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This course examines the applications to human services of primary knowledge about human functioning and social behaviours, drawing on contemporary theories of psychosocial processes. The course explores selected developmental and external challenges facing children and families in New Zealand. The focus of the course is on usual developmental processes and the interface between individual and societal expectations, and implications for social service delivery.
In this course you will explore selected developmental and external crises facing children, youth, adults, and families, in particular in Aotearoa New Zealand. The focus is on normal developmental processes and the interface between persons/families/communities and human and social expectations, conditions (including ill health) and events (such as war or natural disasters). The implications for human service and social work practice are considered from a critical, analytic perspective. Whilst the course is delivered through lectures, tutorials, readings, and film, it also aims to stimulate a participatory-reflexive learning process. As part of this participatory-reflexive process, students have the opportunity to prepare for reflexive assessment projects through participation in group discussions of case studies during class time. Learning Objectives• To promote an integrated understanding of persons/whānau /groups within biological, psychological, social, and cultural contexts• To consider human and whānau/family development in relation to the social environment, with particular emphasis on developmental and external crises and their resolution• To consider the application of such knowledge to practice in the human services• To provide students with the opportunity for a reflexive, participatory learning process
On the successful completion of the course, the student will be able to competently demonstrate:a) Knowledge about theories of human development and human behaviour across the lifecourse b) Knowledge about the reciprocal relationship between human development and life challenges faced by people in a range of socio-cultural contexts, in particular Aotearoa New Zealand c) Understanding of the impact of socio-ecological conditions, cultural diversity, and social justice on human development and human behaviour d) Beginning understanding of reflexive participatory learning processes, and understanding of how these contribute to the theory practice matrix. e) Capacity to undertake literature searches, and assess the relevance of literature to topics under consideration f) Capacity to engage in discussions and debates wherein they convey a beginning ability to hypothesise or develop theoretical questions from data and literature.
This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attributes specified below:
Critically competent in a core academic discipline of their award
Students know and can critically evaluate and, where applicable, apply this knowledge to topics/issues within their majoring subject.
Employable, innovative and enterprising
Students will develop key skills and attributes sought by employers that can be used in a range of applications.
Biculturally competent and confident
Students will be aware of and understand the nature of biculturalism in Aotearoa New Zealand, and its relevance to their area of study and/or their degree.
Engaged with the community
Students will have observed and understood a culture within a community by reflecting on their own performance and experiences within that community.
Globally aware
Students will comprehend the influence of global conditions on their discipline and will be competent in engaging with global and multi-cultural contexts.
15 points at 100 level in HSRV or SOWK; OR 60 points from the BA, BSW(Hons) or BCJ.
HSRV202
Students must attend one activity from each section.
Kate van Heugten
Domestic fee $844.00
International fee $3,950.00
* All fees are inclusive of NZ GST or any equivalent overseas tax, and do not include any programme level discount or additional course-related expenses.
For further information see School of Health Sciences .