Understanding Human Behavior in Social Contexts 2025

SOWK 312
Open Closing on April 1, 2025 / 3 spots left
Mercy University
Dobbs Ferry, New York, United States
Educator
1
Timeline
  • April 7, 2025
    Experience start
  • April 9, 2025
    Project Kick-Off
  • May 6, 2025
    Final Submission
  • May 8, 2025
    Experience end
Experience
3 projects wanted
Dates set by experience
Preferred companies
Anywhere
Any company type
Any industries

Experience scope

Categories
Social work Social sciences
Skills
critical thinking collaborative communications bibliography generative artificial intelligence human development social justice research psychology program development
Learner goals and capabilities

This experience provides companies and organizations with a team of upper-level social work learners who are trained to analyze and assess human development, social systems, and environmental factors impacting individuals, families, and communities.


Throughout this course, learners will:

  • Analyze how biological, psychological, social, and cultural factors shape human development.
  • Assess individuals, families, and communities across various life stages.
  • Apply evidence-based social work theories and research to real-world challenges.
  • Engage in discussions on social justice, equity, and systemic barriers affecting human well-being.
  • Evaluate interventions that support individuals at different stages of life.


By collaborating with our learners, companies and organizations will receive insightful, research-based assessments of human behavior and development, with practical recommendations for interventions, policies, or program development.

Learners

Learners
Undergraduate
Intermediate levels
15 learners
Project
30 hours per learner
Educators assign learners to projects
Teams of 5
Expected outcomes and deliverables

Expected Outcomes:

  • Develop case studies and assessments on human development across different life stages.
  • Research and apply theories to real-world challenges, proposing practical interventions.
  • Analyses and recommendations for addressing social work-related issues.


Deliverables:

  1. Youth Stages Case Study & Presentation – A group case study analyzing human development in a selected life stage, including a multimedia presentation and theoretical intervention strategies.
  2. Annotated Bibliography – A collection of scholarly articles supporting the group’s research and intervention approach.
  3. Final Paper: Applying Theory Across Life Stages – A research-based analysis applying social work theories to case studies spanning multiple life stages, integrating generative AI insights and academic research.
  4. Discussion Posts & Reflections – Regular written reflections on readings, case studies, and in-class discussions


Project timeline
  • April 7, 2025
    Experience start
  • April 9, 2025
    Project Kick-Off
  • May 6, 2025
    Final Submission
  • May 8, 2025
    Experience end

Project Examples

Requirements
  • Develop a strategy for enhancing employee engagement by understanding social influences
  • Analyze consumer behavior trends for a marketing campaign using cultural insights
  • Create a community outreach program addressing social and psychological barriers
  • Design a training module for managers on the impact of social systems on team performance
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of a public health campaign through a bio-psychosocial lens
  • Conduct a study on the role of cultural diversity in workplace innovation
  • Assess the social factors influencing customer satisfaction in a service industry
  • Develop a proposal for improving social support systems in educational institutions

Additional company criteria

Companies must answer the following questions to submit a match request to this experience:

  • Q1 - Text short
    Are there specific challenges, populations, or case studies you would like our students to research and analyze?  *
  • Q2 - Text short
    What types of deliverables (e.g., written reports, presentations, program evaluations) would be most valuable to your organization?  *
  • Q3 - Text short
    Would you or a representative from your organization be available for virtual check-ins, guest lectures, or Q&A sessions to guide students in understanding real-world applications of their research?  *