SU's Forte Publishes New Textbook

SALISBURY, MD---Dr. James Forte, professor and Graduate Program coordinator for Salisbury University’s Social Work Department, recently published a new textbook titled “Human Behavior and the Social Environment: Models, Metaphors, and Maps for Applying Theoretical Perspectives to Practice.”

The 512-page text provides students with tools for comprehension to help them easily compare and contrast social theories. It also helps students understand the relevance of theory to social work practice. Forte has written more than 30 articles about applying theory to issues like homelessness and domestic violence.

“I’m happy that the project is complete and hope that the aches in my wrists and fingers soon disappear,” Forte said. The book follows his first, titled Theories for Practice: Symbolic Interactionist Translations.

“My first book evoked reactions of bewilderment from my students,” Forte said. “I decided to write a book that students would understand and enjoy, veering somewhat from the traditional scholarly and academic style to indulge my creative impulses.” Published in July, the text received positive initial reactions from reviewers and students.

Forte has been a full-time social work educator for the past 17 years. He joined the Social Work Department in SU’s Samuel W. and Marilyn C. Seidel School of Education and Professional Studies in 2003, after leaving Christopher Newport University in Virginia. There, he received the President’s Award for Outstanding Teaching in 1996. He earned his Ph.D. from Virginia Commonwealth University.

For more information call 410-543-6030 or visit Forte’s Web site at http://web.mac.com/jamesforte/iWeb.