Intro to Human Services Syllabus

Post University
Student Syllabus

Professor Henry Schissler
203-430-1411, henryschissler@cox.net
Saturday Schedule, 8:30 – 11:25
Mod 1, North 109

HSV101.97 Introduction to Human Services

Course Description:
This survey course provides as overview of human services systems that are in place today. In addition, these systems are viewed from the historical perspective and critically analyzed around successes and failures in meeting objectives. A major focus is to analyze the categories of individuals that human service systems serve, and to assess, from the societal level, why these groups exist. Theory from human services, sociology, and psychology are the basis of assessment. Also, an overview of diagnoses most prevalent in human services settings will be reviewed.

Required Texts:
Burger, William, Human Services In Contemporary America, 7th Edition. NY: Thomson, 2008
Kozol, Jonathan, Amazing Grace. NY: Harper Collins, 1995

Class Schedule:

Sept. 6 – Student and Faculty Introductions; Syllabus and Assignment Review; Presentation on Key Concepts from Sociology, Psychology and Human Services; Biopsychosocial Perspective (referenced in Chapter 4); Chapter 1, Maslow: Hierarchy of Human Needs, Political Ideology & Human Services, Core American Values, Merton: Success Emphasis, Contemporary Problems on Needs: Natural Disasters, Poverty, Prejudice & Discrimination; Psychological Stress (Normal & Abnormal Stress Response), Health Care & Managed Care

Sept. 13 – Chapter 2, Groups in Need: Poverty, the Unemployed, Children in Need, Seniors, people with Disabilities, People with Mental Illness, Substance Abusers, Criminals, the Homeless, People with Mental Retardation, Domestic Violence Survivors; Assignment #1 Given, Due 9/20

Sept. 20 – Chapters 3 & 4, Historical Perspective, Theoretical Perspectives: Medical Model, Human Services Model, Psychoanalytic Viewpoint, Humanistic Perspective, Behaviorist Model, Systems Theory; Assignment #2 Given, Due 9/27

Sept. 27 – Chapter 5, Styles of Helping Relationships, Characteristics of Effective Helpers, Basic Counseling Skills, Advocacy & Community Organizing; Assignment #3 Given, Due 10/04

Oct. 04 – Chapter 6 & 7, Careers in Human Services, Social Policy: Identifying Social Problems, the Problem Solving Template

Oct. 11 – Chapter 8, Prevention in Human Services: Primary Prevention, Political & Economic Issues; Kosol Paper Due

Oct. 18 – Chapter 9, Current Controversies & Issues in Human Services: Values in Social Policies, the Role of Government, Successful Human Services Agencies

Oct. 25 – Final Class; Wrap-Up; Review of Key Concepts; Discussion of Human Services Field

Grading:

“Amazing Grace” Paper (in APA format) – This is a six page critical analysis of Kosol’s book –35%

Three (2 pages minimum per paper) Brief Writing Assignments (in APA format) / Informal Class Presentations – 35%

Participation – 20%

Attendance – 10%
Students are expected to attend all classes or request a makeup assignment for one missed class; there is no makeup assignment for a second missed class