Assignment Overview: Human development occurs within the context of biological, psychological, social, cultural, and spiritual environments. Social workers must be able to critically analyze developmental issues using multiple theoretical perspectives while recognizing the influence of cultural, structural, and systemic factors.
This assignment requires you to demonstrate mastery of the scholarly literature on a human developmental issue, applying one or more developmental theories studied in this course (e.g., Erikson, Piaget, attachment theory, Africentric frameworks, ecological systems theory). You will select a human developmental issue (such as trauma in early childhood, resilience in adolescence, aging and cognitive decline, cultural identity formation, etc.) and analyze it within the context of a specific developmental period and population/subgroup (e.g., Black adolescents, LGBTQ+ young adults, immigrant older adults). Your assignment should critically assess the utility of selected theoretical concepts in understanding the issue, highlighting both strengths and limitations. You are expected to engage with traditional and culturally centered theories, and to examine the literature in ways that reflect multiple, and potentially conflicting, perspectives.
Assignment Instructions
Your paper should include the following sections:
- Introduction (1–2 pages)
- Identify the developmental issue and the population/subgroup you will analyze.
- State the developmental theory/theories you will apply.
- Provide a thesis statement that frames your analysis.
- Literature Review (3–4 pages)
- Summarize and critically analyze current scholarly research (minimum 18 references, 75% within the past 10 years).
- Highlight both consensus and debate in the literature.
- Identify protective and risk factors relevant to the developmental issue.
- Theoretical Application (3–4 pages)
- Apply selected developmental theories to the issue and population.
- Discuss how these theories explain developmental tasks, crises, or transitions.
- Critically analyze the utility and limitations of the theories for diverse and culturally specific populations.
- Culturally Centered Analysis (2–3 pages)
- Integrate culturally grounded or Africentric frameworks.
- Examine how culture, race, ethnicity, spirituality, socioeconomic factors, and structural inequities shape developmental experiences.
- Discussion & Implications for Social Work Practice (1–2 pages)
- Summarize your key findings.
- Discuss implications for clinical practice, policy, and advocacy.
- Suggest areas for future research.
- Conclusion (1 page)
- Restate the significance of your analysis.
- Highlight your contributions to understanding the developmental issue
Paper Requirements
- Length: 10–12 pages (excluding title and reference pages)
- Format: Times New Roman, 12-point font, double-spaced
- References: Minimum 18 scholarly sources beyond the textbook; 75% published within the last 10 years
APA 7th edition: Title page, headings, in-text citations, and reference list must compl
