SOCI 1110 (CRN# 80344)
Introduction to Human Services
Instructor:
Phone: 706-368-7618 E-mail: sclaxton@highlands.edu
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Prerequisite: READ 0099/Satisfactory placement scores
This course is a survey of the human service system, its history, methods, and the services that are currently available. Careers in human services and the values and ethics of human services will also be emphasized.
Considerable attention is given to the nature of human service work and the various types of workers in the field. The development of social services at the state and federal levels is linked with current services in the local community.
OBJECTIVES
1. A basic understanding of the history and development of the Human Service System
2. A basic understanding of the major perspectives of human behavior and needs and the delivery of human services
3. A familiarity with the functions of Human Service Agencies, the specific services they render, and the population they serve.
4. An understanding of the training roles and functions of human service generalist and specialist.
5. An awareness of current controversies in the delivery of human services and the concept of social policy.
TEXT
Woodside, M.
& McClam, T. (2002). An introduction to human services.
Woodside, M. & McClam, T. (2005). Introduction to human services: Cases and applications.
ASSIGNMENTS
Each chapter assigned will have a case study assignment.
Academic honesty is expected at all times in this
class. Please refer to the Student Handbook for details concerning
CLASS MEETINGS
Class will meet once week. Daily assignments will be given each class and will count as your daily grade there will be no make-ups for daily grades.
SERVICE LEARNING/LITERATURE REVIEW
The purpose of service learning is to: use critical reflection to deepen comprehension of course content; integrate theory with practice; heighten understanding of human differences; and give students the opportunity to explore various subject areas in order to provide a general knowledge base in the field of human services.
See guidelines for service learning and literature review.
EXAMS
There will be four exams given throughout the semester. Exams will be based on information from class sessions, textbook, and outside reading. Exams should be taken on the day they are scheduled. Make-up exams will not be allowed as you can drop your lowest test grade.
Academic honesty is expected at all times in this
class. Please refer to the Student Handbook for details concerning
PROJECT
I will provide instructions for project the second week of class.
GRADING SYSTEM
Exam Average……………………………40%
Assignments.……………………………..20%
Service Learning/Literature Review……..25%
Project……………………………………15%
Total………………100%
Students receiving a grade of 90-100 A
80-89 B
70-79 C
60-69 D
Below 60 F
Disability Statement
Any student who feels they may need an accommodation based
on the impact of a disability should make an appointment with the
Academic
Conduct
Policies on student conduct and academic integrity are in the College’s “Student Rights & Responsibilities” document.
http://www.highlands.edu/subwebs/academicaffairs/academicintegritypolicy.htm
Financial Aid
This message applies only to
students receiving financial aid:
Federal regulations state that if a student did not attend classes and received
failing grades, then the grades were not earned and financial aid needs to be
reduced accordingly. Please be advised that any student receiving a
0.00 GPA will be required to prove that the 0.00 GPA was earned by attending
classes or completing requirements for each class. Students who
have earned at least one passing grade for the semester will not be affected by
this regulation. If a student has properly withdrawn from all
classes, the student’s financial aid should be adjusted from the time they
signed the withdrawal form.
Service Learning Guidelines
Students must complete 20 hours of service learning. Specific sites must be approved by the instructor. Students may check in the Service Learning Office located on campus or instructor for suggestions and upcoming activities.
Students must keep a reflective journal of their service learning experience.
Basic Requirements for journal
1. At least one-half page for every daily service experience.
2. Typed, double-spaced in Times New Roman or Courier 12
3. Keep up with your time sheet
Tips for writing a reflective journal:
1. Include a brief description of your activities/job
2. What stood out, the best or worse thing that happened. What did you learn from it?
3. List any new insights or how you have been impacted personally, academically, or occupationally.
4. What would you do differently or change about your experience? Were you satisfied with your experiences? Why or why not?
5. Relate your service experience to sociology.
Final Essay
1. Write at least a two page summary which includes some of the following:
a. What were the benefits of your service learning experience
b. What did you learn overall about yourself? About the community? About your service site?
c. What would you change to improve your service learning experience?
d. How did your experience relate to the class readings, discussions, and activities?
e. Would you recommend this service learning experience to other students? Why? Why not?
f. Have your perceptions changed from your first impression of the service learning experience?
g. What stands out about your experience, either good or bad? What did you learn from that particular situation?
h. Why did you choose the service learning option? Would you choose the service learning option again? Why? Why not?
Literature Review Guidelines
1. Choose a topic and seek approval from instructor
2. Review the literature
3. Create a Resource List (APA style/format)
4. Write literature review
5. Give a 8-10 minute presentation in class
General instructions:
Papers must me typed double spaced, 12 font, Times New Roman with 1 ¼ margins. Paper must be written using APA 5th Edition for citations and reference list
Grading Scale
Topic 5 points
Thesis 5 points
Resource List 10 points
Content (quality of ideas, interesting, presentation of ideas, etc.) 40 points
Conclusion 10 points
Presentation 15 points
Writing style (i.e. grammar,
spelling, format, etc.) 15 points
100 points