Course Descriptions

HSER Course Descriptions

• HSER 100 INTRODUCTION TO HUMAN SERVICES (3)

  The social basis for human service needs is examined with special consideration given to how societies respond to these needs through the formation of service delivery systems. Case studies of contemporary human service delivery systems are emphasized. [SBS]

• HSER 200 MODELS OF EFFECTIVE HELPING (3)

  This course provides the student with an overview of contemporary theories and techniques of the helping relationship. Basic communication skills (such as active listening, responding and interviewing skills) for building helping relationships are developed. Professional and ethical issues in the helping profession as it relates to Human Services will all be investigated. Prerequisite: None

• HSER 297 ISSUES IN HUMAN SERVICES ADMINISTRATION (3)

  Exploration of topics in human services administration. Content varies depending upon the interests of faculty and students. Course may be repeated when topic changes. Prerequiste; Depends on course topic and level of difficulty.

• HSER 300 GRASS ROOTS STRATEGIES OF SOCIAL CHANGE IN HUMAN SERVICES (3)

  Exploration of various frameworks concerned with strategies and techniques for planned social change relevant to community education, empowerment, organization and development, at the grass roots level. prerequisite: None

• HSER 310 FAMILY SYSTEM DYNAMICS (3)

  Examines the components of family structure, interactions and reinforcing aspects of family dynamics on the maintenance of roles, types of families, life-span changes, function and dysfunction in the context of the greater society. Prerequisite: None

• HSER 320 GENDER AND THE WORK ENVIRONMENT (3)

  Examines work environment and profession-related gender issues from legal, sociological, psychological and economic viewpoints. Topics may include gender stereotyping, career development, sexual harassment and work-life balance. Explores practices and process that embed gender into institutional structures. Prerequisite: None

• HSER 330 HUMAN SERVICES DELIVERY SYSTEMS AND DIVERSITY (3)

  Examines various issues in the context of human services delivery systems within organizational environments possessing many levels of diversity including gender, race, religion/spirituality, types of professions/ credentials, levels of education, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation and physical ability. Explores how one's own limitations, values, reaction patterns and culture may impact policies, practices, processes and interventions. Investigates perspectives of leadership, employees and service recipients. Prerequisite: None [GD]

• HSER 340 CASE MANAGEMENT AND DOCUMENTATION (3)

  This course serves as an introduction to the concept of case management toward the delivery of human services. The course will be presented in the logical sequence, from the intake interview to the termination of service. A focus will be given to assessment, planning, and implementation of case management services. The case management process will be explored as it relates to organizational, legal and ethical issues. Emphasis will be given to the skills and knowledge-base required to be an effective case manager. Pre-requisite : None

• HSER 360 SOCIAL POLICY AND THE AMERICAN POLICY PROCESS (3)

  This course offers an examination of social policy issues (such as poverty, homelessness, and mental illness), as well as the American policy process and the significance of social, economic, and political factors that influence policymaking and implementation related to human services. This course considers policies at all levels of local and national interest, including agency policies, local ordinances, state and federal legislation, and global treaties, etc. Through the course, students will gain both an understanding of social policy formation, realities of current social policy and administration, as well as their role in human service delivery in effecting social policy change in their agencies, communities, and the world. This course will give students the necessary contextual background to understand the foundational social policies that guide and define human services, as well as how those policies come to be. prerequisite: none

• HSER 370 COMMUNITY SUBSTANCE ABUSE (3)

  This course will provide students with an overview of substance use disorders and addiction using a biopsychosocial approach. Students will learn about the major drug classes and the effects of various substances on individuals, families, and society. The course is also designed to examine the epidemiology of substance use and addiction, as well as the psychological and physiological components of addiction and major theoretical frameworks. In addition, modalities for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention will be discussed, as well as the social inequalities associated with substance use and addiction (e.g. racial/ethnic groups, social class, etc.) and its influence on public policy. (Prerequisites: HSER 100, HSER 200, WRIT 300, HSER 340)

• HSER 372 SOCIAL PROBLEMS (3)

  This course provides students with an overview of "social problems" in the United States, how they are constructed within our society and why they persist despite current laws and policies. Students learn about historical influences contributing to contemporary social problems and how they affect specific social groups. Various theoretical perspectives are discussed to assist students in building upon existing knowledge and experiences to analyze social problems in new ways. Topics such as economic inequality (poverty and race), drug abuse and incarceration, police brutality (race and policing), mass shootings, gender violence, obesity (poverty and food deserts), cyberbullying and suicide, and mental illness are discussed.

