Social and Human Development
Department of Social and Human Development
A.A.S., Human Services
Students in the human services program receive a skills-based education in a rapidly growing field. An Associate of Applied Science in Human Services develops practitioners who are educated, ethical thinkers who can apply their knowledge to serving others in various aspects of society. Human services professionals work in a wide variety of community and social service-related settings.
The A.A.S. in human services includes a General Track for students enrolled in the online program and a Rural Human Services track for students who complete the Rural Human Services Certificate program.
The A.A.S. in human services articulates directly into the bachelor’s degree in social work, providing students with an academic credential and field experience in community settings while they continue on to the bachelor’s level.
The A.A.S. in human services coursework fulfills the majority of the requirements for certification as a State of Alaska Chemical Dependency Counselor or Behavioral Health Counselor as well as the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium Behavioral Health Aide certification.
Minimum Requirements for Human Services A.A.S. Degree: 60 credits
B.A., Child Development and Family Studies
This program provides the necessary preparation for early childhood professionals who wish to advance their knowledge and career opportunities with specialized study in administration, curriculum and teaching, family support or infant and toddler studies.
The child development and family studies program meets professional preparation standards developed by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. These six core standards and field experience expectations guide the CDEV B.A. program content and outline a set of common expectations for professional knowledge, skills, and dispositions within the field of early care and education in conjunction with family studies.
The program supports students who desire a strong foundation in the field of early childhood development. Students are required to complete the program major and one of the specialized concentration areas: administration within the early childhood field, curriculum and teaching, or family support. Students entering the child development and family studies B.A. program with an A.A. or A.A.S. degree specializing in early childhood from a regionally accredited college or university will receive 20 transfer credits toward the program major. Any additional courses will need to be evaluated on an individual basis.
Flexible course delivery fosters successful completion for early childhood professionals living in both rural and urban areas of Alaska. All program and concentration area courses must be completed with a minimum C- grade or better, with the exclusion of all clinical practice coursework, which must be completed with a B grade or better. Completion of the CDEV B.A. will meet the requirements for both a major and a minor.
Minimum Requirements for Child Development and Family Studies Bachelor's Degree: 120 credits
Learn more about the bachelor’s degree in child development and family studies, including an overview of the program, career opportunities and more.
Certificate, Rural Human Services
The rural human services program is designed to develop strong and healthy rural Alaska Native individuals, families and communities. The RHS program provides entry-level training for students preparing for careers as natural helpers/healers in village-based public, private and volunteer human service organizations. The curriculum draws extensively from Indigenous knowledge and wisdom about health and well-being and reflects a strong multicultural orientation that validates, incorporates and builds on Indigenous values and principles.
The certificate program is a concentrated course of study focused on rural behavioral health services. Both the Alaska Division of Behavioral Health and the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium have designated many of the credits earned through the RHS program as satisfying credentialing training requirements.
The certificate program provides additional credentials for service providers who work in related fields and would like additional training in rural behavioral health services. Providers who may want such training could include health aides, family service workers, correctional workers and teachers. The RHS program is offered as a closed cohort with monthly, week-long intensives for two academic years.
Admission is open to anyone employed by a regional Native health corporation or local entity providing village-based human services, or to individuals recognized by their communities as natural helpers/healers. A high school diploma or GED and/or previous training or work experience in the delivery of village-based human services are recommended but not required.
This degree program is delivered collaboratively within the UA system.
Minimum Requirements for Rural Human Services Certificate: 32 credits
Learn more about the certificate in rural human services, including an overview of the program, career opportunities and more.
Minor, Human Services
Students in the human services program receive a skills-based education in a rapidly growing field. Human services professionals work in a wide variety of community and social service-related settings.
The Human Services Minor provides applied coursework to augment coursework in related fields such as justice, psychology, and social work. Human Services coursework partially fulfills the requirements for certification as a State of Alaska Chemical Dependency Counselor or Behavioral Health Counselor as well as the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium Behavioral Health Aide certification. Contact the Human Services faculty advisor for additional information.
Minimum Requirements for Human Services Minor: 15 credits
Courses
Early Childhood Family Studies (ECFS)
ECFS F301 Parents as Partners in Education
3 Credits
Offered Fall Odd-numbered Years
Study of strategies that will assist those who work with children and/or families to facilitate supportive partnerships with parents. Includes partnerships, contemporary issues, school and home-based programs, rights and responsibilities, professional ethics and parents with special or unique needs.
