MWCC College Catalog 2008-2009 — Human Services

HST101 INTRODUCTION TO HUMAN SERVICES

3 credits
Students are introduced to the organization and function of human service agencies as well as the ways in which the human services worker can deal effectively with the resources of the community. This course also acquaints the student with occupational information in the area of human services. Prerequisites: ENG100, RDG100, or placement. Fall and spring.

HST140 COUNSELING METHODS AND INTERVIEWING TECHNIQUES

3 credits
This course acquaints the student with current views of counseling principles and methods. Interviewing techniques are introduced and developed through a workshop approach. Prerequisite: PSY105; may be taken concurrently. Fall and spring.

HST142 COUNSELING METHODS AND INTERVIEWING TECHNIQUES II

3 credits
This course continues and expands the skills and methods first developed in HST140 Counseling Methods and Interviewing Techniques. Course content includes therapeutic structures and issues that face the beginning counselor, models of therapy, and practical aspects of the work. The classroom will use a workshop approach to develop and fine-tune skills needed for counseling and interviewing. Prerequisite: HST140.

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HST145 INTRODUCTION TO GERONTOLOGY

3 credits
Students are introduced to the field of gerontology—the multidisciplinary study of the biological, psychological and social aspects of aging. This course explores the human aging process from these perspectives. A primary focus of this course is to replace myths with facts about aging and gain an understanding about what happens to older adults’ bodies, minds, status in society, and social lives as they age. Attention is also given to programs and services for the elderly. Prerequisites: ENG100, RDG100 or placement.

HST147 TOPICS IN MENTAL HEALTH/MENTAL RETARDATION

3 credits
This course prepares students in the practical aspects of his/her work in the field. Topics and issues addressed include the philosophy and history of the field of mental health/mental retardation, deinstitutionalization, utilization of community systems and resources, legal and ethical aspects for the mental health/mental retardation worker, and assessment and evaluation. Prerequisites: ENG100, RDG100 or placement.

HST148 TOPICS FOR HUMAN SERVICE PROVIDERS

3 credits
This course is designed to develop the core competencies needed by direct support staff in a variety of settings. The course instructor integrates the course materials and provides materials and exercises that will help students to assess concepts from lectures and to relate these concepts to their other coursework and to their own experiences. Topics focus on how to balance the health and safety of individuals receiving services and support, while at the same time recognizing their needs and rights for choice and self-determination and psychological development. Prerequisite: HST101. Fall.

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HST150 CULTURAL AWARENESS

3 credits
This course focuses on understanding cultural differences. Students will examine their own culture and others. Issues regarding how culture affects people and the world they live in will be discussed. Prerequisites: ENG100, RDG100, or placement. Fall.

HST245 INTRODUCTION TO LEARNING DISABILITIES

3 credits
This course deals with the identification and remediation of learning disabilities. Students are introduced to learning theory, educational and psychological testing, and teaching methods. Evaluation of the child in the school system, the role of parent counseling, and administration of a school learning disabilities program are major topics. Prerequisite: ENG100, RDG100 or placement.

HST250 HUMAN SERVICES INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE

4 credits
Students in this internship work directly with clients under the supervision of a professional worker in a human services setting. Students are expected to gain an understanding of the dynamics and appropriate treatment for clients and their families. Placements have included, but are not limited to, settings involving mental health, mental retardation, and community service projects. Students must complete 150 hours in addition to one class meeting per week. A consideration for placement will be the appropriate qualifications in relationship to a specific agency (the college requires a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) for all interns). Prerequisites: QPA 2.75, HST101, HST140, and permission of department chairperson. Spring.

HST260 HUMAN SERVICES SEMINAR (CAPSTONE)

3 credits
In this capstone course students synthesize and apply concepts and skills learned in the Human Services (HS) Program. This course requires students to show mastery of the material covered in the HS Program through several required avenues including the following: seminar meetings and discussions, portfolio work, and a research paper. This course is designed to help students apply the knowledge and skills learned in the program and to explore self-perceptions related to their career choice in the human services field. Students must complete this course with a minimum grade of C to graduate. Prerequisites: 45 credits earned toward the Human Services Degree including ENG102, HST101, 140, PSY105, 110, 240, SOC103.Spring.


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