Pre-Social Work Transfer Pathway Course List

This course is an introductory study of human biology. The scientific method, biological molecules, and cell biology will be studied as a foundation to learning human histology (the study of tissues) and organ systems. Each human organ system will be investigated to develop an understanding of its contribution to the human body. Current health and social issues, and other diseases related to human biology, will also be studied.

MnTC (Goals 3/NS and 2/CT); (3 Cr – 2 lect, 1 lab)

This is an introductory college writing course designed to help students develop effective writing skills for college level work.  Students learn to generate ideas and organize them into unified, coherent essays.  Methods of instruction vary, but most sections combine individual conferences and peer review with regular class meetings.  Prerequisites:  A grade of C or higher in ENGL 0960 or appropriate placement score.

MnTC (Goals 1/CM and Goal 2/CT); (3 Cr – 3 lect, 0 lab)

This is a second semester composition course focused on the writing of an academic research paper.  Students learn how to employ the resources of an academic library and how to cite those sources in a fully documented analytical/interpretive term paper.  Prerequisites: ENGL 1101.

MnTC (Goals 1/CM and 2/CT); (3 Cr - 3 lect, 0 lab)

This course is an introduction to global physical geography which systematically examines the spatial patterns and interrelationships among physical elements at Earth’s surface. Students study Earth’s physical environment, its systems, and the physical processes that drive them including weather, climate, natural vegetation, soil, and various landforms. Current environmental issues will be discussed and a scientific foundation provided for understanding global warming, geoengineering of weather, and geospatial technologies among others. These topics are not only discussed in groups but also explored in a hands-on manner with in-field exercises and lab-like activities.

MnTC (Goal 3/NS and 10/PE); (3 Cr – 3 lect, 0 lab)

This course examines the history of human services and social work and the current roles, responsibilities, and workplace settings of social workers and human service workers. Many current policies and laws drive the function and focus of the social worker and human service worker. To understand more fully the functions of these policies and laws, this course examines a few of the important policies and laws that affect workers in this field. The NASW, NOHS, and ACA Code of Ethics will be discussed and closely reviewed during the course as well as the basic skills and interventions that are required of generalist social workers and human service workers.

• (3 Cr – 3 lect, 0 lab)

This course is designed to introduce students to the impact that chemical dependency/substance use disorders/addiction have on the individual, family, and society. Students are introduced to the progression of the illness, treatment options, and the recovery process. Using the strengths-based perspective, current topics such as divorce, blended families, elderly, and mental illness are explored as they relate to chemical dependency. This course is intended to expand the student's awareness of the importance of understanding family dynamics in working with clients and addiction throughout the lifespan. (3 Cr – 3 lect, 0 lab)

This course focuses on enhancing communications skills by learning beginning counseling skills such as active listening, restating, paraphrasing, termination, and using empathy to understand unstated feelings. Students explore responsibilities of the client and helper relationship and assess the helper’s role in effective communication. Students examine how these skills affect rapport and therapeutic interventions. Guided encounters, discussions, presentations, and assigned projects help the students develop their skills.

• (3 Cr – 3 lect, 0 lab)

This course focuses on clarifying the role of the practitioner when intervening in helping relationships. Commonly used intervention and treatment approaches are explored including: crisis intervention skills, one-to-one counseling skills, positive parenting, verbal de-escalation skills, natural and logical consequences, basic behavior modification skills, and grief and loss counseling skills. Mandated reporting is explored as it relates to children and vulnerable adults. Minnesota statutory guidelines and federal laws are reviewed.

• (3 Cr – 3 lect, 0 lab)

This course provides students with the opportunity to experience human service work under the supervision of experienced workers. Students perform 165 hours of field experience and spend an additional 10 hours in the classroom preparing for and processing these experiences. Students learn more about social work/human services and are better prepared for future career decisions in the human service and social work field.

• (4 Cr – 4 lect, 0 lab)

This course examines the major world religions and their “sub-groups.” Emphasis is placed on when, where and under what influences the various religions developed, the geographical areas of the world where the religions are located, as well as the primary tenets, qualities and characteristics of the religions. The course examines the place and role of religion in human life.

• MnTC (Goals 6/HU and 8/GP);

• (3 Cr – 3 lect, 0 lab)

This course is an introduction of basic statistical methods including sampling, analyzing a research study, measures of central tendency and dispersion, probability, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing of means and proportions, Chi-square, analysis of variance, correlation, and regression. The use of statistical software is included in this course. College-level reading ability in English is strongly recommended. Prerequisite: Math 0660 or appropriate placement in course based on Multiple Measures for Course Placement – Math Decision Band Chart. MnTC (Goals 4/MA and 2/CT); (4 Cr - 4 lect, 0 lab)

This course is a study of the United States national government in all of its aspects with special emphasis placed on constitutional theory, major governmental institutions and the national political culture and practice.

• MnTC (Goals 5/SS and 9/EC);

• (3 Cr – 3 lect, 0 lab)

This course introduces the student to general topics in psychology and is designed to provide an overview of the field of psychology and human behavior. Topics include psychology as a behavioral science, the scientific method, biological foundations of behavior, sensation, perception, consciousness, learning, memory, thinking, language, intelligence, motivation, emotion, lifespan development, social psychology, stress and coping, and a brief overview of psychological disorders and therapies.

• MnTC (Goal 5/SS and Goal 7A/HD);

• (4 Cr – 4 lect, 0 lab)

This course explores human growth and development from the prenatal through adult life stages, including aging and death.  Students will examine the interaction between genetics and environment on the individual’s physical, cognitive, and socioemotional development. In addition, family, culture and cohort influences will be explored.

MnTC (Goal 5/SS and Goal 9/EC); (3 Cr – 3 lect, 0 lab)

This course is a survey of the sociological concepts, theories and ideas that have been developed through the scientific study of human interaction. The emphasis of the course is the description and analysis of the nature and characteristics of societies, the structure and processes of social life, the influence of social forces on individuals and groups with an emphasis on cultural diversity and globalism.

• MnTC (Goals 5/SS and 7A/HD);
• (3 Cr – 3 lect, 0 lab)

This course focuses on the theory and practice of public communication including individual and group presentations.  This course emphasizes audience analysis, organization, content development including topic selection and speaking ethics.  Students will prepare and deliver a variety of both individual and group presentations and demonstrate an ability to apply research from diverse sources.  Students should expect to reduce speech apprehension and develop self-confidence in their ability to communicate in public.

MnTC (Goals 1/CM and 9/EC); (3 Cr – 3 lect, 0 lab)

This course examines the interconnections between communication and culture and the need for intercultural communication competency in our global and ever-changing world. Students will assess the impact of cultural perceptions and bias, and how they affect communication behaviors in real contexts. Students read, observe, discuss, listen, and present about how culture impacts communication processes and shapes cultural identity and communication. There will be an emphasis on learning communication skills to better enable students to communicate with people from other cultures.

• MnTC (Goals 1/C and 7A/HD);
• (3 Cr – 3 lect, 0 lab)