SWRK 235A: Theoretical Bases of Social Behavior

Common Course ID: SWRK 235A:  Theoretical Bases of Social Behavior
CSU Instructor Open Textbook Adoption Portrait

Abstract: This open textbook is being utilized in a social work course for graduate students by Frances Furio at CSU Sacramento. The open textbook provides information related to social work and the theoretical bases of social behavior. The main motivation to adopt an open textbook was to reduce costs for students. All students have access to the textbook online. 

SWRK 235A: Theoretical Bases of Social Behavior
Brief Description of course highlights:  Theoretical Bases of Social Behavior is taught in two semesters and is designed to provide the foundation generalist social work knowledge, from an ecological perspective, concerning the application of bio-psycho-social/cultural/spiritual theories to contemporary social work practice situations. The course sequence is designed according to the Curriculum Policy Statement (CPS) on Human Behavior in the Social Environment (HBSE) for Master’s Degree Programs in Social Work Education.

Student population: Graduate social work students (MSW).

Learning or student outcomes:   The purpose of this course sequence is to enable students to understand the multi-level, multi-dimensional processes of development. This is a prerequisite course for advanced practice courses and/or co-requisite for field internships to assist students in developing a knowledge base to draw from in preparation for micro, mezzo, and macro social work practice.

Key challenges faced and how resolved: Community agreements are used to foster and maintain an inclusive learning environment.

Textbook or OER/Low cost Title: Theoretical Perspectives for Direct Social Work Practice: A Generalist-Eclectic Approach (2021)

Brief Description:  "The book is divided into four parts with a total of 23 chapters. The first two chapters constitute Part I of this book, which focuses on explicating our generalist-eclectic approach to direct social work practice. In Part II, high-level or meta-theories for direct practice are presented. The four chapters in this part focus on critical ecological systems theory, individual and family development theory, couples theory and intervention and strengths-based social work practice. Part III is divided into five sections and focuses on theories, models, and therapies for direct practice that are at a mid-level of abstraction. The five sections contain a total of 15 chapters on psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, humanistic, critical, and postmodern theories. Part IV consists of a summary chapter that considers the similarities and differences between the theories, models, and therapies that are reviewed in the book and the principles and values that are integral to our generalist-eclectic approach. The issue of integrating the use of theory with the artistic elements of practice via the problem-solving model is also revisited in this final chapter, and implications for research and practice are discussed. In addition to the book content, qualified instructors can request an ancillary package consisting of PowerPoints, an Instructor's Manual, and a Sample Syllabus"

Please provide a link to the resource
https://csu-csus.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/01CALS_USL/o45rnp/alma99257926349701671
Authors:  Bolton, K. W., Hall, J. C., & Lehmann, P. (2022). Theoretical perspectives for direct social work practice : a generalist-eclectic approach (4th ed.). Springer Publishing Company, LLC.

Student access:  Access the full eBook at no cost here: https://csu-csus.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/01CALS_USL/o45rnp/alma99257926349701671 

Supplemental resources:
• Hicks, 2016 (available via Canvas)
• Gatfield, 2017 (available via Canvas)
• McAdams et al., 2016 (available via Canvas)
• Eagle, 2020 (available via Canvas)
• Piper & Duncan, 1999 (available via Canvas)
• Early & Grady, 2017 (available via Canvas)
• Scott, 2021 (available via Canvas)
• Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (CSSRS) (available via Canvas)
• Safety Planning Intervention (SPI) (available via Canvas)
• Picard & Rosenfeld, 2021 (available via Canvas)
• Linehan & Wilks, 2015 (available via Canvas)
• Marohn & Koons, 2014 (available via Canvas)
• Levenson, 2017 (available via Canvas)
• Ogden, 2015 (available via Canvas)

Provide the cost savings from that of a traditional textbook.  The previous textbook cost was approximately $100 (Theories for Direct Social Work Practice by Joseph Walsh). The current textbook cost is $0 (Theoretical Perspectives for Direct Social Work Practice : A Generalist-Eclectic Approach by Kristin Bolton, Christopher Hall, and Peter Lehmann). Students were stoked about the cost change!

OER/Low Cost Adoption Process

Provide an explanation or what motivated you to use this textbook or OER/Low Cost option. As a new faculty member, I was excited (and am grateful) for the opportunity to learn about affordable learning solutions. This faculty learning community introduced me to open education resources (OER). I worked with the librarian in my department, Bill Kristie, which was a great experience and very helpful. Ultimately, I was able to locate an OER textbook to replace the SWRK 235A textbook used previously.

How did you find and select the open textbook for this course? I had a great experience working with the subject-matter expert librarian. He was so helpful and explained how to search for and identify affordable options. I look forward to working with him more in the future.

Sharing Best Practices:   The most helpful resources for me included:
- Open Textbooks for Social Work Education: Links to an external site.
- Open Access Books for Social Work: Links to an external site.
- Sac State Library’s List Of OER Websites Links to an external site.
-  Textbooks already owned by the library

Describe any key challenges you experienced, how they were resolved  and lessons learned. Supplemented text with additional readings / materials. 

Instructor Name Dr, Frances Furio
Assistant Professor in the School of Social Work

Please provide a link to your university page.
https://scholars.csus.edu/esploro/profile/frances_furio_1/overview

Please describe the courses you teach.
Forensic social work
Suicide risk assessment and safety planning,
Mental health and well-being
Progressive social work practice
Qualitative research

Describe your teaching philosophy and any research interests related to your discipline or teaching.  In addition to her work at CSUS, she provides mental health services in the community and remains active in research related to the topics of mental health, forensic social work, and social and environmental justice. As an instructor, licensed clinician, and qualitative researcher, she is interested in understanding people’s lived experiences and highlighting the strength and resiliency of communities that continue to face barriers and injustice. She is passionate about the promotion of equity, inclusion, and peaceful and progressive social work practice.