Human Services Courses

This course is an overview of two major areas in Mental Health: 1) Psychological Dysfunctions and 2) Developmental Disabilities. The course examines various etiologies and functioning levels of the psychologically impaired and the developmentally disabled. It further examines intervention and treatment methods from a historical perspective, as well as more recent modalities of community-based treatment services.

A survey of public and private human service programs with special emphasis on current human services available in the city and state. Skills, knowledge, attitudes and values for human service work are examined, as are the methods of intervention and counseling theories available to the human service worker.

A survey of the major current theories practiced in the counseling profession. Roles, responsibilities, and career opportunities for counselors, as well as the development of the counseling profession.

This course explores the recent development of the innovative functions of case management in human services. It further examines the case manager's role and its importance to effective client services. Issues of assessing clients. needs, brokering for client services and monitoring the quality of services will be discussed.

Under supervision, the student designs and conducts as field work project which provides opportunities to apply classroom learning and gain experiences in his/her selected human services specialization. The field project requires 112 hours of fieldwork in an agency serving a population which is relevant to the specialization selected by the student.

This course allows students to expand their skills and knowledge through on-site training in an agency specializing in the area of the student's concentration. Under an agency supervisor, the student learns specific methods of service delivery and networking with related professional and service providers: logging, feedback and dealing with such issues as multicultural staffing and consumerism. To be eligible for the B.S. in Human Services, students are required to complete 112 hours of Field Project II in addition to the 112 hours already completed for Field Project I.

This course surveys and analyzes the explicit and implicit values and ethical issues in the field of human services. Major theoretical perspectives are presented drawing on thinkers form the disciplines of science, philosophy, psychology, sociology and cultural analysis. A comparative analysis of ethical issues and practices in different cultures and societies are reviewed. The political and economic sources of values are considered along with how values and ethics affect the development of social rules and behavior. An examination of critical value issues at the national, city and organizational level are discussed.

An introduction to psychology as a behavioral science and profession. Topics such as physiology and behavior, learning, memory and forgetfulness, intelligence, life span changes, personality development, social behavior, abnormal behavior and treatment approaches are examined.

The study of modern society with emphasis placed on the concepts of culture, socialization, and social perception; the sociology of knowledge and norms; groups and stratification; culture, continuity and change; human ecology. Research methods and reporting techniques are also analyzed.

Much of the pain and confusion that result from misunderstandings can be avoided through a more complete awareness of the process of communication. The ability to communicate effectively is determined by self-concept and by sensitivity to and understanding of others. verbal and non-verbal behavior. Includes elements of how people use communication to relate to each other: self-concept, needs, power, emotions, general, cultural values, conflicts and communication competence. Dialogues and role plays between client/case worker, teacher/pupil, parent/child are analyzed. Required for Human Services majors. Satisfies Speech Core Requirement

A comprehensive overview of current theory, process and practice in family therapy, covering the field\'s major underpinnings. An examination of family systems theory and different approaches to working with families.

This course identifies the unique treatment and service delivery issues inherent in working as a case manager with adults and families. The broad range of human services interventions with and for adults and families is examined. The effects of social and psychological stressors such as homelessness, child abuse, domestic violence and disability are explored. The Supportive and entitlement services available to the adult and family population are discussed. The advocacy, brokering and coordination challenge of working with adults sand families is given much attention through the students. critical examination of his/her practice.

This course will investigate the psychological, socio-cultural, and physio-pharmacological foundations of addiction. Theories of addiction and treatment will be surveyed from social perspectives.

This course will examine the impact of the urban environment on the family, exploring a number of contemporary issues such as crime, poverty, drug addiction, homelessness, urban blight, racism, teenage parenting, etc. It will also examine a series of program models, services or treatment modalities developed to assist families in meeting and resolving these issues and will review the role of the Human Services practitioner as an advocate and resource for families coping with urban life.

