HMSV 3010: Human Services in Contemporary America
Fall 2009 Course Syllabus                

  

  Course Description  |   Instructor Information  |  Required Materials/Texts  | Course Content  |  Class Meetings  |  Course Calendar 
  Graded Assignments |  Grading Scale  |  Mid-Term Progress Report   |  Objectives/Outcomes  |  Course Policies
 
Course Description

HMSV 3010: Human Services in Contemporary America   (CRN 53552)
An analysis of the social needs addressed by human service agencies and an overview of the historical background, development, purposes, career patterns, ethics, and organization of such agencies.  SOSC 2501 and PSYC 1101 are recommended but not required prerequisites.
Instructor
Dr. Sandra M. (Sandy) Harrison
Office: Arts & Sciences Bldg, 214 A
E-mail: sharrison@clayton.edu
Phone: 678/466-4804
Personal website: http://a-s.clayton.edu/harrison
Office hours: http://a-s.clayton.edu/harrison/schedule.htm
Required Text
     
Burger, W.R. (2008). Human Services in Contemporary America (7th ed.)  Belmont, CA: Thomson.
Required Computer and Computer Skills


Each student taking a HMSV course must have ready access to a computer meeting the minimum requirements for CSU's academic programs and the ability to use it proficiently. (For full details, see http://itpchoice.clayton.edu.)

If you need help with your computer or computer skills, visit Student Software Support Services on the ground floor of the Library. I do not provide technical assistance or software instruction, but the SSSS folks are excellent resources.

Because some of the course content is posted in pdf and audio format, you'll need to have downloaded Adobe Acrobat Reader (www.adobe.com) and the free version of RealPlayer (www.real.com). The SSSS people can help you with this, if necessary.
Content
  • Introduction to the broad field of human services.
  • Theoretical models underlying the delivery of human services.
  • Survey of populations typically receiving human services.
  • Review of the evolution of human services in Europe and the United States, including the development of social policies.
  • Exploration of the varied careers possible in the field of human services.
  • Controversial issues in the field of human services.
Class Calendar/Schedule
 

Wk

Dates

Topics/Assignments

1

Aug 17-22
Course Orientation
Syllabus Quiz
 Ch. 1: Human Services in the United States Today (& quiz)

2

Aug 24-29

Ch. 1 (cont'd)
 Library Research Assignment*

3

Aug 31-Sep 5

Ch. 4: Theoretical Perspectives (& quiz)

4

Sep 7-12

Labor Day/Faculty Work Day (no classes Monday/Tuesday)
 Test 1 (Th Sep 10 )

5

 Sep 14-19 Web Page Lab *  (posting deadline, Fri. Sep 18) 
 Ch. 2: Groups in Need (& quiz)

6

Sep 21-26 Ch. 2 (cont'd)
 United Way 211 Research Assignment*

7

Sep 28-Oct 3

Ch. 5: The Human Svcs Worker (& quiz)

8

Oct 5-10

Test 2 (T Oct 6)
 Ch. 7: Social Policy (& quiz)   
Midterm: Oct. 9 (last day to drop without penalty)

9

Oct 12-17

Ch. 7 (cont'd)
 Legislation & Policy Research assignment *

10

Oct 19-24

Ashoka & Changemakers (The New Heroes)

11 Oct 26-31 Ch. 8: Prevention in Human Svcs  (& quiz)
12 Nov 2-7 Test 3 (T Nov 3)
 Ch. 3: Human Services in Historical Perspective (& quiz)
13 Nov 9-14 Ch. 3 (cont'd)
14 Nov 16-21 Ch. 6: Careers in Human Svcs (& quiz)
 Website Research Assignment*
15 Nov 23-28 Ch. 6 (cont'd)
Thanksgiving Holiday (Nov. 25-29)
16 Nov 30-Dec 5 Ch. 9: Current Controversies & Issues  (& quiz)
17 Dec 7-12 Final Exam  (Test 4)  on Thursday, Dec. 10, at 12:30 pm
 
Graded Assignments
Syllabus Quiz 10 pts possible
Online Chapter Quizzes  (9 @ 10 pts) 90 pts possible
Research Activities (3 @ 20 pts, and 1 @ 10 pts) 70 pts possible
Software Skills: Personal Web Page 30 pts possible
Tests (4 @ 50 pts) 200 pts possible
   
Total possible 400 pts possible

Optional: (must be approved in advance)

 On-campus presentations related to human svcs (2 @ 3 pts each)
Community Service  (3 hrs minimum)
 
 
6 pts possible
20 pts possible
Grade Scale (based on total points earned)


360-400= A
320-359 = B
280-319 = C
240-279 = D
below 240 = F

Midterm Progress Grade.   The course grade posted in the DUCK just before midterm (June ) will be based on the number of points earned by midterm divided by the total points possible at midterm. Midterm grades are for information only and do not impact a student's GPA. They do, however, provide feedback about whether or not a student needs to increase his/her effort or drop the course.
 
Course Policies
General Policy Students must abide by policies in the Clayton State University Student Handbook and the Basic Undergraduate Student Responsibilities guidelines.

University Attendance
Policy
Students are expected to attend and participate in every class meeting. Instructors establish specific policies relating to absences in their courses and communicate these policies to the students through the course syllabi.  Individual instructors, based upon the nature of the course, determine what effect excused and unexcused absences have in determining grades and upon students' ability to remain enrolled in their courses. The University reserves the right to determine that excessive absences, whether justified or not, are sufficient cause for institutional withdrawals or failing grades. 
 
