Common Course Outline

Course discipline/number/title HS 1522: Introduction to Human Services

Catalog Description

Credits 3
Hours/Week 3
Prerequisites (Course discipline/number) None
Other requirements None
MnTC Goals (if any) NA

Course Description

In this course, students explore the duties of human services professionals and the ethical values underpinning their work. They are introduced to various human services agencies and delve into the historical evolution of social welfare systems. Present employment trends and the varied backgrounds of client populations are discussed. A central component of the course is a community-based service learning project.

Date Last Revised (Month, year)

November, 2023

Outline of Major Content Areas

  1. Roles and responsibilities of human service professionals
  2. Historical and current trends of the human services profession
  3. Knowledge and ethical values of the helping professionals
  4. Diversity within human service client populations
  5. Models of service delivery
  6. Recipients of social welfare delivery systems

Learning Outcomes (General)

The student will be able to:

  1. Describe the roles and responsibilities of the human services worker.
  2. List the essential knowledge sets and values within the social welfare system.
  3. Explain the ethical considerations of helping professional relationships.
  4. Identify major fields of practice in the profession.
  5. Recognize the diversity of the service delivery recipients.
  6. Explain the historical evolution of human services and current employment trends.
  7. Identify socio-economic and related issues impacting populations at risk
  8. Define personal and professional values within the human services profession.
  9. Demonstrate professional communication with agency members and populations served.
  10. Identify the variety of social services delivery options available to individuals.
  11. Engage in service learning activities within the community.

Learning Outcomes (MnTC)

NA

Methods for Evaluation of Student Learning

Methods may include but are not limited to:

RCTC Core Outcome(s)

This course contributes to meeting the following RCTC Core Outcome(s):

Personal and Professional Accountability
Students will take responsibility as active learners for achieving their educational and personal goals.

Special Information (if any)

None