Introduction to the theory and practice of social work, focusing on the social welfare system; Federal, state, and municipal programs; principles of social psychology as applied to the counseling process; family systems theory.

This course explores the social and medical issues of HIV populations from a cross-cultural perspective. It covers the issues encountered in the correctional, social service and health care systems and teaches students how to assess needs and develop a service network.

Techniques of organizing and working with special client groups are reinforced by role playing and other activities.

This course provides the student with an overview of the importance of assessing community resources and needs, and how the appropriate use of local resources can play a major role in the delivery of meaningful human services. This course will explore how community needs are determined, and how to make the best use of local services. The key role of community based organizations and local community groups will be discussed. The role played by community workers will be explored as well as the one-stop shopping approach to the delivery of human services.

Counseling as an important human service to older adults during times of dependency and crisis. A survey of appropriate counseling approaches, such as individual, group, family, and recreational therapy, as well as working with institutionalized elderly suffering from organic brain syndromes. The role of self-help groups will also be explored.

Counseling skills need to be modified when applied to people with developmental disabilities. Many have a limited ability to think abstractly, may have impaired judgment and memory, and often have difficulty generalizing from one situation to another. Counseling therefore needs to have a very concrete and specific orientation. Students learn to apply the general theories and techniques of counseling to their work with people with developmental disabilities. Both individual and group sessions will be discussed. Behavioral therapy will also be considered.

An exploration of the sociological factors that affect elderly people who are members of minority groups, with special emphasis on the African-American and Hispanic communities. The course focuses on the unique problems of minority aging and centers on service needs, barriers to obtaining services; and appropriate services, delivery systems and support networks in the community.

The family as an institution of socialization, social control, and reproduction is studied, as well as family organization and disorganization, and comparative family systems.

The sociological definition and approach to the study of criminality and delinquency, and the nature, types, and extent of crime. The causes of crime and methods of determining criminality, the social function of criminal law, the police, the courts, the prison community, punishment, rehabilitation, and crime prevention programs.

This course explores the nature and dynamics of family violence from a power and control perspective. It covers the issues of obsessive love, the Stockholm Syndrome, the battered child syndrome, throw-away children, homeless mentally ill, and juvenile gangs as family replacements. It also examines contributing factors: addiction, poor frustration tolerance, lack of boundaries, poor self-esteem, media and pornography, public social policy, and the criminal justice system. A variety of interventions are explored: parent skill training, batterers. programs, sex offender programs, anger management, gang re-direction programs, and services for the mentally ill.

Parents and families as the context for growth, development and learning; similarities and differences in parenting styles in various cultural groups; the range of family structures; parents and family members as teachers of young children and collaborators with professional educators; ways in which early childhood education programs build and expand upon the foundation provided by parents; how educators form constructive educational partnerships with parents; awareness of community resources for parents and their young children.

An overview of the literature focusing on the psychological dynamics underlying functional and dysfunctional family relationships. Theories and techniques of family therapy are examined.

The patterns and dynamics of minority families in the United States. Changing demographics, diversity of familial structures, difficulties surrounding immigration and acculturation, educational concerns, functional and dysfunctional family relationships, as well as treatment and therapeutic issues, are among the included topics.

An overview of psychological disorders with emphasis on etiology, symptoms, diagnostic tools and treatments. The major theories of psychopathology are considered.

Psychological aspects of physical health and illnesses such as heart disease, cancer, AIDS, and obesity are covered. Students also investigate the role of health providers and their institutions in improving the prognoses of patients. Treatments such as biofeedback, relaxation training, and hypnosis are also examined.

This course will provide both a theoretical and a practical approach to the issues of physical and emotional child abuse and molesting by family members and strangers. It will provide an understanding of the effects of such abuse on the victim as well as the dynamics causing such behavior in the victimizer. Finally it will provide an overview of treatment interventions for the child, parents, and other victimizers. There will be an emphasis on how to develop a network and referral system with social service agencies, hospitals, courts, and child protection services.

