Human Development and Family Studies

Classes

HDFS 230: Human Development and Family Studies

Credits 3 Lecture Hours 3
Designation
DS

This course provides students with theories of biological, cognitive, and psycho-social development from infancy to adulthood and with similarities and differences among individuals and their cultures.

Course Outcomes
  • Compare and contrast the various theories of human development and behavior.
  • Describe biological, cognitive, and psychosocial development for each life-span period.
  • Investigate the existence of similarities, differences, and uniqueness in human development among individuals and their culture.
  • Apply human development theories and concepts to personal, social, educational, and occupational experiences. 

HDFS 231: Infancy and Early Childhood

Credits 3 Lecture Hours 3

Growth and development from the prenatal period to age 5. Historical and current issues and research based on ecological, cross-cultural perspectives. Focus on optimal development.

Prerequisites

Grade of C or better in HDFS 230.

Course Outcomes
  • Discuss the major milestones of children from conception through age 5 in the main domains of physical, cognitive, and socio-emotional development.
  • Discuss the major theories of child development.
  • Discuss the interplay between the children and their environmental system (physical settings, family, peers, childcare, neighborhood, economics, social policy, and culture).
  • Plan a study to demonstrate basic research skills.

HDFS 232: Childhood

Credits 3 Lecture Hours 3

Intensive investigation into developmental aspects of 6–12 year old children. Historical and current issues, research, and examination of the role of schools and other community resources. Focus on optimal development.

Prerequisites

Grade of C or better in HDFS 230.

Course Outcomes
  • Discuss the major milestones of children from conception through ages 6-12 in the main domains of physical, cognitive, and socio-emotional development.
  • Discuss the major theories of child development.
  • Discuss the interplay between children and their various physical, social, and economic environments.
  • Access credible information sources on childhood development.
  • Discuss current issues in the field of Human Development and Family Studies.

HDFS 241: Parenting

Credits 3 Lecture Hours 3

Parenting theories, methods, skills, issues, and resources; parent-child relations in various cultural contexts.

Prerequisites

Grade of C or better in HDFS 230.

Course Outcomes
  • Discuss different concepts of democratic parenting.
  • Demonstrate democratic parenting skills.
  • Discuss multiple parenting styles and the Adlerian Philosophy.
  • Plan an activity or event to support based on the Five Family Protective Factors to support effective and harmonious families.