Riverland Community College

This course examines the history of human services and social work and the current roles and workplace settings of social workers and human service workers. Many current policies and laws drive the function and focus of the social worker and human service worker. To understand more fully the functions of these policies and laws, this course examines a few of the important policies and laws that affect workers in this field. Ethics will be closely reviewed during the course as well as the basic skills and interventions that are required of human service workers. (3 Cr – 3 lect, 0 lab)

This course provides students with the first opportunity to experience human service work under the supervision of experienced workers. Students perform 30 hours of field experience and spend an additional 15 hours in the classroom preparing for and processing these experiences. Students will also have the opportunity to learn from guest speakers from the field. Students learn more about social work/human services and are better prepared for future career decisions in the human service and social work field. (1 Cr – 0 lect, 1 lab)

This course focuses on enhancing communications skills by learning beginning counseling skills such as active listening, restating, paraphrasing, termination, and using empathy to understand unstated feelings. Students explore responsibilities of the client and helper relationship and assess the helper’s role in effective communication. Students examine how these skills affect rapport and therapeutic interventions. Guided encounters, discussions, presentations, and assigned projects help the students develop their skills. (2 Cr – 2 lect, 0 lab)

This course focuses on clarifying the role of the practitioner when intervening in helping relationships. Commonly used intervention and treatment approaches are explored including: crisis intervention skills, one-to-one counseling skills, positive parenting, verbal de-escalation skills, natural and logical consequences, basic behavior modification skills, and grief and loss counseling skills. Mandated reporting is explored as it relates to children and vulnerable adults. Minnesota statutory guidelines and federal laws are reviewed. (2 Cr – 2 lect, 0 lab)

This course provides students a second opportunity to learn about human service work experientially. Students perform 30 hours of field experience and spend an additional 15 hours in the classroom preparing for and processing these experiences. Students will also have the opportunity to learn from guest speakers from the field. Students learn more about human services and focus on intervention approaches. Additional intervention approaches are presented. Prerequisites: Concurrent enrollment in HSER 1103. (1 Cr – 0 lect, 1 lab)

This course focuses on understanding group processes and utilizes this knowledge in working with groups of people. Skills and knowledge acquired are employed in two contexts: 1) understanding group interactions and their effects on participants, 2) understanding major group theories and 3) leading and/or facilitating groups concerning variety of special topics. A combination of cognitive and experiential techniques is used to facilitate learning that may include lectures, discussions, role-playing, group experiences, assigned readings, and films. (2 Cr – 2 lect, 0 lab)

This course examines family systems with respect to historical family values and current trends in families. Students examine a variety of issues and how they impact families. These issues include family rules, communication styles, belief systems, societal expectations, divorce/remarriage, blended families, gender, and multicultural issues that impact the family. Students are introduced to various theories relating to family assessment and counseling. (3 Cr – 3 lect, 0 lab)

This is an introductory college writing course designed to help students develop effective writing skills for college level work.  Students learn to generate ideas and organize them into unified, coherent essays.  Methods of instruction vary, but most sections combine individual conferences and peer review with regular class meetings.  Prerequisites:  A grade of C or higher in ENGL 0960 or appropriate placement score.

MnTC (Goals 1/CM and Goal 2/CT); (3 Cr – 3 lect, 0 lab)

This is a second semester composition course focused on the writing of an academic research paper.  Students learn how to employ the resources of an academic library and how to cite those sources in a fully documented analytical/interpretive term paper.  Prerequisites: ENGL 1101.

MnTC (Goals 1/CM and 2/CT); (3 Cr - 3 lect, 0 lab)

This course is an overview of abnormal behavior and mental illness. The format of the course follows the psychiatric diagnostic scheme of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, (current edition) and includes a discussion of symptoms as well as the possible causes of and treatments for various personality and psychological disorders. Legal and social issues concerning abnormal behavior and psychopathology are also presented.

