Human Services (HS)

A comprehensive survey of the historical background, development, role, auspices, organization and purposes of volunteerism and voluntary agencies with special emphasis on the structure, program, financing, policies staffing, and future problems which confront voluntary agencies.

The generic development of group work method with clients, volunteers and staff as a method of intervention and support in assisting individuals, families, and communities to deal more effectively with social crisis and stresses; an examination of the role of the professional, leadership functions, and criteria for selection of group activities.

Introduction to the theory and practice of community work including organizational design and change. Exploration of goals, alternative action strategies, and the social and political factors affecting these processes.

Exploration of the processes of aging from individual and societal perspectives. The status of the aged will be explored in the context of structural changes in the family and other social support systems. Emphasis upon services to elderly on both an out- and in-patient basis.

Examination of the physical, social, physiological and emotional determinants of substance abuse from a systems perspective. Consideration of both residential and out-patient treatment modalities along with both the short and long term impact of substance abuse on children, families and society. Use of case studies.

A comprehensive analysis of the role and function of an agency professional in the management process of an agency. Management, administration, and supervision skills and techniques are assessed for agency operations in the areas of planning, staffing and personnel selection and policies, volunteer committee, executive board, and community relationships.

Comprehensive examination of the dual systems for agency survival; development of resources and the provision of services. Budget planning and control, development strategies, and income sources including United Ways, memberships, capital campaigns, endowment, and business ownership are covered. Membership development, unit organization and communication strategies are examined along with methods used by agencies to build and maintain public relations and publicity with publics.

An exploration of children's and adolescents' dysfunctional behaviors, utilizing psychodynamic and family systems theories. Comparative study of assessment and treatment modalities, with consideration given to multiple impacts of gender, ethnicity, and social class. Use of case materials.

An exploration of children's and adolescents' dysfunctional behaviors, utilizing psychodynamic and family systems theories. Comparative study of assessment and treatment modalities, with consideration given to multiple impacts of gender, ethnicity, and social class. Use of case materials.

An in-depth look at family dynamics from a family systems perspective. Attention will be paid to inter-generational, ethnic and gender themes; communication styles and conflict resolution; and therapeutic approaches to family dysfunction. Use of case studies and opportunity for work on students' own families.

Exploration of the manner by which race, ethnicity, class, and gender impact on family functioning styles in relation to a variety of societal institutions. Discussion of potential impact of immigration and assimilation on family dysfunction.

One hundred twenty (120) hours of supervised field work in a placement arranged by the coordinator of field work in consultation with the student. The placement emphasizes the administration aspects of the agency management and the relationships between staff and among volunteers.

This course offers the opportunity to study special topics of current interest. Students should consult the latest course offerings for announcement of this course. As topics vary from year to year, this course may be taken more than once for credit.

This course is designed to familiarize the student with the roles, responsibilities and functions of the public service manager with emphasis on the special challenges and opportunities which the public sector environment poses. Students will learn the theoretical and practical components of planning, organizing, controlling, directing and supervising as they relate to public and not-for-profit organizations.

This course will provide students with an opportunity to explore and discuss the current treatment interventions, which provide rehabilitative opportunities for inmates in correctional facilities.

An exploration of group work in the human services field, learning and family systems theories. Focus on understanding group dynamics, leadership, and the various stages of group development (planning, beginning, assessment, middle, evaluation and ending). Use of case materials.

An integrating seminar exploring fundamental issues in the development of social welfare policy, both historical and contemporary. Discussion of current policy, programs and services in selected areas, such as income maintenance, health care, child welfare and mental health.

A survey of various approaches to helping individuals, families, groups deal with problems in transactions between systems or people in their environment. Comparative study of current practice models. Examination of the technical processes of exploration, assessment, intervention, worker and client roles, the change process and the concepts of prevention.

An interdisciplinary exploration of crises affecting the contemporary family. Emphasis upon function and dysfunctional patterns of coping in both normative and situational crises. Special attention to assessment and brief treatment of individuals, groups, families. Case studies utilizing crisis theory and family systems theory.

One hundred and twenty hours of supervised fieldwork in a placement arranged by the coordinator of fieldwork in consultation with the student. The student applies his/her knowledge and skills in a human services agency setting, seeking to gain an understanding of the agency and the population it serves. Beginning competence in some basic selected skills and self-awareness in interactional situations.

One hundred and twenty hours of supervised fieldwork in a placement arranged by the coordinator of fieldwork in consultation with the student. The placement emphasizes the administrative aspects of agency management and the relationships between staff and among volunteers.

With the approval of appropriate faculty member, chairperson and dean, students may select a topic for guided research or project that is not included in regular course offerings. The student meets regularly with faculty member to review progress. Appropriate project reports and research papers must also be submitted.