Prerequisites: WRTG F211X, WRTG F212X, WRTG F213X or WRTG F214X.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ECFS F302 Building Home Program Relationships: Prenatal to 3 Years
3 Credits
Offered Fall Even-numbered Years
Focuses on professionalism, family support, ethics, cultural continuity, child development, attachment and curriculum of home-based programs. Addresses the broad continuum of services across multiple domains and how staff that work in these programs can meet the needs of children prenatal to 3 and their families in the home setting.
Prerequisite: WRTG F111X.
Recommended: ECFS F342; WRTG F211X or WRTG F213X.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ECFS F304 Attachment and Social Development (s)
3 Credits
Offered Spring
Principles and practices in understanding and supporting attachment and social development in conjunction to reciprocal communication streams and social interactions. Strategies working with families as continuum for each specific child's development.
Prerequisites: WRTG F111X; WRTG F211X, WRTG F212X, WRTG F213X or WRTG F214X.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ECFS F305 Social Emotional Development: Reflection and Practice
3 Credits
Offered Fall
Examination of the many ways teachers can help young children with their social development by addressing the common problems and situations that arise in teaching all children between the ages of 3 and 6 years. Development of strategies to improve teacher practices that will support social and emotional competence.
Prerequisites: WRTG F211X, WRTG F212X, WRTG F213X or WRTG F214X.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
Repeatable for Credit: May be taken unlimited times for up to unlimited credits
ECFS F306 Building Bridges to Support Family Mental Health
3 Credits
Offered Spring
Understanding and providing assistance to families who live in environments with multi-risk factors requires professionals working together providing best possible interventions. Demonstration and examples of strategies that help multi-risk families that assists in bringing together most effective intervention techniques from a variety of theoretical approaches, parenting strategies and innovative programs.
Prerequisites: WRTG F111X; WRTG F211X, WRTG F212X, WRTG F213X or WRTG F214X.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ECFS F310 Constructivist Curriculum
3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
A focus on the issues involved in developing constructive curriculum for young children. Includes a foundation in the aims and assumptions of constructivist teaching and key components of this type of curriculum. Emphasis is on best practices for constructivist classrooms.
Prerequisites: WRTG F211X, WRTG F212X, WRTG F213X or WRTG F214X.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ECFS F311 Theories, Methodologies and Pedagogy for Early Childhood
3 Credits
Offered Fall
Expanded studies on context and theoretical perspectives of appropriate practice in early care and education for children from birth through age 8. Examines roles of early childhood educators and identifies best practices for curriculum and teaching strategies. Theories and philosophies include Montessori, Erikson, Piaget and Vygotsky, Reggio-Emilia and Project Approach.
Prerequisites: WRTG F211X, WRTG F212X, WRTG F213X or WRTG F214X.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ECFS F320 Environment and Curriculum for Infants and Toddlers
3 Credits
Offered Spring
Roles and practices adults take for supporting learning and development in infants and toddlers (birth-3 years). Stresses the adoption of the child's individual abilities and interests while supporting their exploration, discovery, relationship building and problem solving through environment development. Prominence for family inclusion in curriculum development through reciprocal relationships.
Prerequisites: WRTG F211X, WRTG F212X, WRTG F213X or WRTG F214X.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2.5 + 0 + 1.5
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ECFS F340 Financial Management of Early Childhood Programs
3 Credits
Offered Spring
The financial aspects of managing a child care center or preschool program. Includes budgeting, program resource management, marketing, purchasing, pay and compensation, and fee collection issues important to maintaining quality programs for young children.
Prerequisites: WRTG F211X, WRTG F212X, WRTG F213X or WRTG F214X.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ECFS F341 Personnel Management of Early Childhood Programs
3 Credits
Offered Fall
Management of personnel of child care programs, including recruitment, hiring, in-service training, staff meetings and communication, supervision, evaluation, motivation, burnout prevention and termination of employees. Focus on maintaining quality programs for young children.