This course provides an in-depth approach to assessing the needs of children, including discussion of the rights and responsibilities that society has towards its children. It will explore the role of case management, advocacy and the process of networking services in the following areas: policy, intervention, family, juvenile justice system, public welfare, guardianship, education, foster care, child labor laws, protective services and adoption.

This course will focus on the intervening role of the counselor and the techniques and skills necessary for working with children, adolescents, and family members who are experiencing the stress of normal and abnormal growth and change.

Techniques of organizing and working with special client groups are reinforced by role playing and other activities.

Introduction to the theory and practice of social work, focusing on the social welfare system; Federal, state, and municipal programs; principles of social psychology as applied to the counseling process; family systems theory.

This course explores the social and medical issues of HIV populations from a cross-cultural perspective. It covers the issues encountered in the correctional, social service and health care systems and teaches students how to assess needs and develop a service network.

A comprehensive overview of current theory, process and practice in family therapy, covering the field\'s major underpinnings. An examination of family systems theory and different approaches to working with families.

This course will investigate the psychological, socio-cultural, and physio-pharmacological foundations of addiction. Theories of addiction and treatment will be surveyed from social perspectives.

This course will cover a variety of teaching techniques used with the developmentally disabled population. Included will be a review of behavior modification, social learning theory, gentle teaching and positive behavior supports. Current trends in teaching, including facilitated communication, will be covered with related research. The controversy over mainstreaming will be explored, as well as treatment planning, Individual Education Plan (IEP) and functional education. Adaptive technologies will also be reviewed.

This course provides the student with an overview of the importance of assessing community resources and needs, and how the appropriate use of local resources can play a major role in the delivery of meaningful human services. This course will explore how community needs are determined, and how to make the best use of local services. The key role of community based organizations and local community groups will be discussed. The role played by community workers will be explored as well as the one-stop shopping approach to the delivery of human services.

Counseling skills need to be modified when applied to people with developmental disabilities. Many have a limited ability to think abstractly, may have impaired judgment and memory, and often have difficulty generalizing from one situation to another. Counseling therefore needs to have a very concrete and specific orientation. Students learn to apply the general theories and techniques of counseling to their work with people with developmental disabilities. Both individual and group sessions will be discussed. Behavioral therapy will also be considered.

The family as an institution of socialization, social control, and reproduction is studied, as well as family organization and disorganization, and comparative family systems.

The sociological definition and approach to the study of criminality and delinquency, and the nature, types, and extent of crime. The causes of crime and methods of determining criminality, the social function of criminal law, the police, the courts, the prison community, punishment, rehabilitation, and crime prevention programs.

This course explores the nature and dynamics of family violence from a power and control perspective. It covers the issues of obsessive love, the Stockholm Syndrome, the battered child syndrome, throw-away children, homeless mentally ill, and juvenile gangs as family replacements. It also examines contributing factors: addiction, poor frustration tolerance, lack of boundaries, poor self-esteem, media and pornography, public social policy, and the criminal justice system. A variety of interventions are explored: parent skill training, batterers. programs, sex offender programs, anger management, gang re-direction programs, and services for the mentally ill.

Parents and families as the context for growth, development and learning; similarities and differences in parenting styles in various cultural groups; the range of family structures; parents and family members as teachers of young children and collaborators with professional educators; ways in which early childhood education programs build and expand upon the foundation provided by parents; how educators form constructive educational partnerships with parents; awareness of community resources for parents and their young children.

A survey of human development from conception to death with an emphasis on the underlying psychological processes. The unique challenges associated with infancy, childhood, adolescence and adulthood are considered.

An overview of the literature focusing on the psychological dynamics underlying functional and dysfunctional family relationships. Theories and techniques of family therapy are examined.

The patterns and dynamics of minority families in the United States. Changing demographics, diversity of familial structures, difficulties surrounding immigration and acculturation, educational concerns, functional and dysfunctional family relationships, as well as treatment and therapeutic issues, are among the included topics.

