PUSH(ing) Limits: Using Fiction in the Classroom for Human Behavior and the Social Environment |
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| Authors: | Natasha S Mendoza Kimberly Bonta Philip Horn Erin Moore Allison Gibson David Simmons |
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| Institution: | 1. School of Social Work , Arizona State University , Phoenix , Arizona , USA nsmendoz@asu.edu;3. Cornerstone of Recovery , Columbus , Ohio , USA;4. George Warren Brown School of Social Work , Washington University , St. Louis , Missouri , USA;5. College of Social Work , The Ohio State University , Columbus , Ohio , USA;6. Faith Mission Homeless Shelter , Columbus , Ohio , USA |
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| Abstract: | The use of fiction and autobiography in social science course work has been shown to enhance students' learning experience. Using the novel PUSH, by Sapphire, we designed a curriculum supplement for the social work course, human behavior and the social environment (HBSE) that encourages students to integrate course content in an innovative way and enables them to apply the material to life-like situations. The HBSE supplement allows students to explore poignant and problematic issues that push them past intrapersonal and interpersonal limits. Classes are infused with energy and the critical consciousness of the students. Final projects are a systematic case study of a chosen character (or characters) in the book and are a testament to student critical thinking and creativity. Methods, assignments, and student experiences in an introductory BSW course are described. |
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| Keywords: | PUSH HBSE curriculum popular literature case study social work assignments |
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