Prerequisites: WRTG F211X, WRTG F212X, WRTG F213X or WRTG F214X.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ECFS F342 Family Relationships
3 Credits
Offered Fall
Examination of relationships in contemporary family life. Focus on the changing family, gender roles, living together, and relationships with children and grandchildren. Includes current family research and issues within and effect of public policy on families in our multicultural society.
Prerequisites: COM F131X or COM F141X; upper-division standing.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ECFS F345 Screening, Assessment and Data Collection Tools
3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Overview of the diversity of tools used for screening, ongoing child and classroom assessment, data collection and reporting within early childhood programs. Tools can be used individually or collectively to support the development of a high quality early care and learning environment and positive outcomes for young children.
Prerequisites: WRTG F211X, WRTG F212X, WRTG F213X or WRTG F214X.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ECFS F350 Play: Foundation for Development (s)
3 Credits
Offered Spring
Concepts, theories, and research in the development of children regarding play; includes the effects of culture, media and technology. Roles of early care professionals, early education curriculum and parent support. Ways of self-expression through quality play experiences support communication and friendships in relation to the whole child development examined.
Prerequisites: ECE F104X, ECE F107X or approved development class; WRTG F211X, WRTG F212X, WRTG F213X or WRTG F214X.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ECFS F360 Assessment in Early Childhood
3 Credits
Offered Spring
Examines policies and practices related to evaluation and assessment of young children's progress. Includes legal, ethical and professional responsibilities in assessment. Explores "what, when, why and how" to assess young children. Practice and analysis of various assessment styles and tools as well as how to use information gained through assessment.
Prerequisites: WRTG F111X; WRTG F211X, WRTG F212X, WRTG F213X or WRTG F214X.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ECFS F365 Social Studies Pedagogy in Early Childhood
3 Credits
Offered Spring
Guidance on how to teach social studies to young children to cultivate bias and discrimination-free learning communities. Emphasis on encouraging development of teachers' pedagogical practices, and resources for building positive social attitudes and dispositions that value the contributions of young children as citizens of their living and learning communities.
Prerequisites: ECFS F311; WRTG F211X, WRTG F212X, WRTG F213X or WRTG F214X.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2.5 + 1 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ECFS F405 Seminar in Culture and Child-rearing Practices
3 Credits
Offered Spring
Seminar course providing opportunity for students, cross regionally throughout Alaska and beyond, to engage in the comparative study of issues associated with culture and child-rearing practices of families within Alaska and throughout the world. Emphasis placed on the role of caregiver working with children aged birth through three years old.
Prerequisites: WRTG F211X, WRTG F212X, WRTG F213X or WRTG F214X.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ECFS F410 Supporting Family Relationships through Mentoring
3 Credits
Offered Fall
Focus on policies, leadership and professional practices inherent of successful relationships with parents. Consideration of individual communication styles and cultural diversity emphasized in relation to best mentoring practices.
Prerequisites: ECE F242; WRTG F211X, WRTG F212X, WRTG F213X or WRTG F214X.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
Repeatable for Credit: May be taken unlimited times for up to unlimited credits
ECFS F420 Developing Literacy in the Early Years
3 Credits
Offered Spring
Principles and practices in understanding and supporting young children's emerging literacy. Links importance of oral language and early exploration with later reading and writing skills. Strategies for assisting emergent readers and writers are included, as well as how to use play and children's interests to assist in developing their literacy.
Prerequisites: ECFS F310; ECFS F360; WRTG F111X; WRTG F211X, WRTG F212X, WRTG F213X or WRTG F214X; upper-division standing.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ECFS F421 From Babbling to Talking to Early Literacy
3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
This course provides the opportunity for exploration and understanding of infant-toddler beginning language and early literacy development as it reflects on research from multiple fields. Looks at the importance of oral language development and early explorations with literacy while considering principles and practices that provide support for families and culture.
Prerequisite: ECE F214; WRTG F111X; WRTG F211X, WRTG F212X, WRTG F213X or WRTG F214X.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2.5 + 0 + 1.5
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ECFS F430 Fine Arts for the Early Years (h)
3 Credits
Offered Fall
Explores the role of the teacher developing children’s awareness of the world around them and expressing through a variety of art forms including: theatre, two- and three-dimensional art, crafts, vocal and instrumental music and dance. Strategies for assessing artistic development and working with families are incorporated.