An overview of psychological disorders with emphasis on etiology, symptoms, diagnostic tools and treatments. The major theories of psychopathology are considered.

Psychological aspects of physical health and illnesses such as heart disease, cancer, AIDS, and obesity are covered. Students also investigate the role of health providers and their institutions in improving the prognoses of patients. Treatments such as biofeedback, relaxation training, and hypnosis are also examined.

As a component of preparing students for clinical practice in an urban, multicultural and diverse environment, the first semester of the one-year (two-semester) foundation HBSE course examines the person-in environment matrix with a specific focus on diversity. This semester will focus on developing understanding of the complex interactions of biological, psychological, spiritual, economic, political, and socio-cultural forces operating at different system levels. We will examine theory and empirical evidence to provide a multidimensional perspective on these systems. Included in this study is an exploration of contemporary challenges and mechanisms of oppression facing individuals, families, social groups, communities, social networks, formal organizations, and social institutions in a multicultural society. We will also look at the fundamental ways in which the lifelong development of individuals is shaped by the fact that personal growth occurs within given social-cultural systems and institutions during particular periods of history and by the fact that individuals act back on these social-cultural systems and institutions in a reciprocally influencing manner. Many theories of person-and-environment exist today, each one spurred by a different ideology or worldview. Applicable theories range from psychodynamic approaches to modern social systems theories, to feminist theories and social constructionism. Focusing on the intersectionality of race, gender and class allows us to critically examine past theoretical frameworks in the context of these newer ideologies. Diversity, social work ethics and values, and the profession’s fundamental interest in promoting social and economic justice and in addressing the needs of populations at risk, underlie much of this understanding. The application of this HBSE foundation knowledge to the process of assessment in social work will be illustrated. HBSE I contributes to the foundation knowledge necessary for the emerging self-awareness of the student-practitioner. It also lays the groundwork for students to consider the changing configurations of persons and environments across the life course that is the focus of HBSE II.

Social welfare policies and services -- or the lack of them -- affect social work practice at all levels of intervention. How a society understands the nature of social problems, how it assigns responsibility for those problems, and how it defines and allocates different kinds of assistance are fundamentally important to the lives of all its members, especially poor and vulnerable populations. Social policies reflect the outcome of struggles over basic values in our society. They determine how particular groups fare; moreover, they are the basis for the programs which social workers implement. To be an effective social worker, one must understand the historical determinants of our current social welfare policies, institutions, and service delivery systems. One should be able to critique current social welfare policies and contribute to their reform on the basis of an understanding of recurrent institutional patterns, including systems of oppression. A professional social worker must also have knowledge of the development of the profession, the role of the profession in shaping the institutions and programs intended to foster social functioning, and the profession’s engagement with the populations who utilize social welfare programs and services. The promotion of social justice and human rights is a yardstick against which the social policies, institutions, services, and the profession itself are measured. SSWN 670 is the first of two courses in a sequence that introduces social policies and service delivery. Students will become familiar with basic issues, concepts, values, terminology, frameworks and ethical issues that define social welfare policy and that influence their ability to work with diverse groups and populations at risk and to think critically. Students will learn about the core policies that comprise our social response to difficulties faced by individuals, families, groups and communities. We will focus on the following themes: 1. The development of social work as a profession 2. The historic social, economic and philosophical trends which have shaped and 3. The intersection of the role and history of social work and social welfare institutions and policies in defining and reducing social problems. 4. Contemporary and global shifts in social welfare. This course requires that students be willing and ready to engage in an ongoing, safe, respectful and honest dialogue with each other and their instructor around critical social issues where opinions might differ.

