Human Services - HSV

HSV 100 Introduction to Human Services 3 Credits

This course explores the historical context and the current structure and function of the field of human services. The student will become knowledgeable about the many roles and functions of human service professionals and the primary intervention strategies utilized in the field. The special populations served in the human services profession will be examined. Various topics include the bio-ecological systems theory, values and ethical dilemmas, the social welfare system, human diversity, legal issues, program planning and organization, agency administration, and people helping skills.

Offered: every fall.

HSV 201 Introduction to Family Dynamics 3 Credits

This course consists of an overview of the dynamics of family relationships and issues related to families and relationships. The purpose of this course is to provide students with a basic understanding of family theory and an introduction to systematic approaches and techniques when working with couples and families. This didactic class includes lecture and PowerPoint presentations, videos and demonstrations, small group discussions, whole class discussions, and written assignments.

HSV 212 Social and Cultural Diversity 3 Credits

This course is designed to address contemporary issues of cultural and social diversity in the United States. Its main goal is to help students develop through understanding of how social and cultural diversity impacts one's life. It also emphasizes the importance of becoming a culturally and socially competent person to better serve the needs of an increasingly globalized society.

Offered: every spring.

HSV 301 Social Policies 3 Credits

This course examines the characteristics of social policy in general and in education in particular. Special attention is given to policy development and implementation in relation to its effects on underprivileged populations in U.S. society. Within a historical and political context, current social policies are examined in terms of their underlying assumptions and values as well as their ethical implications. Strengths and weaknesses of current policies are also analyzed. Policies under consideration include agency policies, local ordinances, state and federal legislation, and global trends.

Fulfills College Core: Ethics, Field 5 (Social Sciences)

HSV 302 Children, Schools, and the Community 3 Credits

This course is designed to examine the contexts in which a child develops, the relationships of the people in them, and the interactions that take place within and between contexts. There is growing consensus that the needs of children and families must be understood from an integrated systems perspective (i.e., ecological systems theory). The welfare of children is highly interrelated to their families' well-being. Families, irrespective of culture or social class, cannot be separated from the broader social systems within which they are embedded. These major systems include informal support systems (e.g. friends, neighbors, and relatives) in addition to formal support systems, such as those relating to health, education, employment, religion, recreation, housing, and social welfare.

HSV 303 Research Methods in the Social Sciences 3 Credits

Students will develop an understanding of the research process by learning how to formulate a research problem, design a study, use appropriate methods of data analysis, and interpret research findings. Students will learn how to critically analyze research studies, discuss ethical considerations in conducting research, and discuss the importance of scientific research for educational policy and practice. Each student will conduct an original research study and present their findings to demonstrate understanding of the research process.

Offered: fall.

HSV 360 People Helping Skills 3 Credits

This course will focus on essential and successful professional people-helping skills in the field of Human Services. Basic skills such as attending, listening, empathic responding, reflecting, appropriate questioning, treatment plans, and problem management will be identified. The course is designed to be highly interactive, and students will have the opportunity to participate in discussions and practice a variety of skills.

Offered: Fall

HSV 400 Management of Human Service Agencies 3 Credits

This course examines the fundamentals of program development and administration of human services organizations. Emphasis will be placed on program structure, planning, strategies, and evaluation. There is a growing need for human services students to be exposed to managerial and supervisory issues relative to the operation of community agencies. This course will provide students with classroom instruction and practicum experience in a community agency.

HSV 480 Wellness - Be All That You Can Be 3 Credits

This course explores the many issues related to personal well-being. Wellness is regarded as a healthy balance between mind, body, and spirit. According to the National Wellness Institute, wellness is a process by which we actively seek to optimize ourselves occupationally, physically, socially, intellectually, spiritually, and emotionally. Approaches to wellness exist in most fields involving human services such as counseling, medicine, education, and management. Components of wellness include healthy food, clean environments, regular exercise, adequate rest, safe living conditions, productive work, balancing work and family, and spiritual awareness. What does it take to reach our potential? What are obstacles to wellness? How can wellness exist in nations that have few opportunities for healthy eating, productive work, or sanitary living conditions?.

Fulfills College Core: Core Capstone

HSV 495 Field Internship 6 Credits

The required six-credit internship provides students with a professionally supervised field experience in a human service agency. During the internship experience, students will have the opportunity to apply theory and knowledge of the work environment and to expand their professional practice skills. Students will have the opportunity to develop client communication skills, cultural competence and will learn to infuse their practice with ethics and professionalism.

HSV 498 Practicum in Human Services 3 Credits

Student experientially learns human service functions in compatibly matched professional setting. Faculty and on-site supervision. Pass/fail. Applications on Department website.

Prerequisite: junior or senior standing, minimum overall GPA of 2.50, minimum human services average of 2.70, & approval by department faculty. Restriction: must be human services (HSV) major.