Human Services (HSRV) 311

Overview

This course takes a critical learning approach to the study of social policy as it affects the human services and considers the role of human services education in this emerging profession.

Values inform policy making at the same time that various models and structures can be used in analyzing, evaluating, and implementing social policies. Attention to anti-oppressive and inclusive approaches to practice brings ethical considerations to bear on the policy process, on interactions with service users, and on inter-professional and intra-professional relations among providers of the human services.

Outline

HSRV 311 is divided into three parts as outlined below.

Part 1: Goals in Human Service Education

Part 1 adopts a critical thinking approach toward the study of social policy. It also considers the role of education in providing opportunities for lifelong learning and professional development that contributes to the professionalization of the occupations involved in the human services sector. This approach is then applied to the most directly relevant subset of public policy, that of social policy.

Part 2: Social Policy Frameworks

In Part 2, attention is given to the several phases of the policy cycle from policy formulation through policy implementation, evaluation, and reformulation. Our study of the frameworks of social policy incorporates the place of values in policy making, competing models of policy making, structures involved in policy-making, the analysis and evaluation of social policies, and policy implementation.

Part 3: Inclusiveness and Anti-Oppressive Practice

Part 3 considers the need for social inclusion and anti-oppressive practice across the human services sector in order to treat all users well. It also discusses further recourse that remains after all the usual options have been exhausted. The course concludes by integrating and synthesizing learning from the previous units to a consideration of ways of incorporating policy analysis into practice and thereby contributing to personal and professional development.  

Evaluation

Your final grade in HSRV 311 Practice and Policy in the Human Services will be based on the grades you achieve on the four written assignments. To receive credit for the course, you must achieve an overall course grade of “D” (50 percent) or better. The following indicates the assignments for credit and their weighting toward your final grade.

To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University's online Calendar.

Course Materials

Textbooks

Other Materials

All other course materials will be accessed online.

Challenge for Credit Course Overview

The Challenge for Credit process allows students to demonstrate that they have acquired a command of the general subject matter, knowledge, intellectual and/or other skills that would normally be found in a university level course.

Full information for the Challenge for Credit can be found in the Undergraduate Calendar.

• Undergraduate Challenge for Credit Policy
• Undergraduate Challenge for Credit Procedures

Challenge Evaluation

To receive credit for the HSRV 311 challenge registration, you must complete all required components, and achieve an overall grade of at least “D” (50 percent).

Undergraduate Challenge for Credit Course Registration Form

• Challenge for Credit Form

Current Grouped Study Locations