer continues to work for peace. Her academic work has been mostly in the area of women in prison and alcoholism treatment. For two and a half years, the instructor worked as an alcoholism counselor in Washington State and Ohio, and for two years as a program director at a treatment center north of Hamar, Norway.
Dr. van Wormer is the author of 12 books, including the text for this course. Some of her recent books are: Confronting Oppression, Restoring Justice: From Policy Analysis to Social Action (CSWE, 2004); Women and the Criminal Justice System (co-authored with C. Bartollas) (Allyn & Bacon, 2007); Human Behavior and the Social Environment, Micro Level and HBSE, Macro Level (Oxford University Press) (2007) and Addiction Treatment: A Strengths Perspective (co-authored with D.R. Davis) (Thomson/Brooks/Cole) (2008).
Evaluation
11 assignments, 2 exams
Overview
Human behavior is fascinating, both in its normal and abnormal aspects. Some of the best observers and commentators have been the poets, playwrights, and philosophers. Today scientists can see the brain at work and infer from that our feelings at a given moment.
I am offering this course to share my excitement about the art and science of human behavior – why do we do the things we do? The course can be conceived of as a journey that starts with the individual in the environment (micro/macro) and proceeds to a study of the environment (family, groups, culture, nature) in interaction with the individual (micro/macro). The first book is Human Behavior and the Social Environment, Micro Level: Individuals and Families in this two part series and the second, Human Behavior and the Social Environment, Macro Level: Groups, Communities. The knowledge contained in these books is the sort of knowledge that is useful for professionals, whether counselors, teachers, or social workers who are concerned with helping people find their way in the world and when they have taken a wrong turn to correct it. The kind of information contained in these books is intended, as well, to enhance self knowledge. Creative assignments in this course are devised to be interesting but also to stir the imagination and critical thinking about the choices we make.
The reading is extensive, yet the questions are fairly straightforward with considerable choice in which topics to discuss.
Course organization
The course is divided into 11 assignments and 2 exams. Responses are graded in terms of thoughtfulness, critical thinking, and evidence of having read the chapter. Do not just copy from the text. Please restate the questions before answering. Creative Questions require one or two pages to answer. Responses to Essay Questions are expected to be about two paragraphs each.
Graduate students have no additional assignments but papers are expected to be of a higher level – more integration of theory and practice experience (or theory and teaching in the case of educators).
Exams
The Midterm Exam covers the first text (HBSE, Micro) which consists of six chapters. The Final Exam is not cumulative and covers five chapters from the HBSE, Macro text. Each exam consists of 15 matching and 17 short answer essays. Study the key terms and all of the written assignment questions.
Grading
Mid-Term 1/3
Final Exam 1/3
11 Assignments 1/3
Textbook(s)
van Wormer, K. Human Behavior and the Social Environment, Micro Level: Individuals and Families. (2007), Oxford University Press. Chapters 1-6.
van Wormer, K. Human Behavior and the Social Environment, Macro Level: Groups, Communities. (2007), Oxford University Press. Chapters 2, 4, 6, 7, 8.
In addition there are several short articles included in the READING packet.
Texts are available from www.bookfinder.com
University Book and Supply carries most books used in guided independent study.
To search for textbooks by course, click on "Select a Campus Term" and select Univ.Northern Iowa - Guided Independent Study
Visit the store at 1009 West 23rd Street, Cedar Falls, IA 50613
Phone: 319-266-7581 or 800-728-7581
Fax: 319-277-1266
E-mail: bookstore@panthersupply.com
To enroll
ONLINE
GIS enrollment information
IN PERSON
UNI Continuing and Distance Education
2637 Hudson Road (corner of 27th St. and Hudson Rd.)
Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0223
Campus map (Look for Building 31)
For more information
Cindy Klodt, Guided Independent Study
UNI Continuing and Distance Education
319-273-2123 or 800-772-1746
ContinuingEd@uni.edu