Course Descriptions

HMSV 100 Introduction to Social Work and Human Services (3 units)

An introductory overview of social welfare and the societal institutions in the U.S. that structure the provision of social services. The course presents a historical perspective on the development of U.S. social work and human services. Special attention is given to current service delivery systems, their policy and procedures, and the tasks of culturally responsive social workers and human service workers within those settings.

HMSV 300 Field Experience in Social Work and Human Services (3 units)

This course offers supervised practicum in a community organization, agency or institution, allowing the student to apply knowledge and learn new skills outside of the classroom environment. This course is designed to provide the student with the opportunity to develop skills that would facilitate gaining employment in the social work/human services field.

HMSV 672 Cooperative Education: Internship (1- 3 units)

Supervised internship in cooperation with private or public sector employers. Designed to apply knowledge and learn new skills, directly related to the student’s program of study, outside of the normal classroom environment. Students must attend one orientation which is offered the first three weeks of each semester. Each unit requires 60 hours per unit for unpaid work or 75 hours per unit for paid work during the semester. May be repeated for credit up to 16 units. The unit limitation applies to any Cooperative Education Work Experience (any combination of 670, 671 and/or 672 courses) offered within the SMCCCD.

HMSV 695 Independent Study (0.5- 3 units)

Designed for students who are interested in furthering their knowledge via self-paced, individualized instruction provided in selected areas or directed study to be arranged with instructor and approved by the division dean using the Independent Study Form. Varying modes of instruction can be used -- laboratory, research, skill development, etc. For each unit earned, students are required to devote three hours per week throughout the semester. Students may take only one Independent Study course within a given discipline.