Faculty

Jonathan Segal, Associate Professor of Psychology (Program Chair) 
Roberta Goldberg, Associate Professor of Sociology 
Roxana Moayedi, Associate Professor of Sociology 
Deborah O'Brien, Associate Professor of Psychology 
Konia Kollehlon, Associate Professor of Sociology 
Carlota Ocampo, Assistant Professor of Psychology 

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. The interdisciplinary program provides for greater intellectual sophistication by learning how these disciplines, both separately and combined, interpret the world. Adopting this interdisciplinary approach to behavior sensitizes students to ways in which the different perspectives of sociology and psychology can answer a wide range of questions concerning human behavior and group life. Human relations embodies some of the primary goals of the Trinity curriculum by focusing on such areas as gender, diversity, social justice, and policy. Human relations is also committed to learning outside the classroom through participation in internships and practica, and other programs designed for the wider Trinity community. Students in the human relations program have numerous opportunities to develop leadership skills and those graduating with a degree in human relations should embody these goals in their commitment to work, family, and community.

This program supports a major in human relations in both the College of Arts and Sciences and the School of Professional Studies. A minor is not offered. Note: Students who major in human relations may not also minor in either psychology or sociology.

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Major Requirements

Required Courses (36 credits)

ALL of the following courses: 

SOCY 100 Introduction to Sociology
PSYC 101 Introduction to Psychology
MATH 110 Introduction to Statistics
SOCY 311 Research Methods

ONE of the following psychology courses: 

PSYC 211 Social Psychology
PSYC 221 Personality and Psychopathology
PSYC 231 Child Psychology

ONE of the following sociology courses: 

SOCY 321 Inequality and Society
SOCY 421 Sociological Theory

TWO additional sociology courses at the 200-level or higher 

TWO additional psychology courses at the 200-level or higher 

ONE additional approved psychology or sociology course* 

ONE Senior Seminar:

HUMR 499 Senior Seminar

* Selected interdisciplinary, business, economics, philosophy, political science, and graduate courses from the various counseling programs may fulfill this requirement with the advisor's permission. No more than one of these courses may be counted as part of the total of 12 required courses for the major.

Senior Comprehensive Portfolio

Students must submit a Senior Comprehensive Portfolio Assessment Project prior to graduation and must receive a passing grade in order to graduate. Specific requirements and due dates (usually the end of January) are distributed to seniors in the fall semester of their graduation year. To prepare for the portfolio, students should keep copies of all written course work, graded papers, and exams.

Course Selection and Planning

Students should obtain a Human Relations "Suggested Sequencing" sheet from advisors in Enrollment Services or from the Chair of the Human Relations Program. This sheet suggests an overall plan for the timely sequencing of the various required and elective courses in the program. It also serves as a reminder of the various requirements and course prerequisites, such as the prerequisite of MATH 108 or MATH 109 for MATH 110 Introduction to Statistics, requiring Statistics in order to take SOCY 311 Research Methods, and requiring Research Methods in order take HUMR 499 Senior Seminar.

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Program Policies

Advanced Placement: Credits earned from AP examinations do not count toward the major. 

CLEP Policy: Students applying for credit from CLEP examination results should consult with the program faculty. 

Grades in Major Courses: Students are required to earn a grade of "C" (2.0) or better in all courses counted to fulfill requirements for the major, and must achieve a passing grade on the Senior Comprehensive Portfolio. 

Pass/No Pass: Courses fulfilling major requirements may not be taken pass/no pass. 

Senior Assessment: Students must prepare and complete the Senior Comprehensive Portfolio. 

TELL Policy: Students applying for credit in experiential learning should consult with the program faculty. 

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 College in addition to HUMR 499. 

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Course Descriptions

HUMR 211 Introduction to Social Work
Introduces students to the profession of Social Work and the wide range of factors that influence social work practice. The course addresses the historical development of the pro social policy and practices, particularly in relation to social justice issues. An introduction to knowledge and skills fundamental to generalist social work practice is provided. Methods and fields of practice are presented throughout. Significant issues confronting the profession are considered. Discussion of volunteer experience, audio-visual aids, and guest speakers will be included. Formerly HRE 200.
3 credits

HUMR 301 Seminar: Perspectives on Gender
Approaches 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. Note: This may count as a PSYC, SOCY, or HUMR course. Formerly HRE 301. 
3 credits
FLC Seminar II 

HUMR 499 Senior Seminar
Explores 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
Prerequisite: Senior status in the major

NOTE: Descriptions for courses listed as PSYC and SOCY appear in the psychology and sociology sections of this catalog.  

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