MnTC (Goal 5/SS and Goal 7/HD); (3 Cr – 3 lect, 0 lab)

This course focuses on sexuality and interpersonal relationships. The following topics will be emphasized: healthy sexual attitudes, communicating about sexuality and relationships, decision making, responsibility, values, gender roles, sexual abuse, dealing with changing expectations in relationships and society, differentiating healthy from unhealthy relationships, and forms of intimacy. MnTC (Goals 5/SS and 7/HD); (3 Cr - 3 lect, 0 lab)

This course focuses on the theory and practice of public communication including individual and group presentations.  This course emphasizes audience analysis, organization, content development including topic selection and speaking ethics.  Students will prepare and deliver a variety of both individual and group presentations and demonstrate an ability to apply research from diverse sources.  Students should expect to reduce speech apprehension and develop self-confidence in their ability to communicate in public.

MnTC (Goals 1/CM and 9/EC); (3 Cr – 3 lect, 0 lab)

This course is designed to introduce students to the impact that chemical dependency/substance use disorders/addiction have on the individual, family, and society. Students are introduced to the progression of the illness, treatment options, and the recovery process. Using the strengths-based perspective, current topics such as divorce, blended families, elderly, and mental illness are explored as they relate to chemical dependency. This course is intended to expand the student's awareness of the importance of understanding family dynamics in working with clients and addiction throughout the lifespan. (3 Cr – 3 lect, 0 lab)

This course identifies the causes of domestic abuse, the impacts of abuse on victims and the children who witness it, the perpetrators and the types of interventions currently used.  This course provides a better understanding of the dynamics of abuse and explains how to help someone affected by domestic abuse.

(1 Cr – 1 lect, 0 lab)

These courses are 15-hour classes on a variety of topics related to helping relationships. See syllabi for specifics on each course. (1Cr - 1 lect, 0 lab)

This course provides an overview of the classification of mood altering drugs in our society. Students will be introduced to the signs and symptoms of addiction, the effects addiction has on families and the types of treatment available for those suffering from drug addiction. The course will examine current prevention programs. The focus of this course will be two-part, learning about mood altering drugs and learning how to communicate and educate elementary students about mood altering drugs in our society. ( 2 Cr – 2 lect 0 lab)

This course introduces proven strategies and applications to help students achieve greater success in college and in life.  Topics include, but are not limited to, time management, goal setting, learning strategies, critical thinking, communication skills, diversity awareness, health and wellness, college and community resources, and financial planning.  This course introduces students to making choices that promote responsibility, motivation, interdependence, and self-awareness.  Recommended:  Score of 52 or above on test Accuplacer Reading Comprehension.
(1 Cr – 1 lect, 0 lab)

Internship I is a primary internship in the Human Services Program. Each student performs a total of 165 hours in a residential treatment center, correctional facility, counseling center, group home, daycare center or other human service setting. Concurrent or previous enrollment in HSER 1102. (4 Cr – 4 lect, 0 lab)

Internship II is a primary internship in the Human Services Program. Each student performs a total of 165 hours in a residential treatment center, correctional facility, counseling center, group home, daycare center or other human service setting. Concurrent or previous enrollment in HSER 1102. (4 Cr – 4 lect, 0 lab)

Internship III is a primary internship in the Human Services Program. Each student performs a total of 330 hours in a residential treatment center, correctional facility, counseling center, group home, daycare center or other human service setting. Concurrent or previous enrollment in HSER 1102. (8 Cr – 8 lect, 0 lab)

Internship IV is a primary internship in the Human Services Program. Each student performs a total of 440 hours in a chemical dependency treatment center. This course is only to be taken by students who are pursuing a Licensed Drug and Alcohol Counselor (LADC) with the State of Minnesota. This course meets half of the State of Minnesota’s 880 hour requirement for LADC. There will be 5-6 two-hour classroom sessions. (8 Cr – 8 lect, 0 lab)