Students will read the book and critically think about one of the main characters. Students will select one of 
the main characters to write about and apply the theories learn to that person’s life. The goal of this 
assignment is to demonstrate mastery of the course material by applying theories or perspectives that 
explain the selected character’s behavior.
From a social worker’s perspective, students should analyze a central character utilizing the following 
theories or perspectives: 
a. Chapter 2: Ecological or System Theory
Student should consider what is the nature of the interactions of the character with other 
systems (i.e., family, community, formal organizations, and society)? How does this shape 
his/her development and functioning? What is the socioeconomic status of the family or 
character? How does that impact the character’s development? Are there patterns of abuse, 
neglect, and /or addiction on the part of the character or his/her family members? How does 
that affect the character’s development? How does your chosen theory explain this? Etc. 
b. Chapter 2: Strengths Perspective
Examine the character’s skills, goals, talents, abilities, and resources, as well as the strengths 
and resources found in his/her environments.
c. Create an Ecomap diagram depicting the character in his/her environment. See page 41 in the 
textbook
2. Choose one theory or perspective from each of the following chapters: 
a. Chapter 3 (biopsychosocial) pick one: Piaget’s Cognitive Development, Freud’s Stages in 
Psychosexual Development, or Erikson’s Stages of Psychosocial Development. Explain how 
the character displays typical issues of each of the stages of development?
b. Chapter 4 (sociocultural) pick one: Conflict Theory, Critical Practice Theory or Cultural 
Perspective
c. Chapter 5 (social change) pick one: Racism, Discrimination, and Oppression, Social