As a component of preparing students for clinical practice in an urban, multicultural and diverse environment, the second semester of the one-year (two-semester) foundation HBSE course examines the person-in environment matrix with a specific focus on diversity. This semester will focus on developing understanding of the complex interactions of biological, psychological, spiritual, economic, political, and socio-cultural forces operating at different system levels. We will examine theory and empirical evidence to provide a multidimensional perspective on these systems. Included in this study is an exploration of contemporary challenges and mechanisms of oppression facing individuals, families, social groups, communities, social networks, formal organizations, and social institutions in a multicultural society. We will also look at the fundamental ways in which the lifelong development of individuals is shaped by the fact that personal growth occurs within given social-cultural systems and institutions during particular periods of history and by the fact that individuals act back on these social-cultural systems and institutions in a reciprocally influencing manner. Many theories of person-and-environment exist today, each one spurred by a different ideology or worldview. Applicable theories range from psychodynamic approaches to modern social systems theories, to feminist theories and social constructionism. Focusing on the intersectionality of race, gender and class allows us to critically examine past theoretical frameworks in the context of these newer ideologies. Diversity, social work ethics and values, and the profession’s fundamental interest in promoting social and economic justice and in addressing the needs of populations at risk, underlie much of this understanding. HBSE II considers the changing configurations of persons and environments across the life course.

SSWN 671 is the second social policy and service delivery course in a sequence of two courses. During the first course (SSWN 670) students were taught how to develop and articulate an understanding of the interaction of five key social forces-ideology, politics, history, economics, and social movements- to create and to change the social welfare system. This course, which has a contemporary focus, further enhances the student\'s ability to analyze, and design social policies based on an understanding of the factors that contribute to the existence of contemporary social problems. SSWN 671 familiarizes the students with existing social policies, deepens their understanding of the conditions of socially and economically disadvantaged groups in our society, discusses the role of Social Work’s Code of Ethics in social policy and further sensitizes them to the political factors that contribute to the definition of social problems and the agenda for government intervention. It provides a core of knowledge and theoretical understanding that will encourage and develop the capacity for independent analysis of current social problems and social policy issues and for informed social action. Consistent with our professional social work values, this course helps students build knowledge and skills that social workers need in order to analyze, and make changes in, social welfare policy and program with the overall purpose of enhancing social well-being. The professional values of justice and equity guide this work which work in tandem with the values of our profession. The social welfare policies of a society represent and define how that society fundamentally understands social phenomena and collective human behavior. From these understandings emerge "social constructions of social realities", or definitions of what and how social processes and factors contribute to social problems. Society\'s responses to these problems are also socially constructed, which is to say that public and private responses are not necessarily objective or derived from a formula. Rather they are developed through a series of political processes. This course emphasizes the theme that social welfare policies are a response to socially defined problems. The course stresses the importance of understanding cultural values and various uses of power in determining policy outcomes. The student will also explore dominant strains of American political and economic thought that underpin various understandings of social phenomena and social policy responses within the United States. Frameworks for policy analysis utilized in this course are guided by social work values of opportunity, social justice, and equitable distribution of finite resources. This course is designed to familiarize the student with the major social policies currently in effect and proposals to revise them. In addition, the course will develop the student’s capacity to analyze current policies and programs and their outcomes for clients and other members of vulnerable populations. These skills and understandings will enable the student to become knowledgeable critics and formulators of improved social welfare programs at the local, state, and national level. The major organizing themes of the course are: the divisions among Americans based on income, race, ethnicity and gender; the relationship between social constructions of the problems of the disadvantaged and the "realities" of their conditions; and collective efforts to close the gaps in income, human rights, and general well-being that sustain those divisions. The impact of social welfare policies, both current and past, on clients, agencies, service delivery your social work practice and values. The social policy course is practice centered in keeping with our school’s overarching commitment to a practice centered curriculum. This course helps students develop secondary research and writing skills similar to those that they will use in practice as they analyze social problems; strengths and capacities; social welfare policies and programs; and alternative policy and program responses for enhancing social well-being. Students also develop skills in clearly and concisely communicating their social welfare policy and program analyses with professional colleagues and with the larger community. This course focuses especially on helping students build practice skills for developing, implementing, and evaluating social welfare policies and programs that serve to value diversity, advocate for populations at risk, ending oppression and discrimination, and promoting social and economic justice. Finally, students learn the additional policy practice skills of organizing and advocating for positive change. Learning social welfare policy requires that students be willing and ready to engage in an ongoing, safe, respectful and honest dialogue with each other and their instructor around the issues presented.

