Human Relations (B.A.)

This undergraduate program is offered by the School of Professional Studies.

• Faculty
• Description
• Major Requirements
• Program Policies
• Course Descriptions

Faculty

Dr. Daryl Thorne, Assistant Professor of Human Relations (program chair)

Description

The Human Relations major offers students the opportunity to develop a scholarly perspective in the two major social science areas of psychology and sociology, as complementary ways of understanding human behavior and the social world. This interdisciplinary approach fosters greater intellectual sophistication by demonstrating how these disciplines, both separately and combined, interpret the world and endeavor to answer a wide range of questions concerning human behavior and group life.

The Human Relations major embodies many of the primary goals of the Trinity curriculum by focusing on issues of gender, diversity, social justice, ethics, public policy, and technology. The Human Relations program is committed to experiential and service learning outside the classroom by promoting internships and practica in students’ areas of interest. The program also offers interdisciplinary connections to other academic programs designed for the wider Trinity community. Students of Human Relations encounter numerous opportunities to develop leadership skills and are prepared to continue in graduate school or careers in areas of education, social work, counseling, public policy, the non-profit sector, psychology, sociology, management, and other fields which require social interaction and analysis.

The Human Relations program supports a major in the School of Professional Studies.

Program Learning Goals

• Knowledge Base in Psychology and Sociology
• Scientific Inquiry and Critical Thinking
• Ethical and Social Responsibility in a Diverse World
• Communication
• Professional Development

Program Learning Outcomes

4. Engage basic qualitative and quantitative research designs.
5. Use the major theoretical models to interpret human behavior in society.
6. Identify contradictory or oversimplified arguments based on knowledge of psychological and sociological theories and research.
7. Analyze ethical standards at the individual, group, and systems levels relevant to social justice and equity for diverse communities.
8. Utilize interdisciplinary approach to develop innovative advocacy initiatives for diverse and oppressed communities.

Major Requirements

Required Courses (39 credits)

ALL of the following courses:

• SOCY 100 Introduction to SociologyIntroduces students to the science of sociology and prepares students for upper-level social science course work. Formerly SOC 100 Introduction to Sociology.
  3 credits
  General Education Curriculum: Knowledge and Inquiry Area
  FLC Area V
  Core Area II: Understanding the Self and Society
• PSYC 101 Introductory PsychologyIntroduces the student to the scientific study of the mind and behavior. All major sub-areas of psychology (social, developmental, clinical, physiological, motivation and emotion, sensation and perception) are explored, as well as the major theoretical perspectives (behavioral, cognitive, psychoanalytic, and humanistic). Formerly PSY 121 Introductory Psychology.
  3 credits
  General Education Curriculum: Knowledge and Inquiry Area
  FLC Area V
  Core: Area II
• SSC 207 Writing for the Social SciencesOffered in a seminar format, the course equips students with the skills necessary to write papers for social science courses. The course covers the process of writing for the social sciences and develops technical skills in researching and writing a variety of paper types. Specific topics include proposal writing, library research skills, internet research skills, critical thinking and writing, organization, outlines, drafts and documentation.
  3 credits
  General Education Requirements: Capstone Seminar
• MATH 110 Introduction to StatisticsThis course presents the basic principles of statistics with applications to the social sciences. Topics include descriptive statistics, graphical representations of data, normal probability distributions and the Central Limit Theorem, linear correlation and regression and probability theory. This course also offers an introduction to the use of statistical software. Formerly MAT 110 Introduction to Statistics.
  3 credits
  Prerequisites: MATH 102, MATH 108, MATH 109 or higher level mathematics course.
  • Pre-requisite:
    MATH 109 Foundations of MathematicsThis quantitative literacy course is intended for social science and humanities majors. The course is designed to teach quantitative reasoning by emphasizing topics, both useful and relevant to a liberal-arts program, that enable students to become quantitatively literate. Topics include financial literacy, unit conversions, an introduction to linear and exponential functions and mathematical modeling, probability and statistics as well as math in politics.Formerly MAT 109 Foundations of Mathematics. This course may not be taken pass/fail by School of Professional Studies students.
    4 credits
    Prerequisites: None
    General Education Area: Foundational Skills
• SSC 350 Interdisciplinary Research MethodsThis course introduces students to research methods used in a variety of social science and interdisciplinary studies. It is designed for undergraduate students in sociology, political science, international affairs, and other disciplines. Topics of emphasis include crafting research questions, hypothesis formation, quantitative and qualitative research techniques, data collection, and initial/basic data analysis. As part of the course, students will complete a number of mini-projects to practice these skills. (Formerly SSC 250)
• HUMR 499 Senior SeminarExplores contemporary sociological and psychological concepts through new research and theory in the disciplines as a capstone course for the major. Students will contribute to class discussion through written work and oral presentations. Formerly HRE 460.
  3 credits
  
