Human & Social Services

Human & Social Services I (3 credits per semester, 2 semester course)

• Principles of Human Services- Principles of Human Services explores the history of human services, career opportunities, and the role of the human service worker. Focuses on target populations and community agencies designed to meet the needs of various populations. The course includes a required job shadowing project in a Human Services setting (a suggested four-hour minimum to meet Ivy
  Tech requirements). This course will also encourage cultural awareness and appreciation of
  diversity. Focuses on cultural variations in attitudes, values, language, gestures, and customs.
  Includes information about major racial and ethnic groups in the United States.
• Understanding Diversity- Understanding Diversity encourages cultural awareness and appreciation of diversity. Focuses on cultural variations in attitudes, values, language, gestures, and customs. Includes
  information about major racial and ethnic groups in the United States.
• Relationships & Emotions- Relationship & Emotions examines the key elements of healthy relationships. Explores the main problems that damage relationships. Presents research findings on successful and unsuccessful relationships, and emotional connections. Explores the impact of one’s emotional and relationship history on current and future romantic relationships. Presents practical,
  scientific-based skills for improving relationships. Additionally, this course offers practical and
  useful information for people who have experienced loss. Students have the opportunity to evaluate their own experiences and attitudes toward loss and grief.

Human & Social Services II (3 credits per semester, 2 semester course)

• Human Services Capstone- This course provides opportunities to increase effectiveness in helping people. Examines the helping process in terms of skills, helping stages, and issues involved in a helping relationship. This course also introduces and develops basic interviewing skills. Includes assessment strategies and treatment planning. This course provides basic information about the problems of alcohol and other drug abuse. Explores symptoms and effects of abuse and dependence on individuals, families, and society Additionally, this course studies group dynamics, issues and behavior. Includes group functioning and leadership, guidelines on working effectively with a co-leader, and practical ways of evaluating the group processes. It provides an overview of legal and ethical aspects in the field of human services with implications for the human service worker. Includes topics such as confidentiality, rights of clients, client records, equal protection for staff and clients, and discrimination. The Human Service Ethical Code and related codes are covered with an overview of ethical dimensions of practice.