Jun 24, 2024  
2018-2019 University Bulletin 
    
2018-2019 University Bulletin [ARCHIVED BULLETIN]

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SWK 800 - Military Culture, Customs and Traditions

3 hours
This course will provide students with an understanding of two key areas of competency when engaging with Service Members, Veterans, and their Families (SMVF). These areas include an understanding of military culture as well as the strengths and risks of the military lifestyle on SMVF throughout the lifespan. The course stresses the importance of attending to the interrelatedness of contextual factors in the study of human behavior and how military culture and experience impact these factors. Military’s cultural patterns, both historical and contemporary, will be presented. Command structure, uniform policy, core traditions, values, and language will be explored universally, as well as within each service branch. Students will learn how the military builds identity and cohesion, through training, indoctrination and simulation exercises. Awareness of social stigmas associated within military/civilian systems will be developed. Internal diversity issues, marginalization, and developmental stage concerns of SMVF populations are addressed throughout the course.Students will also examine the strengths and risk of a military lifestyle on SMVF. Students will become proficient in understanding the effects of serving during different eras so that they can engage with veterans and military members across the lifespan. Institutional Theory and Convergence Theory principles are analyzed providing a framework for ethical differences in civilian versus military attitudes and behavior. Students will be exposed to military base and veteran’s hospital operations. SMVF interactions with students will promote knowledge of cultural variations. This is an 8-week hybrid course and will require students to participate in both the on line and face to face classroom environments.

Prerequisite(s): Prerequisite: SWK 513 and 553



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