HSER 254 Core Concepts in Human Services

School of Health and Human Services

HSER 254 Core Concepts in Human Services introduces students to the concepts of theory and practice in Human Services and the interrelationship between the two. A number of theoretical perspectives on change are explored from both a Child and Youth Care and Social Service Worker orientation, including multicultural, feminist, developmental and post modern perspectives. Each of the theoretical perspectives studied offer a basis for understanding the helping relationship and personal change processes. An emphasis will be placed on psychodynamic, humanist, cognitive/behavioural, systemic and solution-focused/narrative approaches to practice.

Prerequisites: Successful completion of an ECCE, SSW, or EACSW certificate

Accessibility Services Notice

Students who would like an academic accommodation and who have a documented disability should contact Accessibility Services, if they have not already done so.

Transfer Agreements

Course to Course transfer – NoBlock Transfer – Yesbctransferguide.ca
Course Details
Total number of weeks15
Total Credits
Total Hours45
Typical hours per week breakdown
Lecture3

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the learner will be able to:

  1. Reflect on self and to understand the role of self in the helping relationship
  2. Understand the process of change on a personal level and from a number of Human Services theoretical perspectives
  3. Define theory and how it influences and is used in Human Services practice
  4. Demonstrate a commitment to the place of knowledge and skill in Human Services practice
  5. Demonstrate understanding of the role of developmental, trauma-informed, multicultural and intersectional feminist perspectives play in the Human Services field
  6. Describe the basic concepts and principles of several major theoretical orientations and be able to analyse these concepts and principles in relation to the Human Service field
  7. Integrate these concepts and principles through application to hypothetical practice (case study) situations
  8. Develop a basic personal theoretical orientation to change and provide reasons for understanding the theoretical influences on your practice

Teaching and Learning Approach

This class requires active participation: students need to have reviewed the week's content prior to the weekly class. Lectures, videos and teaching of skills are combined with interactive exercises, group discussion and application of theory to practice through case examples. We strive to create a classroom community that cultivates curiosity, compassion and critical thinking.

Learning Resources

NO textbook required, learning resources will be available on the course Moodle Site

Detailed Course Content, Topics, and Sequence Covered

1. 1. No Class - Get Connected Event On Campus

2. 2. Introduction to Course Critical Thinking Why Theories

3. 3. Transtheoretical Model of Change

4. 4. Trauma Theory

5. 5. Person-Centred Theory

6. 6. Ecological Theory

7. 7. Motivational Interviewing

8. 8. Solution Focused Theory

9. 9. Attachment Theory

10. 10. Feminist Theory & Intersectionality

11. 11. No Class - Study Break

12. 12. Peer Review of Theoretical Paper

13. 13. Self-Care Theory

14. 14. Poster Presentations

Assessment

TitleLearning OutcomesValue
Case Study & Self-Evaluation1 - 845%
Theoretical Reflection paper1,2,3,4,5,835%
Infographic Poster Presentation5,6,820%
Total100%

Grading Table

Standard Academic and Career Programs Grading Table

Percentage Letter Grade GPA
90-100 A+ 4.33
85-89 A 4.00
80-84 A- 3.67
76-79 B+ 3.33
72-75 B 3.00
68-71 B- 2.67
64-67 C+ 2.33
60-63 C 2.00
55-59 C- 1.67
50-54 P 1.00
0-49 F 0.00
DNW 0.00

See the Academic Calendar for General Information including how to withdraw from course(s) and other regulations.

Disclaimer

Information contained in this course outline is correct at the time of publication. Content of the course is revised on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance to changing educational, employment and market needs. The instructor will endeavor to provide notice of changes to students as soon as possible. The instructor reserves the right to add or delete material from courses.