Prerequisites: ECE F240; ECFS F310; WRTG F111X; WRTG F211X, WRTG F212X, WRTG F213X or WRTG F214X.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2.5 + 0 + 1.5
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ECFS F440 Exploring Math and Science
3 Credits
Offered Fall Odd-numbered Years
Constructivist teaching of math and science. Explores role of teachers in helping children become theory builders in an environment designed to promote learning in math and science. Specific examples in chemistry, biology, ecology, numbers, patterns, geometry, measurement and data analysis. Emphasizes teaching children interactive, analytic and reflective processes of inquiry.
Prerequisites: ECFS F310; ECFS F360; upper-division standing.
Recommended: Completion of at least one natural science course.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2.5 + 1 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ECFS F442 Family Resource Management
3 Credits
Offered Fall
Management of resources which help families meet and alter the increasing complexities of life. Involves purposeful actions that affect the use of time, money, energy, skills, talents and knowledge. Explores roles, goals and decision-making within our multicultural society throughout the life cycle.
Prerequisites: ECE F242; WRTG F111X; WRTG F211X, WRTG F212X, WRTG F213X or WRTG F214X.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ECFS F445 Adolescence Through the Lifespan
3 Credits
Offered Spring
Study of the inter-relationships between early childhood and future development from adolescence through adulthood. Achievement in school, anorexia, chemical dependency and other health issues, family happiness, personal confidence and career success have all been linked to the early years. This course helps students understand these vital connections.
Prerequisites: ECE F107X, ED F245 or PSY F245; WRTG F111X; WRTG F211X, WRTG F212X, WRTG F213X or WRTG F214X.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2.5 + 0 + 1.5
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ECFS F450 Leadership and Advocacy in the Early Childhood Field
3 Credits
Offered Spring Odd-numbered Years
An overview of the early childhood field as a profession, the history of policy changes and the origin of policy reform. Topics will include system building strategies and models, ways to promote advocacy in early childhood and leadership qualities necessary to be an advocate in the field.
Prerequisites: ECFS F340 or ECFS F341; WRTG F211X or WRTG F213X.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ECFS F470 Advanced Practicum
3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Advanced practicum requiring 200 hours of work in an early childhood program or family support agency as a teacher, curriculum specialist, family advocate or in another related position.
Prerequisites: Senior standing; permission of instructor.
Special Notes: A capstone course available only to those who have completed the other required course work for the B.A. in Child Development and Family Studies degree and their designated specialty.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2.5 + 1 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ECFS F471 Clinical Practice: Organizational Action Research
3 Credits
Offered Fall and Spring
Supervised Field Practice: Theory and application of action research within an organization. Emphasis on use of personal reflection to understand practice and the development of a planned theory of action. Techniques for observing action through the use of examining the evidence are learned. Approximate project timeline is 10 weeks/200 hours.
Prerequisites: WRTG F211X, WRTG F212X, WRTG F213X or WRTG F214X; completion of all CDFS core major and Administration or Family Support concentration coursework.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1 + 0 + 14
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ECFS F472 Clinical Practice: Classroom Research
3 Credits
Offered Fall and Spring
Supervised Field Practice: Theory and application of classroom research, emphasizing the teacher as researcher. Techniques of classroom research will be studied and applied through the development and application of a relevant project; including observation, question posing, note-taking, data analysis/interpretation. Approximate project timeline is 10 weeks/200 hours.
Prerequisites: WRTG F211X, WRTG F212X, WRTG F213X or WRTG F214X; completion of all CDFS core major and concentration coursework, excluding ECFS F473.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1 + 0 + 14
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ECFS F473 Clinical Practice: Classroom Management
3 Credits
Offered Fall and Spring
Supervised Field Practice: Provides a capstone following completion of coursework within the Curriculum and Teaching or Infant and Toddler concentration of the CDFS B.A. program. Activity will demonstrate application of appropriate curriculum, and care enhancing the learning and development of young children. Approximate project timeline is 10 weeks/200 hours. This course may be taken in conjunction with ECFS F480.
