HUMSERV 101 : Psychology for Human Services

Education and Social Work

2021 Semester One (1213) (15 POINTS)

Course Prescription

An introduction to the study of psychology and its application to working in human services. Students will explore key theorists and theories of psychology. A particular emphasis on learning theory, developmental processes of social, cognitive, moral and personality interaction. A central theme is an understanding of human behaviour in social settings.

Course Overview

This is an introductory course in applied psychology designed for individuals interested in applying psychological knowledge and interventions to understand and support others. Ideas explored in this course include: the influence of gender and culture on human beliefs and behaviour, personality theories, the impact of stress on health and adaptive coping strategies, the psychological roots of prejudice, power and social influence, human brain function, psychological disorders and psychotherapeutic treatment options. 

Course Requirements

No pre-requisites or restrictions

Capabilities Developed in this Course

Capability 1: Disciplinary Knowledge and Practice
Capability 2: Critical Thinking
Capability 3: Solution Seeking
Capability 4: Communication and Engagement
Capability 5: Independence and Integrity
Capability 6: Social and Environmental Responsibilities
Graduate Profile: Bachelor of Social Work

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:
  1. Demonstrate an understanding of influential theories, concepts and methods from the fields of cultural, personality, social, clinical psychology and neuroscience. (Capability 1.2, 2.2, 2.3, 3.1, 4.2, 6.1 and 6.3)
  2. Demonstrate an understanding of how biological and social factors influence human perception, cognition and behaviour. (Capability 1.2, 2.2, 2.3, 3.1, 4.2 and 6.3)
  3. Analyse individual behaviour from different theoretical perspectives. (Capability 1.2, 2.2, 2.3, 4.2, 6.1 and 6.3)
  4. Describe psychological strategies that are used to improve human functioning and identify relevant situations for their use. (Capability 1.2, 1.3, 2.3, 3.1, 3.2 and 5.2)

Assessments

Assessment Type Percentage Classification
Quizzes 20% Individual Coursework
Case Studies 30% Individual Coursework
Final Exam 50% Individual Examination
Assessment Type Learning Outcome Addressed
1 2 3 4
Quizzes
Case Studies
Final Exam

Workload Expectations

This course is a standard 15 point course and students are expected to spend 10 hours per week involved in each 15 point course that they are enrolled in.

For this course, you can expect to spend 1-1.5 hours reviewing online lecture content, 1.5-2 hours participating in the weekly workshop on campus, 4 hours of reading, note-taking and thinking about the content and 3 hours of work on assignments and/or test preparation. 

Delivery Mode

Campus Experience

Attendance is expected at scheduled activities including workshops to successfully complete the components of the course. Lectures will be available as recordings. Other learning activities including workshops will not be available as recordings. The course will not include live online events including group discussions or tutorials.

Attendance on campus is required for the exam.

The activities for the course are scheduled as a standard weekly timetable delivery.

Learning Resources

Required readings will be specified for each week within the course reading list. The following text book is recommended to supplement the weekly required readings:

Weiten, W., Yost Hammer, E., & Dunn, D. (2014). Adjust: Applying Psychology to life. Student Edition. Wadsworth. 

This is an accessible introductory text for undergraduate students. Please note, there is no requirement to purchase the textbook. Copies are available in the Library. 

Student Feedback

At the end of every semester students will be invited to give feedback on the course and teaching through a tool called SET or Qualtrics. The lecturers and course co-ordinators will consider all feedback and respond with summaries and actions.

Your feedback helps teachers to improve the course and its delivery for future students.

Class Representatives in each class can take feedback to the department and faculty staff-student consultative committees.

Feedback from previous students suggests they found the course content challenging and interesting. Regular attendance and keeping up to date with weekly readings and note-taking supports achievement in the course. 

Other Information

To pass this course students must  get an overall  mark of at least 50%.

Digital Resources

Course materials are made available in a learning and collaboration tool called Canvas which also includes reading lists and lecture recordings (where available).

Please remember that the recording of any class on a personal device requires the permission of the instructor.

Academic Integrity

The University of Auckland will not tolerate cheating, or assisting others to cheat, and views cheating in coursework as a serious academic offence. The work that a student submits for grading must be the student's own work, reflecting their learning. Where work from other sources is used, it must be properly acknowledged and referenced. This requirement also applies to sources on the internet. A student's assessed work may be reviewed against online source material using computerised detection mechanisms.

Inclusive Learning

All students are asked to discuss any impairment related requirements privately, face to face and/or in written form with the course coordinator, lecturer or tutor.

Student Disability Services also provides support for students with a wide range of impairments, both visible and invisible, to succeed and excel at the University. For more information and contact details, please visit the Student Disability Services’ website http://disability.auckland.ac.nz

Special Circumstances

If your ability to complete assessed coursework is affected by illness or other personal circumstances outside of your control, contact a member of teaching staff as soon as possible before the assessment is due.

If your personal circumstances significantly affect your performance, or preparation, for an exam or eligible written test, refer to the University’s aegrotat or compassionate consideration page https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/academic-information/exams-and-final-results/during-exams/aegrotat-and-compassionate-consideration.html.

This should be done as soon as possible and no later than seven days after the affected test or exam date.

Learning Continuity

In the event of an unexpected disruption we undertake to maintain the continuity and standard of teaching and learning in all your courses throughout the year. If there are unexpected disruptions the University has contingency plans to ensure that access to your course continues and your assessment is fair, and not compromised. Some adjustments may need to be made in emergencies. You will be kept fully informed by your course co-ordinator, and if disruption occurs you should refer to the University Website for information about how to proceed.

Student Charter and Responsibilities

The Student Charter assumes and acknowledges that students are active participants in the learning process and that they have responsibilities to the institution and the international community of scholars. The University expects that students will act at all times in a way that demonstrates respect for the rights of other students and staff so that the learning environment is both safe and productive. For further information visit Student Charter https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/forms-policies-and-guidelines/student-policies-and-guidelines/student-charter.html.

Disclaimer

Elements of this outline may be subject to change. The latest information about the course will be available for enrolled students in Canvas.

In this course you may be asked to submit your coursework assessments digitally. The University reserves the right to conduct scheduled tests and examinations for this course online or through the use of computers or other electronic devices. Where tests or examinations are conducted online remote invigilation arrangements may be used. The final decision on the completion mode for a test or examination, and remote invigilation arrangements where applicable, will be advised to students at least 10 days prior to the scheduled date of the assessment, or in the case of an examination when the examination timetable is published.

Published on 07/12/2020 07:40 p.m.