University of Hawai'i

Maui Community College

Classes - HSERV 110

 

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Description

Objectives

Textbook

Activities

Philosophy

Conduct

Confidentiality

Grading

Special Needs

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 Assignments/Grading

Course Calendar

 


INTRODUCTION TO HUMAN SERVICES (HSER 110)

Monday/Wednesday 9-10:15 a.m. Hale 216

Course Syllabus for Fall 2003

Lee Stein, MSW, CSAC                      Phone: 984-3304         lstein@hawaii.edu

Office Location:            Faculty Hale “E”                 “Safe Zone”

Office Hours:    Monday/Wednesday 10:30-11:30 a.m. 
and by appointment


COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course introduces the nature of human service programs. Studies federal, state, and local human service responsibilities. Includes talks by agency representatives and field trips to agencies if possible. Provides a basic foundation for anyone considering, or already engaged in, a career in the area of human services. Provides an overview of the field and examines the broad range of services and functions of the human service professional in the workplace. Explores the range of social problems familiar to the profession, various perspectives that offer a common base of knowledge from which to understand these problems, and opportunities to explore fundamental skills, values, and attitudes typical of the successful human service professional. Self-awareness will be an important vehicle for understanding the content of this course. Multiculturalism and diversity of client populations will be emphasized.

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STUDENT LEARNING OBJECTIVES/COURSE COMPETENCIES

By taking this course, you will:

Review the historical roots of human services/social work;
Examine what the human service professional does at work;
Compare and contrast various work settings and human service professional duties;
Identify the attitudes and personal characteristics of the effective human service professional and evaluate oneself relative to those attributes;
Reflect upon the process of ethical decision-making using standards of professional conduct as a guide;
Examine various theoretical approaches for working with clients;
Consider the implications of multiculturalism and diversity of client populations related to service provision;
Consider how personal values and beliefs influence our interactions and work with others;
Practice critical thinking skills that increase self/other awareness.

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REQUIRED TEXTBOOK:  An Introduction to Human Services, (4
th
edition) by Marianne Woodside & Tricia McClam (2002); and readings as assigned.

 

COURSE ACTIVITIES

            Course work will consist of experiential exercises, lecture, class and small group discussion, viewing and commenting on films, guest lectures, group and individual projects, student presentations, collaborative learning exercises, wring personal reactions/responses to course content, readings and assignments and quizzes.

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COURSE PHILOSOPHY

This class will focus on understanding the range of human needs and the response of community services to those needs. Important aspects of learning occur through class interaction and participation. Therefore, regular attendance in class is very important if you are to do well! You will be graded on your participation in class, as well as the timely completion of assignments.    

Homework – homework assignments are intended to clarify the course content and prepare you for active class discussion/participation. You must read and familiarize yourself with the assigned readings prior to their scheduled discussion in order to participate thoughtfully in classroom discussions. You are to have read the assigned material for discussion on the date it is listed on the Course Calendar that follows.

Extra Credit - You will have the opportunity to earn up to 10-points with 2 “extra credit” opportunities worth 5 points each (i.e., attending a community human service training, special lectures on campus, viewing pertinent films, etc.) All extra credit opportunities require a 1-page typed summary. Please clear your extra credit choice with me prior to doing it.

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CLASS CONDUCT

            In order to create an effective, safe learning environment, class members are expected to treat one another and the instructor with respect at all times. Behaviorally this includes extending courtesy, attentiveness, politeness, consideration, care, and concern to others. Respectful and professional classroom behavior also includes removing hats, sunglasses, and turning off cell phones and pagers while in class. Academic dishonesty of any type will be dealt with as outlined in the Student Conduct Code (available from the Dean of Student Services Office, 984-3268).

 

Honoring Confidentiality: In order for the classroom environment to be truly conducive to effective learning, self-exploration must occur. Therefore, any self-disclosure by fellow students or the instructor is to be considered confidential and should not be repeated outside of the class. This respect for the process of others is especially important in a small community where we have all experienced the pain and betrayal of someone sharing what is only ours to share.

 

Your personal growth and satisfaction in this course will be greatly enhanced if you:

Are willing to participate in this class as fully as possible;
Are willing to suspend judgmental attitudes toward others and yourself;
Are willing to be sensitive to the thoughts, attitudes, feelings and behavior of others;
Recognize this class as a real life opportunity to practice your professional skills.

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ASSIGNMENTS/GRADING

GRADING (270 points possible: 100-90%=A; 89-80%=B; 79-70%=C; 69-60=D)

1.                  Attendance and Participation (60 points) – there are 15 classes – you will receive 2 points for each session you attend and 2 points for participation. Each absence represents 4 missed points.