Prerequisites: WRTG F211X, WRTG F212X, WRTG F213X or WRTG F214X; completion of all CDFS core major and concentration coursework, excluding ECFS F472.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1 + 0 + 14
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ECFS F480 Child Development and Family Studies Portfolio
1 Credit
Offered Fall
This course introduces students to the portfolio process, which will be completed with the final assessment as the finishing piece of the CDFS program. The portfolio is required for final completion of the CDFS B.A. degree program in lieu of a written comprehensive exam or thesis.
Prerequisites: WRTG F211X, WRTG F212X, WRTG F213X or WRTG F214X; admittance to the CDFS B.A. program.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 0.5 + 0 + 1
Grading System: Pass/Fail Grades
Human Services (HUMS)
HUMS F101 Introduction to Human Services
3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Provides an overview and orientation for individuals who have either started or are exploring human service careers. Designed for entry level behavioral health providers with an emphasis in understanding social service systems in rural and frontier Alaska.
Special Notes: Should be taken within the first academic year when possible; strongly encourage students to be accepted into the Human Services degree program.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
HUMS F102 Standards of Practice
2 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Designed to provide an integrative approach for ongoing development of critical thinking skills, best practices evaluation, and application of skill based competencies. Development of a professional portfolio and integration of past human service experience.
Special Notes: This course should be taken as soon as possible upon acceptance into the Human Services Program.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
HUMS F105 Personal Awareness and Growth
2-3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Interpersonal and intrapersonal communication explored. Personal growth process presented from a holistic perspective. Focus will identify opportunities for personal enrichment through increased awareness of self and others.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2-3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
HUMS F117 Practical Math Skills
3 Credits
Offered Spring
Computation involving percentages, estimation, problem-solving, reading and creating graphs and tables, data organization and interpretation. Applications of computational skills will be emphasized.
Cross-listed with ECE F117.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
HUMS F120 Cultural Diversity in Human Services
3 Credits
Offered Spring
The impact of culture on the delivery of human services including Alaska Native cultures; examination of relationship of multicultural and multi-ethnic concepts. Issues of age, class, disablement, race, gender and sexual orientation will also be discussed. Student exploration of personal values and cultural world view included.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
HUMS F125X Introduction to Addictive Processes (s)
3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Focus on gaining knowledge of the psycho-social aspects of addiction. Historic and behavioral approaches, disease concept and current trends relating to addiction presented. Twelve step and self-help approaches explored.
Cross-listed with JUST F125X.
Attributes: UAF GER Social Sciences Req
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
HUMS F140 Family Systems
3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Focus is on the family as a system and its involvement in the services provided to elders and children as well as services to family members with mental illness, developmental disabilities and substance abuse or dependence.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
HUMS F185X Science of Happiness and Well-Being (s)
3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
This course examines and interprets the latest research in psychology, neuroscience, genetics and economics on happiness and well-being. Course includes cross-cultural perspectives with a focus on traditional practices of Indigenous Alaskan cultures. Students analyze and practice skills, strategies and mindsets that facilitate personal and professional well-being.
Attributes: UAF GER Social Sciences Req
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
HUMS F202 Standards of Practice II
1 Credit
Offered Spring
This course is designed for students who are either in practicum placement or finalizing their Human Services degree program. Students will demonstrate their competencies as lifelong learners, professional readiness and personal development by encompassing their best-written work and self-assessment by refining their human services portfolios. Active verbal participation is required.
Prerequisite: HUMS F102 or departmental approval.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
HUMS F205 Basic Principles of Group Counseling
3 Credits
Offered Spring
Concepts and techniques of working with small groups, including establishing group goals, effective group interaction, termination and evaluation. Development of therapeutic group activities presented.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
HUMS F210 Crisis and Grief Counseling
3 Credits
Offered Fall
Helping people in crisis from a theoretical and experiential perspective. Understanding how people feel, think and behave during periods of crisis and grieving. Suicide, violence, life transitions and AIDS explored.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
HUMS F215 Individual Interviewing
2-3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Introduction to interpersonal communication skills. Focus on gathering client information through the interviewing process. Emphasis on development of one to one interviewing, behavioral observation and documentation.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2-3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
HUMS F220 Counseling Strategies for Individuals (s)
3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Exploration of counseling strategies for individuals including the development of effective helping relationships, interviewing techniques, documentation, assessment, goal setting and treatment planning utilizing motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral strategies for change. Course provides an introduction to the nature of crisis and trauma including assessment, intervention and prevention.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
HUMS F232 Human Service Practicum I
3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Integration of human service theory with skill-based training through a professional, supervised experience in a human service agency. Practicum requires 125 hours. Seminar also meets one hour per week; student-shared learning, peer support and documentation, including progress notes, social history, mental status and case planning.
