Rehabilitation Science Course Descriptions
RS 2003: Introduction to Rehabilitation Science
A survey of the history, philosophy, and roles of the rehabilitation and social services movement. In addition, the course will focus on public attitudes toward people with disability, adjustment to disability, and an orientation to the various community resources which can be utilized toward the rehabilitation of people with disabilities.
Note: A grade of C or better is required for Rehabilitation Science majors.
RS 2033: Introduction to Vocational Rehabilitation
Prerequisite: RS 2003.
An overview of the history, philosophy, and legal basis of vocational rehabilitation plus an in-depth study of the case process. This class will emphasize the vocational rehabilitation process through studying closed case files and case recording procedures.
RS 2043: Introduction to Social Services
Prerequisite: RS 2003.
An introduction to the history, philosophy, and legal basis of the social services movement. This class will also emphasize the social service case process and case management practices.
RS 2163: Introduction to Addictions
Prerequisites: RS 2003, PSY 2003, SOC 1003, or consent of the instructor.
A study of drug abuse emphasizing etiology, patterns of use and abuse, and problems related to research and approaches to treatment.
RS 3003: Medical and Psychosocial Aspects of Disability
Prerequisite: RS 2003.
A study of the etiology, treatment, and prognosis of various disabling conditions. Emphasis will be placed on medical information as received in medical reports, and as related to vocational functioning and to the everyday psychological and social adjustment problems associated with disability.
RS 3013: The World of Work
Prerequisite: RS 2003.
A survey of the world of work emphasizing the role of work in our society, how disability changes one's work role, how career choices are made, and placement techniques.
RS 3073: Organization and Structure in the Rehabilitation-Human Services Setting
Prerequisite: RS 2003.
This course will provide the student with an overview of organizational and administrative structure in the rehabilitation human services setting. Additionally, it will focus on the dynamics involved in developing a successful managerial style.
RS 3083: Supported Employment Concepts and Strategies
Prerequisite: RS 2003 and 3013 or consent.
An introduction to the ideas, philosophies, models, concepts, and issues that characterize supported employment. Applications with different disability populations will be reviewed.
RS 3093: Rehabilitation Services for the Aging Adult
Prerequisite: RS 2003.
A study of aging and the elderly from a rehabilitation viewpoint. This course will focus on intervention strategies, actual and potential, that might enable other people to maximize their potential and affect the needs for institutionalization.
RS 3123: Ethics and Professional Development
Prerequisite: RS 2003.
A study of personal values, CRCC, ACA, and APA professional guidelines, and decision making models that will assist future human service practitioners to effectively deal with ethical dilemmas. This course will emphasize critical thinking and problem solving, and will utilize instructor and student generated dilemmas.
Note: A grade of C or better is required for Rehabilitation Science majors.
RS 3133: Diversity and Inclusion in Human Service Settings
Prerequisite: RS 2003 and ANTH 1213 or ANTH 2003.
An introduction to issues of multiculturalism and diversity and the importance of understanding these issues when working with individuals. This class will emphasize understanding one's own culture, examine various cultures including disability, and stress the importance of understanding each individual in relationship to his/her culture.
RS 3141, 3142, 3143: Rehabilitation Science Seminar
Prerequisite: RS 2003.
A directed seminar in an area of rehabilitation science. The specific focus will depend upon research underway, community or student need, and the unique educational opportunity available.
Note: May be repeated for credit if course content differs.
RS 3153: Assistive Technology in Rehabilitation Settings
Prerequisite: RS 2003 or consent.
A study of the types of technology devices and services available to individuals with disabilities. Emphasis will be placed on knowledge of resources, assessment of individual needs, funding of devices and services, and methods to use assistive technology to improve the quality of life for all individuals.
RS 3163: Addictions Assessment, Planning, and Treatment Strategies
Prerequisite: RS 2003 or consent of instructor.
A study and assessment of addiction disorders and related treatment planning approaches with an overview of evidence based intervention techniques and strategies. Group facilitation skills and meeting cultural issues in the group setting will be addressed.
RS 3173: Addictions and the Family
Prerequisite: RS 2003 or consent of instructor.
A study of the impact of addictions upon families, the social fabric of the nation. The course includes a review of family systems theory and family addictions counseling models.
RS 3183: Mental Health Issues in Rehabilitation Settings
Prerequisite: RS 2003.
This course is a survey of various mental health diagnoses/conditions and their influence and treatment within the field of rehabilitation services. The objective of the course is to serve as an overview of: 1. the nature of psychiatric illness/ disorder, 2. the principles and methodologies of psychiatric rehabilitation, 3. the settings in which the principles of psychiatric rehabilitation might be applied.
RS 3204: Interviewing Skills
Prerequisite: RS 2003.
