Human Development and Family Studies

This course provides a foundation in theory and principles of human development, from conception to early adolescence, including an in-depth study of physical, social, emotional, cognitive, and language development, including children's play. Five hours observing young children, ranging in age from birth to age eight, are required. Writing assignments and oral presentations as appropriate to the discipline are part of the course.

Continuation of Child Development 101. Emphasizes adolescence through late adulthood. Writing assignments, as appropriate to the discipline, are part of the course.

This introductory course explores practices that promote good nutrition, dental, physical and mental health, as well as the safety of infants, toddlers, preschool, and school-aged children in group settings. The course has a dual emphasis on the health, safety, and nutrition of young children and adult students. Health, lifestyle, preventative health, community resources, and emergency response procedures are examined. This course introduces cultural beliefs that influence health, safety, and nutrition. It explores ethical and legal responsibilities of adults in protecting the emotional and physical well-being of young children. Five observation hours observing young children in an early childhood education setting are required. Writing assignments and oral presentations, as appropriate to the discipline, are part of the course.

A study of the social and psychological aspects of human sexuality. Topics include sexual development, cultural influences, gender identity, sexual dysfunctions, love and relationships. Emphasis will be placed on the mental and emotional aspects of human sexuality as well as current issues. Writing assignments, as appropriate to the discipline, are part of the course.

An overview of theories and research related to intimate/romantic relationships as well as family members, friends, and professional. Students will be encouraged to think critically about the various components of healthy relationships including comparative research within self expectations and effects of such as perpetuated by the media and other sources. Topics include communication, conflict, love, stress, strains, and overall impact on relationships. Writing assignments, as appropriate to the discipline, are part of the course.

Course includes information on families and culture through an examination of research on child development, child rearing across cultures, and issues of equity, power and privilege. Readings and discussion on how culture and context influence all aspects of development whereby students gain in-depth understanding of families and lifestyles, communication and conflict, domestic violence, dysfunctions within families and inter-generational families. Course also provides a knowledge base for family assessment, understanding one?s own family, tools to prepare one to work with families in a variety of settings and across the lifespan. Topics such as child rearing, language differences, racial identity, cultural traditions, and socio-economics status will be covered. Writing assignments, as appropriate to the discipline, are part of the course.

Introduction to and history of the professional and practice of family life education, including needs assessment, evaluation of programs, understanding group process, and contexts of family life education. Writing assignments, as appropriate to the discipline, are part of the course.

Participation in occupational area of study, work experience under supervision of both college and employer. Internship objectives developed by student and faculty adviser, with approval of employer, to provide appropriate work-based learning experience at the site 15 hours per week. Writing assignments, as appropriate to the discipline, are part of the course.