HSER 300 - Introduction to Human Services

    Recent Professors
    Bailey B. Lechner-Luke, Geraldine Machado, Lisa A. Bertaccini
    Recent Semesters
    Summer 2026, Spring 2026, Fall 2025, Summer 2025, Spring 2025
    Class Size
    Not published
    Credits
    3
    Prerequisite
    None.
    Summer 2026 Sections
    View Summer 2026 sections of HSER 300
    Transfers To
    CSU
    Description
    This course is a comprehensive overview of the fields of social work, human services, and mental health in public and private agencies. Students examine the historical policies, legislative acts, key individuals and social circumstances that shaped human services, social work and mental health within the United States. The emphasis of this course is placed on knowledge, skills and abilities in the understanding of roles as health workers, developing competence in culturally-responsive practices, enhancing and developing communication skills in the helping field, and examining attitudes and values that enhance effective intervention in problem situations. It also emphasizes the roles and skills of associate professionals, such as but not limited to drug and alcohol counselors, mental health workers, activity directors with the elderly, and adolescent and child welfare assistants. It is required that students volunteer at an off-campus site location for 8 hours. Additionally, students will also explore the various career and academic pathways in the field.
    Usually Held
    Thu 9:00am–10:20am, Fri 9:00am–10:20am, Thu 12:00pm–1:20pm, Tue