  Prerequisites: Research Methods (SOCY 311, PSYC 301, or HUMR 311) must be taken prior to (recommended) or concurrently with this course. CAS ONLY: HUMR 201 is a prerequisite in the College of Arts & Sciences. SPS ONLY: SSC 207 is a prerequisite in the School of Professional Studies. Senior Seminar
  • Pre-requisite:
    SSC 350 Interdisciplinary Research MethodsThis course introduces students to research methods used in a variety of social science and interdisciplinary studies. It is designed for undergraduate students in sociology, political science, international affairs, and other disciplines. Topics of emphasis include crafting research questions, hypothesis formation, quantitative and qualitative research techniques, data collection, and initial/basic data analysis. As part of the course, students will complete a number of mini-projects to practice these skills. (Formerly SSC 250)
    or
    PSYC 301 Experimental Psychology: Research MethodsIntroduces students to research methods in various areas of psychology through active involvement in field and laboratory research, data analysis and interpretation, and written presentation of results. Computer technologies are integrated throughout the course for literature reviews, experimental simulations, and statistical analysis of data. Formerly PSY 388 Experimental Psychology: Research Methods.
    4 credits
    Prerequisites: PSYC 101 and MATH 110; Junior status (56 completed credits); Psychology and Human Relations majors only

ONE of the following psychology courses:

• PSYC 211 Social PsychologyStudies the individual interacting in a social context. Theories of attitude formation and change, social perception, and small group behavior are examined, as well as current theories, research, and methodology. Formerly PSY 255 Social Psychology.
  3 credits
  Prerequisites: PSYC 101 or permission of instructor
• PSYC 221 PsychopathologySurveys different perspectives on personality and behavior disorders. Emphasis is on theories of normal personality development and on the continuum between normality and abnormality, classification of abnormal behavior, and therapeutic methods of bringing about behavior change. Formerly PSY 258, PSY 259, and PSYC 221 - Personality and Psychopathology.
  3 credits
  Prerequisites: PSYC 101 or permission of instructor
• PSYC 231 Child PsychologyReviews theories of development and contemporary research and how they relate to current social issues concerning children. The developmental period from conception through middle childhood is the focus, with topics including cognitive changes, language acquisition, sensorimotor, moral, and socioemotional development. Formerly PSY 257 Child Psychology.
  3 credits
  FLC Area V
  Prerequisites: PSYC 101 or permission of instructor or EDCC 215 Human Growth & DevlopmentReviews introductory theory and research in human growth and development over the life span. Focus is on the interdisciplinary nature of human development and relationships among the biological, cognitive, social, and psychological domains of the individual in her environment. Highlights critical life events and resulting change from the prenatal period through adulthood, stressing interactions between the developing person and a continually evolving world.
  3 credits

ONE of the following sociology courses:

• SOCY 321 Inequality and SocietyExamines classical and contemporary theories of social stratification. Are we all created equal? Can we become equal? Particular emphasis is on the American class structure, its impact on social institutions, and the importance of gender and race as factors contributing to inequality in society. Formerly SOC 378 Inequality and Society.
  3 credits
  Prerequisites: SOCY 100
• SOCY 421 Sociological TheoryInvestigates the origin and development of classical sociological theory and how it is used in contemporary sociology. Formerly SOC 486 Sociological Theory.
  3 credits
  
  Prerequisites: SOCY 100.

Major-Elective Courses (required):

TWO additional sociology courses at the 200-level or higher (students may substitute ONE HUMR course*)

TWO additional psychology courses at the 200-level or higher (one course may be PSYC 490 PracticumProvides students with practical experience in the field of psychology. By arrangement with psychology faculty, practica may concentrate in areas such as developmental, clinical, experimental, and social psychology. Formerly PSY 500 Practicum.
3 credits
Prerequisites: Minimum of junior status (56 completed credits) as psychology or human relations major: Practicum; students may substitute ONE HUMR course*)

ONE additional approved psychology, sociology, or human relations course (may be PSYC 490 PracticumProvides students with practical experience in the field of psychology. By arrangement with psychology faculty, practica may concentrate in areas such as developmental, clinical, experimental, and social psychology. Formerly PSY 500 Practicum.
3 credits
Prerequisites: Minimum of junior status (56 completed credits) as psychology or human relations major: Practicum)

