STANDARD COMPETENCIES:

 

 I.      Demonstrate a basic knowledge of general systems theory.

 II.     Examine the relationship between peoples¿ behaviors and the environmental factors influencing that behavior.

 III.    Learn communication theory and its application.

 IV.     Name the key terms used in social systems theory.

 V.      Define the ecological perspective and apply it to social work interventions at the Micro, Mezzo and Macro levels.

 VI.     Identify and apply systems concepts as they relate to casework in the human services field.

 TOPICAL OUTLINE:

 

 I.      Human Behavior in Systems

         A.      The ecosystems perspective

         B.      Forms of diversity

         C.      Transactions

         D.      Oppression

         E.      Feminism and Patriarchy

 II.     The Family

         A.      Families as systems

         B.      Functions of the family

         C.      The family as an emotional system

         D.      Changing family roles

                 1.      Beginning

                 2.      Infant

                 3.      Preschool

                 4.      School-age

                 5.      Adolescent

                 6.      Launching

                 7.      Postparental

                 8.      Aging

         E.      Nondevelopmental crisis

         F.      Family problems and violence

         G.      Family diversity

         H.      Implications for Social Work Practice

 III.    Groups

         A.      Social Structure of Groups

                 1.      Formed and Natural

                 2.      Group Membership

                 3.      Stages of Group Development

         B.      Group Norms

         C.      Group Cohesion

         D.      Group Goals

         E.      Leadership and Power

                 1.      Styles of leadership

                 2.      Referent power

                 3.      Legitimate power

                 4.      Coercive power

                 5.      Reward power

                 6.      Expert power

         F.      Working in a multi-cultural context

         G.      Social Work practice implications

 IV.     Organizations

         A.      The meaning of social welfare organizations

         B.      Organizations as systems

         C.      Goals of organizations

                 1.      Official and Operative

                 2.      Definition of goals

                 3.      Effects of goals on service delivery

         D.      The nature of organizations

         E.      Conflict and control in organizations

         F.      Communication in organizations

                 1.      Upward communication

                 2.      Horizontal communication

         G.      Interorganizational dependence

         H.      Social work implications

 V.      Communities

         A.      Definition of community

         B.      The concept of community

         C.      The functions of a community

         D.      Community linkages

         E.      Community as a system

         F.      Types of communities

                 1.      Racial and ethnic communities

                 2.      Gay and lesbian communities

         G.      Implications for social work practice