Course Descriptions

Degrees and Programs Index


Human Services

HMSV 201 (3 Credits) As Demand Warrants
Introduction to Human Services (3+0)

Examines purposes and functions of the various social and human service programs which constitute society's organized response to social problems. Federal, state and local programs and agencies are described, including those directed at child welfare, alcohol and drug abuse, mental health, juvenile delinquency, and discrimination. (Prerequisite: SOC 101 or PSY 101).


HMSV 205 (3 Credits) Fall
Factors in Health and Disease (3+0)

Introduction to the phenomenon of human disease. Cases presented demonstrate ways the normal healthy state may be disrupted by external or internal influences. Natural histories of major types of disease are reviewed.


HMSV 210 (3 Credits) Alternate Fall
Crisis Intervention (3+0)

Theoretical foundations and appropriate techniques and strategies for helping individuals, families, and groups during stressful situations. Application of the crisis approach to stress-induced situations, such as natural disasters, developmental life crises, rapid social change, and situational crises such as illness and personal loss. (Prerequisites: SOC 101, PSY 101 or permission of instructor. Next offered: 2001 - 02.)


HMSV 215 (3 Credits) As Demand Warrants
Death and Dying (3+0) s

An interdisciplinary study of thanatology with material from multicultural, humanistic and life span perspectives. Topics include attitudes in societies, individual responses to bereavement, children's understanding of death and ethical issues associated with choices at the end of life. (Prerequisite: Instructor permission.)


HMSV 225 (2 Credits) As Demand Warrants
Case Management (2+0)
(Cross-listed with SWK 225)

Basic knowledge and skills to develop service plans in human service work and to maintain appropriate case records. Legal and ethical issues in case management considered and discussed.


HMSV 230 (3 Credits) As Demand Warrants
Alcoholism: Causes and Consequences (3+0)

Examination of theories concerning the causes of alcoholism. Physical and psychological factors, personality disorders or disease states. Data supporting these theories evaluated. (Prerequisite: SOC 101 or PSY 101 or permission of instructor.)


HMSV 255 (3 Credits) Fall
Foundations of Counseling I (3+0)
(Cross-listed with PSY 255)

Survey of counseling philosophy approaches and types of counseling systems in use. Topics include approach and system match; psychoanalysis, behavior therapy, and humanistic approaches; counseling ethics and ethical problems. (Prerequisites: PSY 101, 240 or permission of instructor.)


HMSV 284 (Variable Credits) As Demand Warrants
Human Services Seminar

Identification and discussion of issues relevant to the human services field. Specific topics announced. (Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.)


HMSV 330 (3 Credits) As Demand Warrants
Alcoholism: Treatment and Prevention (3+0)

Survey and evaluation of alcoholism and alcohol abuse treatment and prevention programs with emphasis on prevention strategies. (Prerequisites: HMSV 230.)


HMSV 340 (1 Credit) Spring
Peer Advisor Training (1+0)

Emphasis on developing skills needed to assist exploratory/undecided students with their academic planning and decision making. Topics include resource referral, communication/active listening, academic and career planning, time and stress management, group dynamics, and values clarification. (Prerequisites: Sophomore standing and application.)


HMSV 342 (1 - 3 Credit) Fall, Spring
Peer Advising Practicum (0+3 or more)

Supervised peer advising experience (both individually and paired with faculty member) in the Academic Advising Center or appropriate department, allowing for application of theory and skills gained in HMSV 340. (Prerequisite: HMSV 340.)


HMSV 356 (3 Credits) Spring
Foundations of Counseling II (3+0)

Continuation of HMSV 255. Specific counseling strategies studied in-depth include crisis intervention, individual techniques such as the rational therapies, and specific behavioral approaches. Other topics include role of the counselor in community education and consultation, methods of promoting community change and issues in cross-cultural counseling. (Prerequisite: HMSV 255 or PSY 255.)


HMSV 410 (3 Credits) As Demand Warrants
Management of Human Services Programs (3+0)

Basic methods of program management and personnel supervision, with emphasis on applications in rural or isolated locations. Supervised in-service activities. (Prerequisite: HMSV 255.)


HMSV 415 (3 Credits) As Demand Warrants
Group Processes (3+0)

Study of various groups including problem solving/task-oriented, encounter, therapy, career guidance, and assertive training. Different theoretical orientations to group counseling discussed. (Prerequisites: HMSV 255, 356.)


HMSV 445 (3 Credits) Fall
Community Psychology (3+0)
(Cross-listed with PSY 445)

Foundations of community psychology including community assessment consultations. Community assessment activities explored include selecting study areas, surveys, evaluation of services, and use of results. During the community consultation portion, education, prevention, and service issues are covered. Attention given to rural and small community assessment and change especially as it applies to Alaska. (Prerequisites: PSY 101, SOC 101 and HMSV 201.


HMSV 488 (3 - 6 Credits) As Demand Warrants
Practicum in Human Services

Supervised work experience in case management including interviewing, assessment, facilitating, and intervening. Enrollment can be prior to or concurrent with placement in a human service agency. Student's study and work directed by a university instructor and an agency supervisor. (Prerequisites: HMSV 255. Student must be a major in the program.)