Faculty

Carlota Ocampo, Associate Professor of Psychology (Program Chair)
Roberta Golberg, Associate Professor of Sociology
Konia Kollehlon, Associate Professor of Sociology
Roxana Moayedi, Associate Professor of Sociology
Deborah O’Brien, Associate Professor of Psychology
Jonathan Segal, Associate Professor of Psychology
Adona Wright-Wimberly, 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 and the social world. This interdisciplinary approach fosters greater intellectual sophistication by demonstrating how these disciplines, both separately and combined, interpret the world and endeavor to answer a wide range of questions concerning human behavior and group life.

The Human Relations major embodies many of the primary goals of the Trinity curriculum by focusing on issues of gender, diversity, social justice, ethics, public policy, and technology. The Human Relations program is committed to experiential and service learning outside the classroom by promoting internships and practica in students’ areas of interest. The program also offers interdisciplinary connections to other academic programs designed for the wider Trinity community. Students of Human Relations encounter numerous opportunities to develop leadership skills and are prepared to continue in graduate school or careers in areas of education, social work, counseling, public policy, the non-profit sector, psychology, sociology, management, and other fields which require social interaction and analysis.

The Human Relations program supports a major 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 minor in general psychology or sociology but may minor in forensic psychology or criminal justice.

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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 for the Social Sciences (students may substitute PSYC 301, Experimental Psychology: Research Methods)
HUMR 499 Senior Seminar

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 (students may substitute ONE HUMR course*)

TWO additional psychology courses at the 200-level or higher (one course may be PSYC 490: Practicum; students may substitute ONE HUMR course*)

ONE additional approved psychology, sociology, or human relations course (may be PSYC 490: Practicum)

*Human Relations electives include HUMR 211: Introduction to Social Work, HUMR 212: Introduction to Counseling for the Helping Professions, HUMR 301: Seminar in Gender, HUMR 350: Multicultural Social Work (prereq HUMR 211), and BADM/HUMR 352: Managing a Diverse Workforce. Human Relations students with junior or senior status are eligible for PSYC 490: Practicum, and PSYC 491: Practicum II. Selected interdisciplinary, business, economics, philosophy, political science, and graduate courses in counseling MAY also be substituted for one of the required electives WITH permission of the student’s advisor and/or chair of the program (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

The senior assessment in Human Relations is not a comprehensive exam but rather a Senior Comprehensive Portfolio Project which requires students to document, reflect on and assess their own academic progress and learning. Specific requirements and due dates (usually the end of January) are distributed to seniors in the Fall semester of their graduation year. In order to prepare the portfolio according to the written instructions they will receive, students should keep copies of all written course work, graded papers, and exams. While requirements for the portfolio vary slightly from year to year, students are generally required to assess four academic products: two psychology and two sociology papers or other written work, ideally from both lower (100-200) and upper (300-400) level courses in each discipline.
Students must submit the portfolio by the due date of their graduation year and must receive a passing grade in order to graduate.

Course Selection and Planning

Students should obtain an Academic Plan which includes suggested sequencing for human relations courses from their advisors or the chair of the program. The suggested sequencing sheet lays out an overall plan for the correct sequencing and timely completion of courses in the major. It also includes information on prerequisites for major courses, such as the prerequisite of MATH 108 or 109 for MATH 110: Introduction to Statistics, which in turn is a prerequisite for SOCY 311 (or PSYC 301): Research Methods, which in turn is a prerequisite for 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 the profession of social work and the wide range of factors that influence generalist social work practice. Surveys the historical development of pro-social policy and practices of the profession, with particular focus on issues of social justice. Methods, fields of practice, knowledge and skills fundamental to social work are presented throughout. Discussion will also include current issues confronting the profession, volunteer and para-professional experiences, and guest speakers. Formely HRE 200.
3 credits

HUMR 212 Introduction to Counseling for the Helping Professions
Explores the role of counseling in the helping professions. Surveys history, philosophy and theories of counseling, including an overview of methods and techniques. Possible topics include introductions to individual, group, community, marriage, family, grief, substance abuse, academic, employee, and vocational counseling. Also considers the implications of current economic and social climates on the practice and efficacy of counseling in the helping professions. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 or SOCY 100 (both are recommended).
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 350 Multicultural Social Work
Presents an overview of multicultural issues in social work. Emphasis is placed on the increasing need for cultural and ethnic diversity in social work practice with the changing U.S. population. Also discusses the politics of social work, with a focus on historical oppression and issues of social justice. Utilizes case studies of assessment, planning and intervention with diverse clients. Prerequisite: HUMR 211 Introduction to Social Work.
3 credits

HUMR/BADM 352 Managing a Diverse Workforce
Explores the increasing diversity in today’s workforce. Today’s workplaces require a multicultural climate in which all members of an organization are supported, valued, and allowed to actualize their potential. Topics include the benefits of diversity across ethnicity/race, gender, and age; the behaviors that block organizational and individual effectiveness in a diverse workplace; and effects of diversity on managers. Utilizes case studies, readings and activities to help students learn effective problem-solving strategies. Formely MGT 200. Prerequisites for Human Relations majors: PSYC 101 or SOCY 100 or an Introductoy level HUMR course.
3 credits

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
Prerequisites: Senior status AND MATH 110 (grade C or better) AND a combination of several courses in both Sociology and Psychology, e.g. 3 or more courses in both Sociology and Psychology. In addition SOCY 311 or PSYC 301 must be taken prior to (recommended) or concurrently with this course.

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

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