*Human Relations electives include:

• HUMR 211 Introduction to Social WorkIntroduces the profession of social work and the wide range of factors that influence generalist social work practice. Surveys the historical development of pro-social policy and practices of the profession, with particular focus on issues of social justice. Methods, fields of practice, knowledge and skills fundamental to social work are presented throughout. Discussion will also include current issues confronting the profession, volunteer and para-professional experiences, and guest speakers. Formerly HRE 200.
  3 credits
• HUMR 212 Introduction to Counseling for the Helping ProfessionsExplores the role of counseling in the helping professions. Surveys history, philosophy and theories of counseling, including an overview of methods and techniques. Possible topics include introductions to individual, group, community, marriage, family, grief, substance abuse, academic, employee, and vocational counseling. Also considers the implications of current economic and social climates on the practice and efficacy of counseling in the helping professions.
  3 credits
  Prerequisite: PSYC 101 or SOCY 100 (both are recommended)
• HUMR 301 Seminar: Perspectives on GenderApproaches the concept of gender from the standpoints of psychology and sociology. Specifically, the topics of socialization, language and communication, sexuality and the media, and work and the family will be addressed in an interdisciplinary fashion. Emphasis will be placed on synthesis and integration, while applying course material to real-world events.
  3 credits
  FLC Seminar II
  General Education: Capstone
  Prerequisites PSYC 101 and SOCY 100
• HUMR 350 Multicultural Social WorkPresents an overview of multicultural issues in social work, with an emphasis on cultural competence. This course focuses on the increasing need for cultural and ethnic diversity in social work practice with the changing U.S. population. The politics of social work is also examined, with attention to historical oppression and issues of social justice. Utilizes case studies of assessment, planning and intervention with diverse clients.
  
  3 credits
  Prerequisite: HUMR 211
  • Prerequisite HUMR 211 Introduction to Social WorkIntroduces the profession of social work and the wide range of factors that influence generalist social work practice. Surveys the historical development of pro-social policy and practices of the profession, with particular focus on issues of social justice. Methods, fields of practice, knowledge and skills fundamental to social work are presented throughout. Discussion will also include current issues confronting the profession, volunteer and para-professional experiences, and guest speakers. Formerly HRE 200.
    3 credits

Human Relations students with junior or senior status in their major are eligible for:

• PSYC 490 PracticumProvides students with practical experience in the field of psychology. By arrangement with psychology faculty, practica may concentrate in areas such as developmental, clinical, experimental, and social psychology. Formerly PSY 500 Practicum.
  3 credits
  Prerequisites: Minimum of junior status (56 completed credits) as psychology or human relations major
• PSYC 491 Psychology Practicum IIStudents may enroll in a second semester of Practicum, either continuing in their first semester placement (with approval) or undertaking a new placement. This course continues a student's practical experience in the field of psychology, and may focus on clinical, social, developmental, forensic or experimental placements. Formerly PSY 501 Practicum II.
  3 credits
  Prerequisites: PSYC 490 and permission of instructor

Selected interdisciplinary, business, economics, philosophy, political science, and graduate courses in counseling MAY also be substituted for one of the required electives WITH permission of the student’s advisor and/or chair of the program (no more than one of these courses may be counted as part of the total of 12 required courses for the major).

Course Selection and Planning

Students should obtain an Academic Plan which includes suggested sequencing for human relations courses from their advisors or the chair of the program.  The Academic Plan is also available on Self-Service. The suggested sequencing sheet lays out an overall plan for the correct sequencing and timely completion of courses in the major. It also includes information on prerequisites for major courses.

Program Policies

Advanced Placement:
Credits earned from AP examinations do not count toward the major.

CLEP Policy:
Students applying for credit from CLEP examination results should consult with the program faculty.

Grades in Major Courses:
Students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 in courses counted to fulfill requirements for the major. Only courses in which the student has earned a C- or above can be accepted as fulfilling major requirements.

Pass/No Pass:
Courses fulfilling major requirements may not be taken pass/no pass.

TELL Policy:
Students applying for credit in experiential learning should consult with the program faculty. [/catalog-courses]

Transfer Credits:
Credits in courses equivalent to those required for the major from a similar institution may be accepted towards the major. Students majoring in human relations must take a minimum of two psychology and two sociology courses at Trinity in addition to HUMR 499.

Course Descriptions