Course Descriptions
HSER 300
Introduction to Human Services
3 Units
Prerequisite: None.
Advisory: ENGWR 101; equivalent skills or higher.
Course Transferable to CSU
Hours: 54 hours LEC
A comprehensive overview of the field of Human Services in private and public agencies. Includes learning of agency functions and worker activities through reading, class discussion, and class speakers. Emphasis is on the roles and skills of associate professionals such as health workers, activity directors for the elderly, and adolescent and child welfare assistants.
HSER 302
Introduction to Psychology of Human Relations
3 Units
Prerequisite: None.
General Education: AA/AS Area III (b); CSU Area E1
Course Transferable to CSU
Hours: 54 hours LEC
Introduction to attitudes, values, and methods that enhance communication skills in human relations. Required course for the Human Services major. Open to all students.
HSER 304
Introduction to Counseling Children
3 Units
Prerequisite: None
Course Transferable to CSU
Hours: 54 hours LEC
A study of the tools children use daily to cope with feelings, adjust to changes, overcome disappointment and trauma, make sense out of the world around them and grow in their various relationships. Children's play medium will be experienced, with special emphasis on the importance of imagination and the use of fantasy. Assignments will require association with children.
HSER 340
Introduction to Chemical Dependency
3 Units
Prerequisite: None
Course Transferable to CSU
Hours: 54 hours LEC
A survey course that examines the psychological and physiological effects of chemical dependency on the individual. Also included is an analysis of the effects of substance abuse on the family; the sociological and economic conditions contributing to substance abuse, and a description of communication efforts at prevention and treatment.
HSER 341
Physiology and Pharmacology: Alcohol & Other Drugs
3 Units
Prerequisite: HSER 340 with a grade of "C" or better
Course Transferable to CSU
Hours: 54 hours LEC
This course is a study of the chemical composition of alcohol, and the mechanism of action of alcohol and other psychoactive drugs in the human body including opiates, stimulants, depressants, psychotherapeutics, and psychedelics. The physiological and psychological mechanisms associated with tolerance, habituation, and withdrawal that occur during the addiction phase of drug use will be studied.
HSER 342
Alcoholism: Intervention, Treatment & Recovery
3 Units
Prerequisite: HSER 341 with a grade of "C" or better
Course Transferable to CSU
Hours: 54 hours LEC
This course is a study and evaluation of techniques used in the treatment of chemical dependency. Topics include intervention, individual and group counseling, detoxification, twelve-step programs, therapeutic communities, and aftercare programs.
HSER 350
Employment Skills in Human Services
3 Units
Prerequisite: None
Course Transferable to CSU
Hours: 54 hours LEC
Information in interviewing and counseling with parents, family system dynamics, family and drug intervention, crisis training, court mandated reporting, legislative mandates required of counselors, and laws pertaining to counseling minors and other client populations within Human Services Agencies.
HSER 360
Techniques of Interviewing and Counseling
3 Units
Prerequisite: HSER 302 with a grade of "C" or better
Advisory: HSER 350; HSER 300 and concurrent enrollment in HSER 362.
Course Transferable to CSU
Hours: 54 hours LEC
Exploration of the effectiveness of these techniques as applied to para-professional experiences as counselor and group counselor aides, mental health workers, social service technicians and other new careers on all academic levels in people-to-people services. This course is an integral part of the Human Services curriculum.
HSER 362
Practices in Human Services
3 Units
Prerequisite: None
Corequisite: HSER 360. Grade of "C" or better required to meet corequisite.
Course Transferable to CSU
Hours: 18 hours LEC; 108 hours LAB
This course provides advanced study and supervised field experience in public and/or private agencies providing mental health, corrections, chemical dependency, and child/adolescent treatment services. Students apply concepts, values and skills acquired in other core courses to the process of helping others. Student evaluation is competency-based. This course may be taken four times for credit.
HSER 364
Techniques of Group Counseling
4 Units
Prerequisite: HSER 300, 350, 360, and 362 with grades of "C" or better
Course Transferable to CSU
Hours: 54 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
This course provides an overview of basic group counseling techniques and practices including ethical issues in the field of group work. Topics explored will include enhanced communication skills within group dynamics, theories of group counseling, best practices guidelines and diversity issues. Laboratory exercises will include group work with outside groups and evaluation methods.
HSER 494
Topics in Human Services
.5-4 Units
Prerequisite: None
Course Transferable to CSU
Hours: 54 hours LEC
Exploration of those topics and issues which are most relevant for future and present workers in human services. Emphasis will be on those issues which are not consistently covered by other required human services courses. These issues may include: chemical dependency, interventions in poverty, stress management, child neglect and abuse, patient rights, and organization for advocacy.
HSER 495
Independent Studies in Human Services
1-3 Units
Prerequisite: None
Course Transferable to CSU
Hours: 18 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
HSER 498
Work Experience in Human Services
1-4 Units
Prerequisite: None.
Course Transferable to CSU
Hours: 300 hours LAB
This course provides students with opportunities to develop marketable skills in preparation for employment or advancement within their current job. Course content will include understanding the application of education to the workforce; completion of required forms, which document the student's progress and hours spent at the work site; and developing workplace skills and competencies. During the course of the semester, the student is required to fulfill an 18 hour orientation and 75 hours of related paid work experience, or 60 hours of unpaid work experience for one unit. An additional 75 or 60 hours of related work experience is required for each additional unit. The course may be taken again when there is new or expanded learning on the job for a maximum of 16 units.
HSER 499
Experimental Offering in Human Services
.5-4 Units
Prerequisite: None
Course Transferable to CSU
Hours: 18 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB