Community Social Service
14 courses · Merritt College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026
COSER 10 Community Resources and Social Policy
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Identification of major social resources: Selective investigation of service agencies through direct observations in the community, followed by study and analysis, evolution of social welfare as an institution, relationship to socio-economic and political forces, and cultural values; changing approaches to social provision, decision-making, and policy formation.
COSER 16B Communication: Families in Crisis
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Principles and methods relating to understanding and working with individuals and families in crisis situations: Examination of family process, rules, and interaction through presentation of theoretical material and involvement in role-play situations; short-term counseling techniques and skills.
COSER 20 Group Dynamics: Working with Small Groups
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Theory and practice of small groups through participation in problem situations which occur in the life of a group: Stages of group development, group climate, roles and leadership.
COSER 21 Psychology/Pharmacology of Drugs of Abuse
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Introduction to the phenomena of psychoactive substances on human behavior and the human body: Examination of the factors involved in addiction, both physical and psychological, as well as the psychological and physiological effects of various categories of psychoactive substances, including exploration of the new pharmacology of designer drugs and their implications for the future.
COSER 22 Social Psychology of Substance/Drug Abuse
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Overview of the social psychology of substance and drug abuse in the United States: Substance abuse in the context of culture and life styles, mores, needs, attitudes, and values of substance abusers as reflected in addiction and in vulnerability to addiction; physical and psychological outcomes of drug addiction; treatment for drug addiction; drug use and its impact on specific populations; and exploration of careers associated with substance abuse and alcohol/drug treatment programs.
COSER 25 Maintaining Sobriety and Relapse Prevention
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
Examination of the dynamics and other variables involved in the establishment of sobriety: Dynamics of addiction; steps, practices, and other factors in maintenance of sobriety; and approaches and techniques to preventing relapse, including life orientation and maintaining success in recovery.
COSER 26 Case Management for Substance Abuse Paraprofessionals
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- ADS 170 X
Study of basic principles of case management for paraprofessionals in the treatment of addiction and substance abuse: Principles and processes of intake, screening, assessment, referral, development of treatment plans, and issues of confidentiality and ethics; importance and value of interdisciplinary collaboration in the treatment of addiction.
COSER 27 Crisis Management for Substance Abuse
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
Study of the basic principles and skills needed to deal with crisis situations arising in the treatment of drug addicts, alcoholics, substance abusers, and individuals with psychological disabilities or mental illness: Crisis intervention protocols and procedures for dealing with suicide, criminal behavior, aggression, domestic violence, sexual abuse, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
COSER 28 Co-Occurring Disorders: Mental Illness and Drug Abuse
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- ADS 190 X
Assessment, referral, and paraprofessional collaboration in working with substance abusers with co-occurring disorders: Frequency of co-occurring disorders in substance abuse; treatment and recovery issues and risk factors found in substances users suffering from co-occuring disorders.
COSER 29 Working with Diverse Populations
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Analysis of human behavior, identity, and communication within diverse cultural, social, and institutional systems: Sociological, psychological, and anthropological perspectives shaping worldviews and interpersonal dynamics; cultural and social organizations across human societies with an examination of research on human behavior with emphasis on cultural humility, decolonizing frameworks, and understanding systemic inequities impacting marginalized, LGBTQIA+, and disabled populations.
COSER 41 Substance Abuse and the Law
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
Overview of the civil and criminal justice system with particular reference to knowledge needed by service workers and police officers who deal with legal problems experienced by substance abusers.
COSER 42 Counseling Skills and Substance Abuse
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
Investigation of counseling skills with particular application to substance abuse: Skills needed by those working with substance abusers in a group/resident setting and in a social model program.
COSER 49 Independent Study in Community Social Services
- Units
- .5-5
- Hours
- .5 - 5 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
In-depth exploration of an area or problem of the student's choice not covered by regular catalog offerings in Community Social Services. Student must obtain approval from an appropriate faculty member. For more details, see the section on independent study in the college catalog.
COSER 476C Work Experience in Community Social Services/Substance Abuse
- Units
- 1-4
- Hours
- 3 - 12 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- COSER 010 or COSER 016B or COSER 020 or COSER 021 or COSER 022 or COSER 025 or COSER 026 or COSER 027 or COSER 028 or COSER 029 or COSER 041 or COSER 042.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Supervised employment providing opportunities in Community Social Services/Substance Abuse or a related field: Develop desirable work habits, become a productive, responsible individual, and extend education experience with on the job training. A maximum of 14 units may be earned during one enrollment period.