SHS 103-Survey of Institutions

Case Study #1-Diversity and Social Justice-Due:  January 14th, 2010

Read the story about Jackson Dupree at the beginning of chapter 4.  Write responses to the questions below and be prepared to discuss these in small groups in class.  Please word process your 1-2 page paper in 12 point font and double spaced.  During the group discussion write notes on the back of your paper.

1.  Define the following terms in your own words and give an example of each from the story:  stereotype, discrimination and institutional discrimination.

2.  Based on your own observations and what you read in the book, what are some of the factors that maintain social injustice?

3.  Briefly describe some of the strategies that have helped us move toward social justice, as a society or in the helping professions?

Case Study #2-Wealth and Poverty-Due:  January 21st

Read the stories at the beginning of chapter 5 about the Warren's, Mary Smith, the Saldana's and Alice.  Write responses to the questions below and be prepared to discuss these in small groups in class.  Please word process your 1-2 page paper in 12 point font and double spaced.  During the group discussion write notes on the back of your paper. 

1.  Review the systems/ecological framework in ch. 3.  Choose one of the individual from the story and map out their ecological system, including at least two components in each of the micro, meso, exo and macro systems.  In doing this, imagine they are living in the current economic situation.

2. What are the two most important needs of the individual or her/his family and why do you think this?

3.  Explain how stereotypes or attitudes may influence these people's access to assistance.

Case Study #3-Older Adults-Due:  Feb. 2nd

Read the case study about Sam at the beginning of chapter 12.  Follow the directions for previous case studies.

1.  What are some of the reasons why helping Sam live well has been difficult?  Consider theories of aging and attitudes towards growing old in your response.

2.  Based on the reading, what are ways Sam is different than most aging Americans?

Case Study #4-Mental Health-Due:  Feb. 9th

Use the assigned newspaper articles for this case study. 

1.  Describe two of the issues these families are facing in trying to get the mental health needs of their family member met.

2.  Discuss the emotional and interpersonal difficulties these families are struggling with.

3.  What lessons can we learn about how to effectively help families dealing with mental illness, based on these cases?

Case Study #5-Disabilities-Due:  Feb. 23rd

Use the radio program we listened to in class as the basis for this case study.