Prerequisites: Human Services major or minor.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1 + 8 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
HUMS F233 Human Service Practicum II
3-6 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Continuation of HUMS F232. Course may be repeated once for credit to meet program requirements.
Prerequisites: HUMS F232.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1 + 8 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
Repeatable for Credit: May be taken 2 times for up to 6 credits
HUMS F250 Current Issues in Human Services
1-4 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Selected current issues of importance to the human service field. Emphasis on issues impacting Alaskan communities. Repeatable for credit by Human Services majors to a maximum of 9 credits.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1-4 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
Repeatable for Credit: May be taken 9 times for up to 9 credits
HUMS F260 History of Alcohol in Alaska
1 Credit
Offered As Demand Warrants
Significant historical forces, events and consequences related to alcohol and other drug use in Alaska. Includes current impact and trends.
Prerequisites: HUMS F125X.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
HUMS F275 Contemporary Practices in Addiction Studies
3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Survey of contemporary practices in addiction studies utilizing the current editions of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders and the American Society for Addiction Medicine Criteria as applied to a series of case studies. Discussion of prevention, diagnostic criteria and treatment planning for substance use and occurring disorders.
Prerequisites: HUMS F125X or JUST F125X.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
HUMS F280 Prevention and Community Development
3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Examine the historical evaluation, conceptual framework, practical realities of community development and prevention in rural Alaska. Surveys diverse approaches, community need evaluation processes for addressing community needs. Review of a multiplicity of approaches which can be considered in designing and implementing culturally respectful projects.
Prerequisite: HUMS F101; HUMS F102; or departmental approval.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
HUMS F285 Case Management and Community Development (s)
3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Course provides human services practitioners with a solid background in the theory and practice of selecting, developing and implementing plans for individual case management and community-level prevention and development with a focus on improving the health of individuals and communities.
Prerequisites: HUMS F220.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
HUMS F290 Case Management
3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Challenge and broaden students' understanding, thinking, and conceptualizing case management. Investigate the case management model emphasizing its useful application to diverse client groups with an emphasis on Alaska and rural communities. The role of community in supporting efforts as well in providing resources such as natural supports will be emphasized.
Prerequisite: HUMS F101; HUMS F102; or departmental approval.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
HUMS F301 Ethics in Human Service
3 Credits
Offered Spring
Professional and ethical issues related to the helping professions. Ethical concerns in multicultural and rural human service delivery. Ethics and legal issues related to substance abuse counseling in Alaska.
Prerequisites: PSY F111X or SOC F101X.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
HUMS F305 Substance Abuse Counseling
3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Introduction to the basic principles of substance abuse counseling. Application of counseling modalities to intervention and treatment of individuals, families and groups experiencing alcohol and drug abuse or dependence. Cross-cultural issues addressed.
Prerequisites: HUMS F125X.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
Rural Human Services (RHS)
RHS F110 Cross-cultural Bridging Skills
1 Credit
Offered As Demand Warrants
Issues and impacts relevant to effective cross-cultural communication. Understanding barriers to effective cross-cultural communication in rural settings and development of effective cross-cultural communication skills from an Indigenous perspective. Development of bridging and networking skills that integrate Indigenous values and principles. Course taught on site/ intensive. Enrollment in RHS program required.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
RHS F115 Issues of Personal Development
2 Credits
Dynamics and impacts of personal development issues relevant to the delivery of rural human services focusing on understanding types, application and processes of personal development. Facilitating personal development through processes that integrate or reflect Native values and principles. Student must spend one week in intensive study at selected delivery site.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2 + 1 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
RHS F120 Family Systems I
2 Credits
Survey of historical forces that exerted influence on Alaska Native families, the impacts of those forces and discussion of their contemporary effects from a Native perspective. Focus on developing options and strategies for developing healthy Native families as the foundation for healthy Native communities.
