Course descriptions for Human Development

Introduction to Child Development presents the major theories of child development and the milestones of physical, social/emotional, and cognitive development from the prenatal period through adolescence. Students identify the characteristics of play and their impact on development; describe the social development of children and adolescents including persons with special needs; understand the effects of a broad range of influences on development, including environmental (e.g. family, school, childcare, media, early intervention), cultural, economic, and gender; and identify sources of possible abuse and neglect and describe their impact on development. (Offered every semester.)

In Close Relationships and Family Development, students learn about the formation of romantic relationships, mate selection, dating, gay and lesbian relationships, theories of love, and marriage. In addition, students study the formation of families, family development across the lifespan, parenting, and diversity in families. Special emphasis is given to contextual influences on families.

This course explores how different forms of technology (e.g., video games, cell phones), and media (e.g., T.V.) mediate the course of human development. Course content focuses on physical, cognitive/language and socio-emotional developmental domains, exploring how technology and media are (1) integrated into everyday contexts and activities, (2) linked to specific issues of development across the lifespan, and (3) generate policy and research debates regarding their use and misuse.

Lifespan Development: Transition & Change surveys theoretical perspectives of human growth and development across the life span and draws from current social science research in examining the complex array of social, psychological, and cultural forces that combine to determine each individual's life course. Emphasizes applications to real world settings and successful passage through the life course. (Offered spring semester.)

Cross-Cultural Human Development: In this course, students will learn how human development is influenced by, and influences, cultural norms and practices, and how culture plays a role in physical, cognitive, language, and socio-emotional development from infancy through old age. Developmental topics such as the family, socialization, language, gender, childrearing, schooling, health, and life events such as birth, rites of passage, marriage, and death will be examined through the lenses of cultural communities, cultural groups, and cultural institutions within the U.S. and internationally.

Behavioral & Emotional Disorders of Childhood & Adolescence explores common behavioral and emotional disorders which occur during childhood and adolescence such as attention deficit disorder, autism, depression, eating disorders, and conduct disorders. Physiological and environmental origins of the disorders are discussed as well as prevention, intervention, and treatment. Multidisciplinary and multicultural perspectives are included. (Offered fall semester.)

Infancy & Early Childhood focuses on developmental, behavioral, and other psychological theories in providing a rigorous introduction to the various biological, social, and cultural factors known to contribute to human growth and development during the initial phases of life (prenatal to preschool). Readings emphasize research and application in family and social settings. Human Development minor content course. Formerly LS 356. (Offered fall semester.)

Child Development provides a rigorous overview of theories and research concerning child growth and development. Focuses on children's social, cognitive, and psychological development with emphasis on multicultural and social policy issues. Addresses the current conditions of children in the local community and globally, emphasizing the need for diverse and culturally competent policies and practices. Formerly LS 360. (Offered every semester.)

Adolescence focuses on psychological, biological cognitive, and other ecological theories in examining adolescent development. The impact of culture and context on identity development and on successful transition to adulthood is emphasized. Human Development minor course. Formerly LS 365. (Offered every semester.)

Observation and Assessment introduces students to the strategies, techniques, and ethics of observing and recording student interactions in the classroom and the impact of culture upon those observations. Introduces a variety of assessment strategies and techniques. Human Development minor course. Formerly LS 366. (Offered only as interest warrants.)

Adulthood & Aging focuses on the theories and understanding of early adulthood, middle adulthood, and late adulthood. Emphasizes the consolidation of personal identity, the primary factors of adulthood, and healthy and successful aging. Draws readings from diverse sources, including psychological and sociological research and media. Formerly LS 371. (Offered fall semester.)

Geriatrics & Gerontology examines the key issues, complexities, and challenges around changing health and service systems in the aging process. Addresses the etiology of life altering events, quality of life for the elderly, and end of life choices. Issues are addressed from multicultural and international perspectives. Formerly LS 377. (Offered only as interest warrants.)

Service Learning in Human Development: In this course, students will apply and evaluate HDEV theory to service learning experiences, reflect on their SL experience and site as it applies to their professional development, develop skills in reflective, ethical, strengths- based practices for human development, and strengthen their interpersonal and intrapersonal abilities in their SL experience and area of study.

Special Topics courses study a particular topic in Human Development on an experimental or time-limited basis. May be repeated for credit when topics vary. (Offered only as interest warrants.) (Credit/ No Credit Available)

Allows upper-division students to pursue courses on special topics. May involve such activities as readings and reactions to papers, term papers, reports on life experiences, and action research. (Offered only as interest warrants.)

Allows upper-division students to pursue courses on special topics. Requires completion of a community service project. May involve such activities as readings and reactions to papers, term papers, reports on life experiences, and action research. (Offered only as interest warrants.)