Academic Catalogs

HSVC C100: Introduction to Human Services

Course Outline of Record
Item Value
Top Code 210400 - Human Services
Units 3 Total Units 
Hours 54 Total Hours (Lecture Hours 54)
Total Outside of Class Hours 0
Course Credit Status Credit: Degree Applicable (D)
Material Fee No
Basic Skills Not Basic Skills (N)
Repeatable No
Grading Policy Standard Letter (S), 
  • Pass/No Pass (B)

Course Description

A comprehensive survey of the development and scope of the human services field. With a global sensitivity, covers the history of human services, current theories and models of helping, ethics, administration, and careers in human services. Transfer Credit: CSU.

Course Level Student Learning Outcome(s)

  1. Through observation, interviews, and other research, identify the cultural competence skills needed to provide effective services; articulate personal reflections.
  2. Given a real-life scenario or case study about a service-related problem faced by an individual, provide suggestions about how public and private attitudes might influence legislation and interpretation of policies related to human services.
  3. Given case studies of clients with various problems, and in various contexts or helping areas, demonstrate the ability to analyze the needs of the client, develop goals, and design and implement a plan of action.

Course Objectives

  • 1. Discuss the historical evolution of social welfare and human services in the United States.
  • 2. Explain the current service delivery system environment in which social work and human service clients needs are addressed.
  • 3. Demonstrate critical thinking in envisioning ways of collaborating, negotiating, and advocating in working with and within social welfare and human service agencies and institutions.
  • 4. Identify and be able to uphold the legal, ethical, and professional practice responsibilities of working with social work and human service organizations with attention to cultural humility and oppressed groups.
  • 5. Explain the services provided by a local social welfare agency (ideally associated with a visit to or volunteer experience).
  • 6. Demonstrate awareness of issues concerned with client autonomy, dignity, confidentiality, and respect.

Lecture Content

History of Helping Introduction to Cultural Competence Cultural Competence Skills Careers in Human Services Social Problems and Causes Target Populations of Human Services Treatment Models: Medical Treatment Models: Psychotherapy Intervention Models Social Policy: Planning Social Policy: Formulation Social Policy: Implementation Ethics and Human Services Administration of Human Services

Method(s) of Instruction

  • Lecture (02)
  • DE Online Lecture (02X)

Instructional Techniques

A variety of instructional techniques will be employed to encompass different student learning styles. These may include, but are not limited to, lecture, discussion, and small-group activities. Instruction will be supplemented, where appropriate, by PowerPoint presentations, electronic resources and technologies, and guest speakers.

Reading Assignments

Students will spend 2-3 hours per week reading from the textbook and from instructor assigned articles.

Writing Assignments

Students will complete a term paper where they apply what they have learned throughout the course.

Out-of-class Assignments

Outside of the classroom, students will do the required reading, study for quizzes and exams, and conduct research, where applicable, to prepare papers, essays and/or assessment plans.

Demonstration of Critical Thinking

In class discussion, term paper, discussion forums.

Required Writing, Problem Solving, Skills Demonstration

Research paper, discussion forums, assessment plans.

Eligible Disciplines

Counseling: Masters degree in counseling, rehabilitation counseling, clinical psychology, counseling psychology, guidance counseling, educational counseling, social work, or career development, marriage and family therapy, or marriage, family and child counseling, OR the equivalent. (NOTE: A bachelors degree in one of the above listed degrees and a license as a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) is an alternative qualification for this discipline.) Masters degree required. Title 5, section 53410.1 Psychology: Masters degree in psychology OR bachelors degree in psychology AND masters degree in counseling, sociology, statistics, neuroscience, or social work OR the equivalent. Masters degree required. Sociology: Masters degree in sociology OR bachelors degree in sociology AND masters degree in anthropology, any ethnic studies, social work, or psychology OR the equivalent. Masters degree required.

Textbooks Resources

1. Required Hogan, Mikel. The Four Skills of Cultural Diversity Competence, 4th ed. Brooks/Cole, 2012 Rationale: - Legacy Textbook Transfer Data: Legacy text 2. Required Burger, William R. Human Services in Contemporary America, 10th ed. Cengage, 2018

Other Resources

1. Coastline Library