HUMAN SERVICES COURSES

HUS 111. INTRODUCTION TO HUMAN SERVICES/ELR   4 sh

This course explores the history and values of the Human Services profession, examines theoretical approaches to Human Services work, provides an overview of the Human Services system in the United States and acquaints students with the roles and responsibilities of Human Services professionals. A minimum of 40 hours of field work in an approved Human Services setting is required. Meets ELR. Offered fall and spring.

HUS 212. COUNSELING INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES  4 sh

This course examines various theories and methods used in helping families and individuals resolve problems. Students gain skills in applying these theories and methods through use of case studies, role playing, simulations and other experiential methods. Prerequisite: HUS 111 or PSY 111. Offered fall and spring.

HUS 213. GROUPS AND COMMUNITIES  4 sh

Students will examine the role and history of working with groups and communities in the Human Services system. Theories and methods used in working with groups and communities will also be studied. Topics addressed in the course include group dynamics and group development as well as leadership models and approaches. Students will gain skills in working with groups and communities through the use of case studies, simulations, role playing and other experiential methods. Prerequisite: HUS 111 or SOC 111. Offered fall and spring.

HUS 285.   RESEARCH METHODS IN HUMAN SERVICES  4 sh

This course examines the methods used to conduct basic social science research. Emphasis is placed on the use of research in practice-related settings. The course acquaints students with a basic theoretical understanding of research, practical aspects of research and ethical and diversity considerations inherent in the proper implementation of research. Offered fall and spring.

HUS 311. POVERTY AND SOCIAL WELFARE POLICY  4 sh

Poverty is a core issue which underlies many social and human problems in the United States. This course will examine the social welfare system in the United States and the history and process of policy-making around this issue. Alternative approaches to understanding and resolving the problem of poverty will also be explored. Emphasis will be placed on the role of the Human Services worker in policy-making processes.

HUS 324. PERSPECTIVES AND ISSUES IN AGING  4 sh

This introduction to gerontology explores the biological, sociological and psychological aspects of aging and presents cultural, economic and political issues related to aging such as ageism, retirement, living environments, the social security and health care issues.

HUS 326. SPECIAL POPULATIONS IN HUMAN SERVICES  4 sh

This course explores specific populations of Human Services clients such as persons with disabilities, children at risk, persons with HIV/AIDS, persons with terminal illnesses, etc. Needs of the particular populations under study are explored as well as programs, services and innovations in service provision. Specific populations studied vary based on current trends and issues in the field.

HUS 331. PRINCIPLES OF COUNSELING  4 sh

This course focuses on the theories and methods used in counseling individuals. The course is designed for persons who will work in the helping professions and includes role playing, videotaping and working with case material. Prerequisite: HUS 212.

HUS 341. FAMILY COUNSELING 4 sh

This course focuses on family assessment and intervention using systems theory as the primary conceptual model and emphasizes the use of family counseling concepts to understand family dynamics and relationships. Students make extensive use of case material and role play to apply theory to practice. Prerequisite: HUS 212.

HUS 349. VIOLENCE IN FAMILIES  4 sh

This course explores various forms of violence in families including violence between spouses/partners, violence directed toward the elderly, violence between siblings and violence of parents toward children. Factors contributing to violence in families are discussed as well as methods of preventing and/or ameliorating patterns of violence within families. Students in this course develop an understanding of the reciprocal relationship between families and society by exploring how violence in families contributes toward societal violence as well as how family patterns are influenced by the values and attitudes of the larger society.

HUS 359. CRIMINAL JUSTICE  4 sh

The field of Criminal Justice is examined in terms of three interdependent subsystems: law enforcement, corrections and the courts. Both theoretical models and practical applications will be used to encourage a broad understanding of the criminal justice system as a whole.

HUS 361. SUBSTANCE ABUSE: ISSUES IN TREATMENT  4 sh

Students become familiar with the contemporary theories and knowledge base concerning substance abuse. The course examines therapeutic issues involved in the treatment of substance-abusing persons and their families and reviews various types of treatment interventions. The course addresses innovative treatment modalities as well as the lack of sufficient and appropriate rehabilitative services to meet the needs of various special populations.

HUS 369. JUVENILE JUSTICE 4 sh

This course examines the juvenile justice system, including a number of agencies which have jurisdiction over a juvenile from birth to the age of majority. System components included in this course are the social services, law enforcement, juvenile court and corrections. Ancillary and supportive services such as mental health, school systems, child advocacy groups and guardian ad litem programs are also explored.

HUS 371-3. TOPICS IN HUMAN SERVICES  4 sh

Students examine special topics in Human Services, such as developmental disabilities, mental health issues and services, family violence, etc.

HUS 381. PRACTICUM IN HUMAN SERVICES 4 sh

Students gain field experience in a Human Services organization observing and learning the roles, tasks, skills and methods of Human Services professionals in the assigned setting and becoming familiar with administrative processes in the organization (full time for three weeks). Conferences with the supervising faculty member and the agency supervisor, assigned readings and various writing assignments provide further learning opportunities. Prerequisites: HUS 111, 2.1 cumulative GPA, status as a declared Human Services major or minor, and approval of application for practicum. Offered winter.

HUS 411. ADMINISTRATION OF HUMAN SERVICES AGENCIES  4 sh

This overview of principles and techniques of leadership and management in Human Services agencies exposes students to planning, organizing, staffing and financing a project or an agency and working with a Board of Directors and the community. Senior Block Course. Prerequisites: HUS 111, 381. Offered fall and spring.

HUS 412. PROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATION  4 sh

This course provides an in-depth study of interpersonal communication skills and writing skills essential to the Human Services worker, emphasizing the further development of written and oral communication skills. Special emphasis in this course is placed on cross-cultural communications within helping relationships. Senior Block Course. Prerequisites: HUS 111, 381. Offered fall and spring.

HUS 461. SENIOR SEMINAR  4 sh

In this capstone course, students analyze their personal and professional development during their university experience and are required to research, write and present a scholarly paper. Prerequisites: senior majors, HUS 285. Offered fall and spring.

HUS 481. INTERNSHIP IN HUMAN SERVICES  8 sh

Students participate in full-time, field-based experience in a Human Services agency for eight weeks, observing and practicing the roles, tasks and skills of Human Services professionals under the supervision of a faculty member and an agency supervisor. Conferences with both supervisors and assigned papers and readings enhance learning as the student connects theory and practice through work in the field. Prerequisites: 2.2 cumulative GPA, senior majors, HUS 381, 411 and 412. Offered fall and spring.

HUS 499. INDEPENDENT RESEARCH IN HUMAN SERVICES  1-8 sh

Students engage in independent research projects related to the field of Human Services. Research is conducted under the supervision of Human Services faculty. Prerequisites: junior or senior status and departmental approval, HUS 285.