Human Relations (B.A.)

Program Chair and Faculty

Dr. Kristina Clark, Assistant Professor and Chair of Psychology and Human Relations

Faculty in diverse disciplines such as Psychology, Social Work, and Sociology also support the Human Relations major in the School of Professional and Graduate Studies

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

• Apply the major theoretical models to interpret human behavior in society.
• Understand basic qualitative and quantitative research designs.
• Analyze ethical standards at the individual, group, and systems levels relevant to social justice and equity for diverse communities.
• Identify contradictory or oversimplified arguments based on knowledge of psychological and sociological theories and research.
• Utilize interdisciplinary approaches 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 StatisticsPresents 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. 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 MathematicsTeaches quantitative reasoning through relevant topics that promote quantitative literacy for the liberal arts, social sciences, and humanities. Topics include financial literacy, unit conversions, an introduction to linear and exponential functions and mathematical modeling, probability and statistics, and the use of math in political discourse. Formerly MAT 109 Foundations of Mathematics.
    4 credits
    Prerequisites: None
    General Education and Core: 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 Methods IIntroduces 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 regarding current social issues concerning children. Focuses on the developmental period from conception through middle childhood; topics include cognitive changes, language acquisition, sensorimotor, moral, and socioemotional development. Formerly PSY 257 Child Psychology.
  3 credits
  Prerequisites: PSYC 101 or permission of instructor or EDCC 215 Human Growth & DevelopmentReviews 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: Psychology and Human Relations majors only; second semester junior status (at least 75 total credits earned) or higher: 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: Psychology and Human Relations majors only; second semester junior status (at least 75 total credits earned) or higher: Practicum)

*Human Relations electives include:

HUMR 201 Introduction to Human RelationsThis course is designed to provide students with a conceptual framework within which to examine some of the major human relations problems faced by society and to introduce students to the breadth and depth of the field of human relations. Emphasis is on the processes of communication, problem solving, decision making, conflict and change as they occur in individuals, interpersonal, group and intergroup relations. The course emphasizes key ideas of theorists who have contributed to the interdisciplinary field of human relations. Formerly HUMR 201 - Special Topics in Human Relations.
3 credits
Prerequisites: PSYC 101 and SOCY 100
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 214 Family Violence and Child AbuseThis course focuses on violence in the context of interpersonal relationships across the lifespan. The history of domestic and family violence, current psychological and sociological theories and the causes of violence in the family are examined. Interventions and preventative models to reduce family and domestic conflict and family violence involving children, youth and the elderly are emphasized. This course also explores cross-cultural practices and incidents of violence against families, children, individuals and vulnerable adults.

Prerequisites: PSYC 101 or SOCY 100.
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 323 Race & Racism in SocietyThis course examines the ideology and creation of race, and racism. Psychological and sociological effects of racism at the individual, institutional, and structural (systemic) levels are deconstructed. Students use Critical Race Theory (CRT) as a lens to analyze interdisciplinary concepts related to the construct of race. Special consideration will be given to investigating the psychosocial impact of race and racism in the U.S. and abroad.
This course is cross listed with SOCY 323.
3 credits
Prerequisites: None
HUMR 341 Women, Men, & Complex OrganizationsThis interdisciplinary course examines the intersections of gender, constructions of power, and the dynamics of race as relevant to the structure of institutions and organizations. Students will survey and analyze various organizational theories to counter dominant forms of discourse. Attention will be given to the influence of organizational cultural norms, and the psychosocial impact on identity and behavior. Cross-listed with SOCY 341.
3 credits
Prerequisites: PSYC 101 and SOCY 100
HUMR 343 Conflict ResolutionThis course will explore the nature and origins of human conflict in modern life. It will emphasize an understanding of conflict and resolution methods useful in professional counseling and other settings such as organizational development and interpersonal facilitation.
3 credits
Prerequisites: PSYC 101 and SOCY 100
HUMR 360 Indigenous Peoples & Social JusticeThis interdisciplinary course engages issues that affect Indigenous communities across the world. The course is designed to expose students to specific historic and contemporary human rights issues and policies that created and/or continue (in) equitable conditions for Indigenous People, in the U.S. and abroad. Myths, counter-narratives, and Indigenous resistance movements will be explored. Using theories grounded in the fields of psychology and sociology, students will wrestle with and explicate ways to address some of these lingering challenges with the goal of supporting humanity using a social justice lens. Discourse and activities connect the ways in which these communities, and individuals, mobilize for social justice. Students will be exposed to various Indigenous Peoples experiences of imperialistic-colonization through multi-dimensional methods. Some examples of Indigenous groups that may be covered: The Maori of New Zealand, the Aboriginal People of Australia, the First Nations of Canada, the "American Indian" and "Alaska Native" People of North America and other Indigenous People/groups from Central and South America. Examples of human rights issues open for but not limited to exploration are: cultural appropriation, land appropriation, treaty violations, identity, violence against women, racism and sovereignty rights. This survey course is open to all majors.
(Pre/co-requisites: PSYC 101, SOCY 100; preferred but not required: HUMR/SOCY 323 or PHIL 226)
SOWK 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:

• HUMR 491 InternshipProvides field experience in a variety of human relations settings - social services, research agencies, public entities, non-profits ? allowing integration and application of social science theory to practice.
  3 credits
  Prerequisites: Students should obtain an internship placement prior to starting the course. The internship hours must be completed during the term of enrollment. OR SOCY 491 InternshipProvides field experience in a variety of human relations settings - social services, research agencies, public entities, non-profits ? allowing integration and application of social science theory to practice.
  3 credits
  Prerequisites: None
• 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: Psychology and Human Relations majors only; second semester junior status (at least 75 total credits earned) or higher OR 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 (through the School of Professional and Graduate Studies only)

Selected interdisciplinary, business, economics, philosophy, political science, and/or 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 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 may count toward the major (e.g., Introductory Psychology).

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