Special Notes: Students must spend one week in intensive study at the selected delivery site.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2 + 1 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
RHS F130 Processes of Community Change
2 Credits
Rural social development contemporary foundations and relevant issues from a Native perspective. Developing understanding and skills necessary for facilitating positive individual, family and community development from an ecological systems approach. Emphasis on developing the skills necessary to identify, develop and mobilize individual, family and community resources in rural Native communities.
Special Notes: Students must spend one week in intensive study at the selected delivery site.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2 + 1 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
RHS F140 Alaska Native Values and Principles
1 Credit
Traditional Native values and principles, their applicability to today's world and issues relevant to their integration into today's lifestyles. Developing understanding and skills necessary for facilitating formulation of positive world views within Native individuals, families and communities. Explores the role of spirituality in a variety of Alaska Native cultures.
Special Notes: Student must spend three days in intensive study at selected delivery site.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
RHS F150 Introduction to Rural Counseling
2 Credits
Identification and examination of issues relevant to delivery of rural counseling services. Opportunities for development of basic rural counseling skills with emphasis on integration of Native values and principles, exploring strategies that facilitate positive individual, family and community growth and development through enhancement of healthy lifestyles in rural Native communities.
Special Notes: Students must spend one week in intensive study at the selected delivery site.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2 + 1 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
RHS F220 Family Systems II
2 Credits
The dynamics and issues relevant to personal healing and recovery from a Native perspective focusing on developing the understanding and skills necessary to healing and recovery in Native individuals, families and communities. Emphasis on achieving healthy lifestyles through self-understanding based on truth, grieving and positive proactive repositioning.
Special Notes: Students must spend one week in intensive study at the selected delivery site.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2 + 1 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
RHS F250 Rural Counseling II
2 Credits
Differences and similarities between Native and Western counseling skills. Issues relevant to the development and delivery of basic rural counseling skills and services. Focuses on identifying and building on individual, family and community strengths as the foundation for development of intervention strategies. Addresses the importance of integrating Native traditional values.
Special Notes: Students must spend one week in intensive study at the selected delivery site.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2 + 1 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
RHS F260 Addictions: Intervention and Treatment
2 Credits
Dynamics, issues, impacts, treatment options and intervention strategies relevant to behavioral and chemical addictions. Understanding addictive processes and developing treatment options and intervention strategies from a Native perspective. Emphasis on the development of treatment options and intervention strategies that integrate Native values and principles.
Special Notes: Students must spend one week in intensive study at the selected delivery site.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2 + 1 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
RHS F265 Interpersonal Violence
2 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Types, causes and impacts of interpersonal violence focusing on developing an understanding of interpersonal violence and development of treatment options and intervention strategies from a Native perspective. Emphasis on the development of treatment options and intervention strategies that integrate Native values and principles.
Special Notes: Students must spend one week in intensive study at the selected delivery site.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2 + 1 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
RHS F275 Introduction to Recovery and Mental Illness
2 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Overview of mental illness and recovery issues. Emphasis on issues for practitioners in small, rural communities in Alaska.
Prerequisites: RHS F150.
Recommended: RHS F250, RHS F115.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2 + 1 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
RHS F285 Case Management
2 Credits
Identification and discussion of issues, components, procedures, responsibilities, skills and processes for case management in rural settings with diverse populations. Emphasis on case management processes unique to rural and village Alaska and to the fields of mental health, addictions and interpersonal violence. Explore essential case management oral/written communication skills.
Special Notes: Students must be willing and able to work independently outside the classroom and in the community.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2 + 1 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
RHS F287 Rural Human Services Practicum
4 Credits
Offered Fall
Personal and professional development, self-analysis and growth. Emphasis on developing the understanding and skills necessary to integrate Native healing theory and problem-solving into the delivery of rural human services. Taken as part of the final sequence of courses in the Rural Human Services certificate program, practicum provides students with 100 hours of supervised learning experience in an approved rural human service organization/agency.
Special Notes: Students must be willing and able to work independently outside the classroom and in the community.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1.5 + 0 + 7.5
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
RHS F290 Grief and Healing
2 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Exploration of the dynamics of grief and healing from an Alaska Native perspective. Special emphasis on Native values and principles focused on developing culturally relevant, understandings, awarenesses and professional skills.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2 + 1 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