This course is designed to facilitate basic mastery of core communication skills (micro skills) necessary to build meaningful and effective helping relationships. Students will need to think, be creative, and practice in order to transfer the micro skills they learn to outside the classroom. Rehabilitation Science is an applied program of study. RS 3023 is a prerequisite methods course which prepares students for field placement activities such interviewing and interpersonal communication, and geared for students who plan on providing direct client/patient services in their future careers and/or for all students who have an interest in helping and/or want to improve their interpersonal communication skills. This course is intended to challenge students to increase their self-awareness, sensitivity, and competence to communicate in authentic and sensitive ways to better connect and communicate with others from diverse backgrounds. In addition, this course will provide an introduction to person-centered counseling theory which will be used as a model throughout this principles (i.e. empathy, unconditional positive regards, and genuineness) of the person-centered approach will be emphasized.
Note: A grade of C or better is required for Rehabilitation Science majors.
RS 3243: Social Services for Individuals and Families
Prerequisite: RS 2003.
A study of the varied and numerous services offered by federal, state, and privately funded social service programs with an emphasis on protective services, foster care, and adoption services.
RS 4012: Internship in Rehabilitation Services
(Twelve hour course)
Prerequisites: RS 2003, grade of C or higher in RS 3023, rehab major, senior standing, 2.00 cumulative grade point average, and consent of the instructor.
A full-time, one semester supervised internship in a rehabilitation or social services setting, either public or private. Emphasis will be placed on the student acquiring first-hand experience and entry level skills in practitioner roles such as case management, interviewing and counseling, and coordination of client services among the various community helping services.
Note: The purchase of professional liability insurance is required.
Note: A grade of C or better is required for Rehabilitation Science majors.
RS 4023: Case Management Strategies
Prerequisite: RS 2003.
This course is an introduction to case management and caseload management procedures, techniques, and issues. The relationship of evaluation, counseling, vocational rehabilitation, independent living, and utilization of community resources is investigated. RS 4023 is a prerequisite methods course which prepares students for field placement activities such as case management, caseload management, interviewing, and interpersonal communication and management skills, including computer applications and technologies for caseload management are presented.
Note: A grade of C or better is required for Rehabilitation Science majors.
RS 4084: Field Placement Related to Child Welfare Services
Prerequisites: RS 2003, RS 3043, RS 3243, grade of C or higher in RS 3023, senior standing, completion of at least six hours in the related emphasis area, 2.50 grade point average, and consent of the instructor.
A supervised 14-week field placement in a Division of Children and Family Services setting. Emphasis will be placed on the student's acquiring first-hand experiences in practitioner roles such as case management, interviewing, risk assessment, interagency collaboration, crisis management, and problem solving.
Note: The purchase of professional liability insurance is required.
RS 4104: Service Learning in Rehabilitation Science
Prerequisites: RS 2003, RS 3203, RS 3123, and RS 4023 with a C or better. For students choosing RS 4012, the internship option, this course may only be taken with permission from the Rehabilitation Science Program Director.
This course is designed to provide students with the opportunity to engage in rehabilitation related work in the community. Students will have the opportunity to complete volunteer work and contribute to others while utilizing rehabilitation related concepts learned in the classroom. This course must be completed before enrolling in RS 4024 and RS 4034.
Note: A grade of C or better is required for Rehabilitation Science majors.
RS 4123: Survey of Counseling Theories
Prerequisites: RS 2003 and PSY 2003 or consent of the instructor.
A comparative study of the major theories of counseling, stressing their philosophical views of mankind, assumptions, techniques, strengths, and weaknesses.
RS 4133: Seminar in Severe Disabilities
Prerequisite: PSY 2003, RS 2003, or consent.
A study of what makes a disabling condition a severe disability. This course will stress independent research and class presentations by the students dealing with the various severe disabilities.
RS 4143: Disabilities throughout the Life Span
Prerequisite: PSY 2003, RS 2003, or consent.
A study of the delivery of services to, and the rehabilitation of, those handicapped individuals classified as being developmentally disabled, i.e., mental retardation, cerebral palsy, and epilepsy. Emphasis will be placed on prevocational, vocational, and community-living training for such individuals and the planning required for the provision of such services.
RS 4173: Family Centered Services
Prerequisites: RS 2003, RS 3023, and 3243 or consent of the instructor.
An advanced course focusing upon family and community strengths and child welfare practice.
RS 4183: Family Services Seminar
Prerequisites: RS 2003, RS 3023, and 3243 or consent of the instructor.
A capstone course for students emphasizing child welfare services.
RS 4194: Field Placement Experiences
Prerequisites: RS 2003, RS 3204, RS 3123, and RS 4023 all with C or better, junior standing, 2.000 grade point average, and consent of the instructor.
A supervised 14-week field placement (Fall, Spring), or a 10-week field placement (Summer).
Note: This course must be taken twice. It can only be taken once in a semester.
Note: A grade of C or better is required for Rehabilitation Science majors.
RS 4951, 4952, 4953, 4954: Undergraduate Research in Rehabilitation Science
Offered: On demand.
Prerequisites: RS 2003 and departmental approval.
Advanced students carry out independent research activity relating to a significant problem in a major field of study. Supervised by faculty member. Formal report and presentation required. One to four credits depending on problem selected and effort made.
RS 4991, 4992, 4993, 4994: Special Problems in Rehabilitation Science
Prerequisites: RS 2003 and twelve hours of rehabilitation science and prior approval of the Director of Rehabilitation Science.
Independent work under individual guidance of a staff member.