Introduction to Human Services

Catalog description

The purpose of this course is to help students appreciate and understand the varied influences upon the delivery of human services to individuals and groups throughout history. Students will gain insight into how factors such as superstition, politics, economics, disease, religion, racism, pseudo-science, sexism, and science influence how societies determine the delivery of human services. Students will learn how the evolution of human service models has been far from a linear progression and what factors continue to exert influence upon the delivery of contemporary human services. In addition, students will be introduced to foundational theories of psychology, sociology, anthropology, in tandem with political considerations as factors shaping the modern delivery of human services to populations in need. Finally, the course will introduce students to the range of career opportunities within the field as well as some of the personal, interpersonal, ethical, and legal challenges facing the contemporary working human service professional.