Course Attendance Policy In this course students who are on time to every class and have no unexcused absences will earn 10 pts extra credit toward their grade in the course.  Each tardy deducts 1 pt from the total possible; each absence deducts 2 pts from the total. 
Students who miss six classes before midterm will be dropped from the course.
 
Children Children, even those who are quiet and well behaved, are not allowed in class because they are distractions. Plus it's unfair to other parents who went to the trouble to get childcare. Students bringing children to any test or other assessment will lose 10 pts from their grade on that evaluation.
Deadlines Deadlines are designed to pace you in the course, keeping you from waiting until the last minute to do the readings and research exercises. Completing assignments by their deadlines demonstrates responsibility and self-discipline, important characteristics of a professional in the field of human services.

In particular, self-grading assignments cannot be attempted after the deadline has past, and the points for missed chapter quizzes and research tasks are forfeited. All other class assignments (including tests) have 25% point penalties for those who do not complete them on time.

Do NOT wait until the last minute to do an assignment on your computer. The gremlins who inhabit computer systems note your stress level and delight in making your machine lock up, crash, or unable to access the Internet just before an assignment is due. Having technical problems at the last minute does not excuse you from a deadline when the assignment has been available for several days.

Do an assignment on the FIRST day it is available, and you will be able to comfortably cope with server problems, computer viruses, and other inevitable technical glitches. Planning for the unexpected is an essential skill of human service professionals.
 
Electronic Devices All cell phones, pagers, and other electronic devices should be off during class. If you expect an urgent call, please turn your device to vibrate mode and sit close to the door. Any communication device going off during any assessment, even in silent mode, will result in the bearer losing 5 points on that assessment.
 
Academic Dishonesty Students are expected to take all tests and quizzes without assistance. Cheating on any assignment, quiz, or other evaluation method will result in a zero for the assignment. All instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Office of Student Life, Judicial Affairs.  Judicial procedures are described at http://adminservices.clayton.edu/judicial
 
Make-up Tests One (and only one) make-up test may be taken on the day of final exams, immediately after you have taken the final for this course. Make-ups are not given at any other time.

Beware of missing a test when it is originally scheduled, since the lapse of time between learning the material and taking a make-up is almost certain to have a negative effect on your recall of the material. Make-ups may also include questions not on the original test. Remember that your grade on a make-up test is docked 25%, since you had more time to study for it than did the rest of the class.
 
Disruption of the Learning Environment Research has shown that social skills are more important to life success than is academic intelligence. Because argumentativeness, combativeness, and an attitude of entitlement are increasing problems in American culture, your college experience is a good opportunity to practice and expand your ability to communicate respect and courtesy. The old saying "You'll catch more flies with honey than with vinegar" is still true.

In group activities and interacting with the professor, courtesy and an open mind are valuable assets. Don't toss them aside in an attempt to prove yourself right. You gain respect by being respectful of others.

Behavior which disrupts the teaching-learning process during class activities will not be tolerated. While a variety of behaviors can be disruptive in a classroom setting, more serious examples include belligerent, abusive, profane, and/or threatening behavior.  A student who fails to respond to reasonable faculty direction regarding classroom behavior and/or behavior while participating in classroom activities may be dismissed from class.  A student who is dismissed is entitled to due process and will be afforded such rights as soon as possible following dismissal.  If found in violation, a student may be administratively withdrawn and may receive a grade of WF. 

For more detail about the University's guidelines for acceptable classroom behavior, see http://a-s.clayton.edu/DisruptiveClassroomBehavior.htm
 
Psychology & Human Services Program Goals/Learning Outcomes
1. To understand and apply the major concepts, findings, and theoretical perspectives in human services.
2. To critically evaluate human service practices and apply methodologies used in human services.
3. To communicate effectively and professionally both orally and in writing.
4. To demonstrate an understanding of the roles, responsibilities, and career opportunities for those with psychology and human service-related degrees.
5. To understand and apply the ethical standards set forth by the American Psychological Association.
Course Goals/Outcomes
The effective practice of human services requires that practitioners develop in three dimensions, informally known as "ASK"--attitudes, skills, and knowledge.
Attitudes
  • Students will develop increased empathy for persons likely to be in contact with human service agencies.
  • Students will develop an appreciation for governmental and nonprofit agencies providing human services.
Vocationally Useful Skills
  • Students will practice time management skills necessary for meeting deadlines.
  • Students will investigate the organization of academic libraries and locate resources relevant to the human services.
  • Students will demonstrate online research skills useful to professionals in the field of human services.
  • Students will locate information in various governmental and nonprofit websites relevant to human service delivery.
  • Students will learn the basics of web page development.
  • Students will contact state and federal decision-makers about human service issues, expressing their opinion about legislation before the House or Senate
Knowledge
  • Students will understand the historical and philosophical context of human services, including psychological theories that guide human service delivery.
  • Students will be able to describe the general field of human services, identifying where training in psychology is relevant.
  • Students will describe successful human service strategies.
  • Students will identify international and metro Atlanta organizations and agencies currently providing human services to various populations.
Correlation to Program Outcomes & Educational Standards

The content and methods used in this course comply with the learning outcomes established by the Department of Psychology (http://a-s.clayton.edu/psychology/outcomes.htm) and the Department of Social Sciences.

The content of this course syllabus also correlates to education standards established by national and state education governing agencies, accrediting agencies and learned society/ professional education associations.  Please refer to the course correlation matrices located at the following web site: http://a-s.clayton.edu/teachered/Standards%20and%20Outcomes.htm

Special Accommodations
Individuals with disabilities who need to request accommodations should contact the Disability Services Coordinator, Student Center, Room 255, 678/466-5445, disabilityservices@clayton.edu

Last updated August 1, 2009

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