2.                  Interview Project (50 points) – This project requires one of the following:

·        An interview with someone who works at a human service agency;

·        An interview with a person who is receiving or has received human services (i.e., a homeless person, someone with a substance abuse problem, a survivor or perpetrator of domestic violence, etc.) Specific guidelines will be provided on 10/2. Written interview and short presentation/discussion due 11/13

3.                  Quizzes (120 points) – There will be 4 quizzes worth 30 points each based on the readings, lectures, presentations and activities. Due 9/18; 10/2; 10/16; 11/6

4.                  Group Project/Presentation (40 points) – You will join with 2 to 3 classmates and provide some form of assistance to an agency and/or their clients for a minimum of 2 hours. Your group will provide a summary and highlights of your project during the last week of class in a 10- to 15-minute- long presentation to the class. The group is encouraged to be creative in using their talents, skills, knowledge and interests in selecting and completing this project. Each group member must hand in a 1-page, typed summary of their contribution to the project. Group members will also provide a written evaluation of each member of their group. Due 12/4 and 12/11

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SPECIAL NEEDS

            The college will make accommodations for students with special needs. If you are in need of some instructional accommodation because of a disability please let me know right away so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

IF YOU ARE HAVING DIFFICULTY WITH THE COURSE, PLEASE TALK TO ME RIGHT AWAY! I will do everything I can to help you do your best in this course and we can discuss options (such as “Credit/No Credit”). If you simply stop coming and don’t officially drop the course, you will receive an “F” grade on your record. If you do not want to speak to me about your situation, please see a student counselor (984-3325) or a guidance counselor.

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 Course Assignments and Grading – 180 Points Possible

 

1.      Class Participation, Attendance, Reading Assignments – (60 Points)

a.       All students are expected to attend and participate in each class. Participation levels are noticed by comments or questions that are contributed during class discussions and visible signs of paying attention. To participate in a meaningful way, you must have read and thought about the readings. You are urged to put pertinent or new issues on the table for class discussion. You will receive 2 points per class if you both attend and participate.

 

2.      Interview Project – (35 Points) - This project requires one of the following:

a.       An interview with someone that works at a human service agency;

b.      An interview with a person who is receiving or has received human services (i.e., a homeless person, someone with a substance abuse problem, a survivor or perpetrator of domestic violence, etc.

c.       Specific guidelines will be provided and must be followed.

Interview Project Presentation – (10 Points)

You are required to present a synopsis of your interview to the class. Details later.

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3.      Take Home Quizzes – (50 Points)

a.       Ten point quizzes will allow you to demonstrate your familiarity with the assigned readings by answering short answer, critical thinking questions about them.

b.      Six quizzes will cover 12 chapters. Only the top 5 scores will be counted.

c.       A Late quiz will automatically lose 1 point if it is not handed in on the date due. After that, 2 points per week will be lost.

d.      For writing assistance go to http:www2.Hawaii.edu/-linares/readclinics.pdf

 

4.      Group Project/Presentation (25 Points)

a.       You will join with 2 to 4 classmates and provide some form of assistance to an agency and/or their clients for a minimum of 2-4 hours. Your group will provide a summary and highlights of your project during the last week of class in a 10 minute long presentation. You are encouraged to be creative in using your talents, skills, knowledge and interests in selecting and completing this project. Each group member must hand in a 1-page typed summary of your contribution to the project. Members will also provide a written evaluation of each member of your group. Do not wait until the last weeks of class to do this assignment!

 

GRADING – 100 to 90% = A; 89 to 80% = B; 79 to 70% = C; 69 to 60% = D or CR; 59 to 50% = NC or F

 


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COURSE CALENDAR – SPRING 2003

HSER 110 – Introduction to Human Services

(Subject to Change!)

DATE             TOPIC                                                            ASSIGNMENT

Readings/assignments to be completed PRIOR to class where listed!

 

Aug. 25             Introduction to Course                        

Aug. 27             What Are Human Services?                      Read Ch. 1

                        Video: The Women of Hull House

 

Sept. 1        Labor Day - Holiday

Sept. 3       Changing Nature of Human Services            Read Ch. 2

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Sept. 8         Take Home Quiz # 1 Due (Ch. 1 & 2)

                      Strategies of Intervention                              Read Ch. 3

Sept. 10        Presenter                                                                               

 

Sept. 15         Attitudes/Values, Skills & Knowledge       Read Ch. 4

Sept. 17         Presenter

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Sept. 22        Take Home Quiz # 2 Due (Ch. 3& 4)

                       Values and Ethical Dilemmas                        Read Ch. 5

Sept. 24         Presenter

 

Sept. 29         Presidents’ Day - Holiday

Oct. 1              Presenter                                            Read Ahead

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Oct. 6              The Social Welfare System                 Read Ch. 6

Oct. 8              Presenter

 

Oct. 13           Take Home Quiz # 3 Due (Ch. 5 & 6)

                        Working With Diversity                           Read Ch. 7

Oct. 15           Presenter

 

Oct. 20          Interviewing                                             Read Ch. 8

Oct. 22          Role Play Interviewing Skills                           

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Oct. 27           Take Home Quiz #4 Due (Ch. 7 & 8)

                        Case Management/Counseling            Read Ch. 9

Oct. 29            Presenter

 

Nov. 3            Interview & Presentation Due

Nov. 5             Presentations, Cont.

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Nov. 10         Take Home Quiz #5 Due (Ch. 9 & 10)

          Facilitating Groups                                     Read Ch. 10

Nov. 12        Program Planning                                        Read Ch. 11

                      Presenter

 

Nov. 17       Organizing and Changing Systems             Read Ch. 12

Nov. 19        Presenter       

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Nov. 24         Take Home Quiz #6 Due (Ch. 11 & 12)                                     Understanding Legal Issues                        Read Ch. 13

Nov. 26         Presenter       

 

Dec. 1          Staying Current and Avoiding Burnout         Read Ch. 14

Dec. 3          Presenter

 

Dec. 8              Presenter

Dec. 10            Student Presentations/Closure

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