Human Relations (B.A.)

This undergraduate program is offered by the School of Professional Studies.

Faculty

Dr. Daryl Thorne, Assistant Professor of Human Relations (program chair)

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 the School of Professional Studies.

Program Learning Goals

  • Knowledge Base in Psychology and Sociology
  • Scientific Inquiry and Critical Thinking
  • Ethical and Social Responsibility in a Diverse World
  • Communication
  • Professional Development

Program Learning Outcomes

  1. Engage basic qualitative and quantitative research designs.
  2. Use the major theoretical models to interpret human behavior in society.
  3. Identify contradictory or oversimplified arguments based on knowledge of psychological and sociological theories and research.
  4. Analyze ethical standards at the individual, group, and systems levels relevant to social justice and equity for diverse communities.
  5. Utilize interdisciplinary approach to develop innovative advocacy initiatives for diverse and oppressed communities.

Major Requirements

Required Courses (39 credits)

ALL of the following courses:

  • SOCY 100 Introduction to Sociology
  • PSYC 101 Introductory Psychology
  • SSC 207 Writing for the Social Sciences
  • MATH 110 Introduction to Statistics
    • Pre-requisite:
      MATH 109 Foundations of Mathematics
  • SSC 350 Interdisciplinary Research Methods
  • HUMR 499 Senior Seminar Senior Seminar
    • Pre-requisite:
      SSC 350 Interdisciplinary Research Methods
      or
      PSYC 301 Experimental Psychology: Research Methods

ONE of the following psychology courses:

  • PSYC 211 Social Psychology
  • PSYC 221 Psychopathology
  • PSYC 231 Child Psychology or EDCC 215 Human Growth & Devlopment

ONE of the following sociology courses:

  • SOCY 321 Inequality and Society
  • SOCY 421 Sociological Theory

Major-Elective Courses (required):

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: Practicum; students may substitute ONE HUMR course*)

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

*Human Relations electives include:

  • HUMR 211 Introduction to Social Work
  • HUMR 212 Introduction to Counseling for the Helping Professions
  • HUMR 301 Seminar: Perspectives on Gender
  • HUMR 350 Multicultural Social Work
    • Prerequisite HUMR 211 Introduction to Social Work

Human Relations students with junior or senior status in their major are eligible for:

  • PSYC 490 Practicum
  • PSYC 491 Psychology 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).

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 Academic Plan is also available on Self-Service. 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.

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 must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 in courses counted to fulfill requirements for the major. Only courses in which the student has earned a C- or above can be accepted as fulfilling major requirements.

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

TELL Policy:
Students applying for credit in experiential learning should consult with the program faculty. [/catalog-courses]

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 in addition to HUMR 499.

Course Descriptions

HUMR 201 Introduction to Human Relations
HUMR 211 Introduction to Social Work
HUMR 212 Introduction to Counseling for the Helping Professions
HUMR 214 Family Violence and Child Abuse
HUMR 301 Seminar: Perspectives on Gender
HUMR 323 Race & Racism in Society
HUMR 341 Women, Men, & Complex Organizations
HUMR 343 Conflict Resolution
HUMR 350 Multicultural Social Work
HUMR 360 Indigenous Peoples & Social Justice
HUMR 420 Group Counseling
HUMR 499 Senior Seminar
SSC 350 Interdisciplinary Research Methods