• HSER 373 COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH (3)

  This course is designed to provide students with a distinct understanding of mental health and mental illness, in addition to risk and protective factors associated with these concepts. Students will examine mental health across the life span and common mental health issues affecting individuals, families, and communities. Topics include the etiology and stigma of mental illness, societal, cultural, and environmental influences on mental health, and trends in the delivery of mental health services, inclusive of mental health treatment, prevention, and promotion. Prerequisites: HSER 100, HSER 200, WRIT 300, HSER 340.

• HSER 375 ADOLESCENTS IN THE 21ST CENTURY (3)

  This course is designed to prepare students interested in working with adolescents with an in-depth understanding of adolescent development. Adolescence is characterized by significant physical, cognitive, emotional, and social changes; therefore, students will examine the evolution of adolescents across various contexts, including school, family, and peers. In addition, several adolescent development theories will be explored, as well as cultural differences among adolescents. Additional topics include puberty, identity development, sexuality, dating, common psychosocial problems (e.g., substance use, delinquency, mental disorders) and the implications of social media use on the development of 21st century adolescents.

• HSER 378 PROFESSIONAL ETHICS IN HUMAN SERVICES ADMINISTRATION (3)

  This course explores the roles, functions and legal/ethical responsibilities of human services workers, including the process of ethical decision-making and awareness of the moral and legal complexities in the field of human services. Special emphasis will be placed on local and state regulations for licensed practitioners.

• HSER 400 FIELD PRACTICUM FOR HSER (3)

  This course is designed to provide students the opportunity to apply the knowledge gained in the classroom in a human service based organization setting. Interns will be exposed to and or engage in activities such as supervisory opportunities, special projects, case management, budgeting, and public relations. The intern must complete a minimum of 100 hours. Both the faculty internship coordinator and agency site supervisor will guide and evaluate the intern throughout the internship. Prerequisite: HSER 100 AND HSER 200 AND HSER 340

• HSER 410 ETHICS AND EMPATHY FOR PUBLIC SERVANTS (3)

  Explores the role of ethics and empathy in the work of public servants, with a goal of preparing students for careers in public service. Relying on novels, short stories, films, television and other stories, this course provides students case examples of scenarios where ethics and empathy are relevant and/or missing. Through the course, students have the opportunity to explore the challenges, benefits, and opportunities associated with ethical and empathetic service delivery. prerequisites: none

• HSER 420 PROGRAM DESIGN AND PROPOSAL WRITING (3)

  This course builds on the ecological systems perspective that views program development as an arena for social change. The course illuminates how values needs and resources influence program design and decision-making. As a major practice strategy used in community development, Program design and Proposal writing offers a contingency framework that teaches students about the choices,decisions and situations for planning new or adapting programs within the context of diverse communities. It sharpens the skill set necessary for program development within the context of quality improvement and quality management. Prerequsite: HSER 100 and HSER 200

• HSER 430 FUNDRAISING AND GRANT WRITING (3)

  The course will provide students with a thorough grounding in the principles and practice of fundraising and grant proposal development. The course is structured to mirror the process of fundraising management and by the end of the program participants will have developed a fundraising plan or a grant proposal for their own nonprofit, or a case study of the organization . We consider planning frameworks and a variety of conceptual tools before moving on to consider donor behavior ( the underlying psychology and sociology ) and each major form of fundraising in turn. The course will then conclude with an examination of the critical managerial and sectoral issues impacting on the fundraising function, such as campaign integration, benchmarking of performance and public trust and confidence Pre-requsite : HSER 100 and HSER 200

• HSER 440 EVALUATION OF HUMAN SERVICES PROGRAMS (3)

  The purpose of this course is to provide you with a conceptual framework, sets of practical skills and related understandings about the planning and evaluation of human services programs not only in educational but in a range of human services settings. Within this context, a program is considered in a broad sense as a set of resources organized for a purpose, while a human service is considered as work or activity intended to benefit others. Pre-requisite: HSER 100 and HSER 200.

• HSER 450 HUMAN SERVICES MANAGEMENT (3)

  This course is designed to assist students with exploring management and administrative roles in human services organizations. Students will be introduced to relevant theories, concepts, and practices that are the foundation to understanding management. Students will examine common concerns, problems, and effective strategies of present day management of human services organizations at the non-profit, local, state, and federal levels. Prerequisite: HSER 101 AND HSER 200

• HSER 453 SOCIAL RESEARCH METHODS (3)

  An analysis of principal research methods employed in the applied social sciences with particular emphasis on applications for human services. Topics include research design, data collection and data analysis. Practical applications are required through student projects. [IL]

• HSER 470 SENIOR SEMINAR IN HUMAN SERVICES (3)

  A senior-level seminar consisting of an extensive exploration of current topics in human services of mutual interest to faculty and students. Examples of the content may include welfare reform, political and social legislation as well as policy and program issues. prerequisite: senior-level standing [CAP]