This course explores the social and medical issues of HIV populations from a cross-cultural perspective. It covers the issues encountered in the correctional, social service and health care systems and teaches students how to assess needs and develop a service network.

Techniques of organizing and working with special client groups are reinforced by role playing and other activities.

A comprehensive overview of current theory, process and practice in family therapy, covering the field's major underpinnings. An examination of family systems theory and different approaches to working with families.

This course will investigate the psychological, socio-cultural, and physio-pharmacological foundations of addiction. Theories of addiction and treatment will be surveyed from social perspectives.

This course will provide both a theoretical and a practical approach to the issues of physical and emotional child abuse and molesting by family members and strangers. It will provide an understanding of the effects of such abuse on the victim as well as the dynamics causing such behavior in the victimizer. Finally it will provide an overview of treatment interventions for the child, parents, and other victimizers. There will be an emphasis on how to develop a network and referral system with social service agencies, hospitals, courts, and child protection services.

Counseling as an important human service to older adults during times of dependency and crisis. A survey of appropriate counseling approaches, such as individual, group, family, and recreational therapy, as well as working with institutionalized elderly suffering from organic brain syndromes. The role of self-help groups will also be explored.

This course will focus on the intervening role of the counselor and the techniques and skills necessary for working with children, adolescents, and family members who are experiencing the stress of normal and abnormal growth and change.

Counseling skills need to be modified when applied to people with developmental disabilities. Many have a limited ability to think abstractly, may have impaired judgment and memory, and often have difficulty generalizing from one situation to another. Counseling therefore needs to have a very concrete and specific orientation. Students learn to apply the general theories and techniques of counseling to their work with people with developmental disabilities. Both individual and group sessions will be discussed. Behavioral therapy will also be considered.

An exploration of the sociological factors that affect elderly people who are members of minority groups, with special emphasis on the African-American and Hispanic communities. The course focuses on the unique problems of minority aging and centers on service needs, barriers to obtaining services; and appropriate services, delivery systems and support networks in the community.

This course provides the student with an overview of the importance of assessing community resources and needs, and how the appropriate use of local resources can play a major role in the delivery of meaningful human services. This course will explore how community needs are determined, and how to make the best use of local services. The key role of community based organizations and local community groups will be discussed. The role played by community workers will be explored as well as the one-stop shopping approach to the delivery of human services.

The family as an institution of socialization, social control, and reproduction is studied, as well as family organization and disorganization, and comparative family systems.

This course explores the nature and dynamics of family violence from a power and control perspective. It covers the issues of obsessive love, the Stockholm Syndrome, the battered child syndrome, throw-away children, homeless mentally ill, and juvenile gangs as family replacements. It also examines contributing factors: addiction, poor frustration tolerance, lack of boundaries, poor self-esteem, media and pornography, public social policy, and the criminal justice system. A variety of interventions are explored: parent skill training, batterers. programs, sex offender programs, anger management, gang re-direction programs, and services for the mentally ill.

The patterns and dynamics of minority families in the United States. Changing demographics, diversity of familial structures, difficulties surrounding immigration and acculturation, educational concerns, functional and dysfunctional family relationships, as well as treatment and therapeutic issues, are among the included topics.

An overview of psychological disorders with emphasis on etiology, symptoms, diagnostic tools and treatments. The major theories of psychopathology are considered.

Psychological aspects of physical health and illnesses such as heart disease, cancer, AIDS, and obesity are covered. Students also investigate the role of health providers and their institutions in improving the prognoses of patients. Treatments such as biofeedback, relaxation training, and hypnosis are also examined.