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SOCY-285: Human Behavior in the Social Environment

Course Information

Course, prefix, number, & title: SOCY-285 Human Behavior in the Social Environment

Hours (Class, recitation, Laboratory, studio): 3

Credits: 3

Pre-requisites (if any): SOCY-185

Course Description in college catalog:

This course is to familiarize students with the generalist social work practice. The course material is taught from bio-psycho-social-cultural perspectives, and includes theoretical and empirical knowledge about normal biological, psychological, and sociological development. The emphasis is on issues of human diversity, including race, ethnicity, gender, age and sexual orientation, and on the impact of oppression and discrimination on individuals and families throughout their lifespan. 

Academic programs for which this course serves as a requirement or an elective:

Fulfills the Flexible Core - Individual and Society

A.S. Liberal Arts and Sciences (Mathematics and Science)

General Education Outcomes: Below is a listing of General Education Outcome(s) that this course supports.

  1. Use analytical reasoning to identify issues or problems and evaluate evidence in order to make informed decisions

Course-specific student learning outcomes:

1. Apply materials read related to bio-psycho-social-cultural relationships in society and apply to current social work issues.

2. Demonstrate and critically evaluate interactions in families, groups, communities, and political systems.

3. Analyze the various perspectives of discrimination, poverty, oppression, and other forms of bias and prejudice and will be able to identify differences between the perspectives.

4. Students will be introduced to stages of the life-cycle impact on human behavior from infancy to childhood and be able to discuss the importance of each life-stage.

5. Students will learn the theories of human behavior regarding individuals and families and taught how the application of these theories is important to family dynamics.

6. Students will be able to define the transactional effects of biological, psychological, sociological, cultural, religious, and organizational and community systems on individuals and family functioning.

7. Recognize and identify how the social environment limits or improves the development of individuals and families (e.g. poverty, racism, sexism, ageism, and homophobia) and will be able to discuss relevance to social work issues.

8. Students will able to increase awareness of personal qualities and values regarding human diversity and vulnerable populations and apply their knowledge to further their social work skills

9. Students will be able to recognize major characteristics related to growth and development across the life-cycle and creating a continuing understanding of human behavior.

10. Demonstrate leadership in social policy advocacy in regard to individuals, families, groups, communities and vulnerable populations and apply skills learned to guide and help people for the greater good.

Methods by which student learning will be assessed and evaluated; describe the types of methods to be employed; note whether certain methods are required for all sections:

Attendance/Lateness = 10 points

Group Participation = 20 

Blackboard Assignments= 20 points 

Final = 20 points  

Academic Integrity policy (department or College):
Academic honesty is expected of all students. Any violation of academic integrity is taken extremely seriously. All assignments and projects must be the original work of the student or teammates. Plagiarism will not be tolerated. Any questions regarding academic integrity should be brought to the attention of the instructor. The following is the Queensborough Community College Policy on Academic Integrity: "It is the official policy of the College that all acts or attempted acts that are violations of Academic Integrity be reported to the Office of Student Affairs. At the faculty member's discretion and with the concurrence of the student or students involved, some cases though reported to the Office of Student Affairs may be resolved within the confines of the course and department. The instructor has the authority to adjust the offender's grade as deemed appropriate, including assigning an F to the assignment or exercise or, in more serious cases, an F to the student for the entire course." Read the University's policy on Academic Integrity opens in a new window(PDF).

Disabilities
Any student who feels that he or she may need an accommodation based upon the impact of a disability should contact the Office of Accessibility Services in Science Building, Room S-132, 718-631-6257, to coordinate reasonable accommodations for students with documented disabilities. You can visit the Office of Accessibility Services website.

Campus Cultural Centers

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Kupferberg Holocaust Center Opens in a new window

The KHC uses the lessons of the Holocaust to educate current and future generations about the ramifications of unbridled prejudice, racism and stereotyping.

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QPAC: Performing Arts CenterOpens in a new window

QPAC is an invaluable entertainment company in this region with a growing national reputation. The arts at QPAC continues to play a vital role in transforming lives and building stronger communities.

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QCC Art Gallery

The QCC Art Gallery of the City University of New York is a vital educational and cultural resource for Queensborough Community College, the Borough of Queens and the surrounding communities.