PUSH(ing) Limits: Using Fiction in the Classroom for Human Behavior and the Social Environment

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.

Keywords:

• PUSH
• HBSE
• curriculum
• popular literature
• case study
• social work assignments

Notes

¹The novel PUSH has been adapted for film and is now the movie, Precious (Lionsgate Films, director Lee Daniels). Instructors are encouraged to show the movie in the classroom. (Release Date: November 6, 2009).