Adult Studies

Associate of Arts in Human Services

General Studies HOURS
COL 181 Adult Student Orientation 0-1
ENGL 101 Written Communication II 3
COMM 171 Speech Communication 3
PSYC 182 General Psychology 3
SOC 182 Principles of Sociology 3
MATH 111 Basic Probability and Statistics 3
BIOL 115 Human Biology (with lab) 4
    Bible/Religion/Philosophy Electives 6
    Literature/Art/Music/Drama Elective 3
    Fitness/Wellness/Health/P.E. elective 1
Total General Hours: 29-30
       
Major      
HS 278 Intro to the Human Service Professions 3
SOC 251 Social Psychology 3
HS 280 Group Facilitation in Human Services Professions 2
HS 371 Interviewing & People-Helping Skills 3
HS 320 Casework Methods & Writing in the Human Services Profession 3
HS 375 Crisis Intervention 3
       
Select 6 hours from courses below:  
SOC 201 Problems & Issues 3
SOC 202 Race & Ethnicity 3
SOC 252 Marriage & Family 3
       
Select 2-3 hours from courses below:  
PSYC 284 Child Growth & Development 3
PSYC 285 Adolescent Growth and Development 2
PSYC 287 School-Age Growth & Development 3
PSYC 288 Life Span Development 3
SOC 203 Sociology/Psychology of Aging 3
       
Total Hours   25-26
Elective Hours   6-8

Course Descriptions

SOC 201 - Problems & Issues- 3 Hours

This course explores the major issues confronting contemporary American society. It seeks to achieve understanding of the complex nature of social tensions and to assist the student in clarifying his/her own positions. In the process, students gain critical thinking and analytical skills by examining the arguments presented in scientific circles, political debate and the popular media.

SOC 202 - Race & Ethnicity - 3 Hours

The social dynamics of race and ethnicity, including prejudice, discrimination and public policy issues. The history of racial and ethnic groups in America will be reviewed in order to illustrate mechanisms for reducing prejudice.

SOC 203 - Sociology/Psychology of Aging- 3 Hours

A study of changing individual needs and major events that affect adults in their later years. Learning, attitudes and emotional implications are considered. Attention is also given to the social resources available to help meet these needs. A useful course for students who intend to work with the elderly as either professionals or volunteers.

SOC 251 - Social Psychology- 33 Hours

A general introduction to the sub-discipline of social psychology. Emphasis is on the impact of early and later socialization in the forming and modifying of beliefs, values, attitudes and on the various contexts for interpersonal behavior

SOC 252 - Marriage & Family- 3 Hours

A study of the family as a basic social institution with cultural variations. Emphasis is upon premarital and marital factors that contribute to successful marriage or family disorganization. Christian ideals for wholesome courtship and family living are stressed

HS 280 - Group Facilitation in Human Services Professions- 2 Hours

A study of techniques and practices used by human services practitioners in the group settings. Includes the process of the preparation, selection and facilitation of groups; group dynamics; and the observation and evaluation of group function.

HS 320 - Casework Methods & Writing in the Human Services Profession- 3 Hours

Introduction to the methods used in casework management including (What? goal setting?). Course will also include the importance of utilizing community resources and brokerage of services with other agencies. Proficiency in writing real time case notes, case and supervisory reports, and legal/court reports will be emphasized. Grant writing for service agencies will also be discussed.

HS 278 - Intro to the Human Services Professions- 3 Hours

A study of the human service professions with emphasis on the philosophy, knowledge and skills of the practitioner in various settings. Course materials and field trips link theory and practice

HS 371 - Interviewing & People Helping Skills- 3 Hours

A skills acquisition course where the student achieves a minimal competency level in listening, problem identification, goal setting, and use of problem-solving strategies. Supervised practice includes extensive use of role playing, audio and videotaping and modeling.

HS 375 - Crisis Intervention- 3 Hours

An overview of crisis theory and the development of knowledge and skills to assist persons experiencing crises. Attention is given to topics such as death, divorce, suicide, physical or sexual abuse, and other situational crises.

PSYC 284 - Child Growth & Development- 3 Hours

The physical, social, emotional and cognitive development of the child from conception to adolescence is examined. Special attention is given to techniques of managing behavior and to the role of the educator in the development process.

PSYC 285 - Adolescent Growth & Development - 2 Hours

A study of the development of the adolescent and the young adult. Special attention will be given to physiological changes, intellectual development, the search for identity, relationships with parents, relationships with peers, problems of adolescence, career development and choosing a personal lifestyle.

PSYC 287 School-Age Growth & Development -3 Hours

Prerequisite: PSYC 182
This course covers the physical, social, emotional and cognitive development of school-age children and adolescents, focusing on ages 3 to 18. Developmental issues such as language, identity, achievement, gender, sexuality, career formation, relationships with parents, family and peers, and age-specific problems are studied. Special attention is given to developmental theories and their application to the educational setting and the role of the educator in the developmental process. Some discussion of prenatal and infant development and its impact on school-age children will also be included.

PSYC 288 Life Span Development - 3 Hours

Prerequisite: PSYC 182
A study of the basic principles and theories of human development with special emphasis given to the determinants of the human life span from the beginning of life through infancy, childhood, adolescence and adulthood to death and dying. Emphasis is placed on the transitional life processes as they occur at each stage, and attention is given to physical, intellectual, social and personality development in each stage of the life span.