Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS)

Office: Room 106, Family Studies Building
For major requirements, see the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences section of this Catalog .

180. Close Relationships Across the Lifespan

Either semester. Three credits.

 Theory and research on topics in the close relationship literature including attraction, relationship development and maintenance, friendship and social support, love, sexuality, intimacy, power, communication, conflict, dissolution and divorce, and bereavement. CA 2.

183. Courtship, Marriage, and Sexuality

(Formerly offered as HDFR 183.) Either semester. Three credits.

Development of patterns of interaction in premarital and marital relationships.

190. Individual and Family Development

(Formerly offered as HDFR 190.) Either semester. Three credits.

Human development throughout the life span, with emphasis upon the family as a primary context. CA 2.

195. Special Topics Lecture

Either semester. Credits, prerequisites, and hours as determined by the Senate Curricula and Courses Committee. May be repeated for credit with a change in topic.

201. Diversity Issues in Human Development and Family Studies

(Formerly offered as HDFR 201.) Either semester. Three credits. Recommended preparation: HDFS 190. Open to sophomores or higher. 

Critical issues in diversity and multiculturalism in human development, family relations, and professional practice. CA 4.

202. Human Development: Infancy Through Adolescence

(Formerly offered as HDFR 202.) Either semester. Three credits. Open to sophomores or higher.

Individual development and behavior from prenatal period through adolescence; impact of peers, school, other social agencies, and especially the family.

204. Human Development: Adulthood and Aging

(Formerly offered as HDFR 204.) Either semester. Three credits. Open to sophomores or higher.

Individual development and behavior from young adulthood through later life with special attention given to family and social influences. Physical, cognitive, social and personality changes, role transitions, and interpersonal and intergenerational relationships.

205. Understanding Research Methods in Human Development and Family Studies

Either semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: STAT 100QC or 110QC. Prerequisite or corequisite: HDFS 190. Open only to HDFS majors. Not open for credit to students who have completed HDFR 290.  Open to sophomores or higher.

Overview of research methods used in human development and family studies, with emphasis on (1) the social context in which research occurs and is used, and (2) strengths and limitations of social science research methods. Includes topics such as hypothesis formation, measurement of social variables, research ethics, data collection techniques, and interpreting results. 

205W. Understanding Research Methods in Human Development and Family Studies

Prerequisite: STAT 100QC or 110QC; ENGL 105 or 110 or 111 or 250. Prerequisite or corequisite: HDFS 190. Open only to HDFS majors. 

220. Introduction to Programs for Young Children

(Formerly offered as HDFR 220.) Either semester. Three credits. Open only with consent of instructor. Must be taken concurrently with HDFS 221 or HDFS 224. 

Components of programs designed for infants and young children. Guided observations are integrated with lecture material. Designed for students who intend to work with infants and young children.

221. Programs for Young Children: Introductory Laboratory

(Formerly offered as HDFR 221.) Either semester. One credit. One 2-hour laboratory by arrangement. Open only to students concurrently enrolled in HDFS 220, and open only with consent of instructor.

Guided observation and participation in a program for young children.

222. Integrated Curriculum Methods and Materials for Infants and Toddlers

(Formerly offered as HDFR 222.) Either semester. Three credits. Two class periods and one 2-hour laboratory period. Open only with instructor consent.

Integration of child development theory with best teaching practices for developmentally appropriate learning for children from birth to three years in specific domains including arts, sensory motor, social/emotional, and physical development.

223. Integrated Curriculum Methods and Materials for Preschool and Kindergarten

(Formerly offered as HDFR 223.) Either semester. Three credits. Two class periods and one 2-hour laboratory period. Open only with instructor consent.

Integration of child development theory with best teaching practices for developmentally appropriate learning for children from preschool through kindergarten in specific domains including cognitive development, mathematical and scientific thinking, social studies, and personal/social development.

224.Child Development Laboratory: Fieldwork Practicum

(Formerly offered as HDFR 224.) Either semester. Four credits. Prerequisite: Completion of or concurrent enrollment in HDFS 222 and 231 or HDFS 223 and 232. Open only with instructor consent. Recommended preparation: HDFS 220. Weekly seminar. Practicum by arrangement.

Supervised participation with typically developing and special needs children within the Child Development Lab classrooms. Topics will include observation and assessment and the role of play in development and interventions.

225. Analysis of Programs for Young Children

(Formerly offered as HDFR 225.) Either semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: HDFS 220 or equivalent.

Analytic study of programs designed for young children and their families. Includes historical, social, philosophical, and psychological foundations of education, prevention and intervention programs as well as theories, specific models, cultural and subcultural issues, parental involvement, and evaluation procedures.

226. Emergent Literacy and Language Arts in Early Childhood Education

Either semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: HDFS 202 or PSYC 236.

Developmentally and individually appropriate integrated curriculum methods and materials in emergent literacy and language arts for children birth to eight.

227. Child Development Laboratory: Supervised Teaching Practicum

(Formerly offered as HDFR 227.) Either semester. Nine credits. Two class periods and laboratory by arrangement. Prerequisites: HDFS 202, 220, 222, 223, 224, 231, 232, and either 235 or 236; GPA of 2.7 in HDFS courses, and instructor consent.

Supervised teaching experience within the Child Development Labs or approved early education center.

228. Child Development Laboratory: Advanced Teaching Practicum

(Formerly offered as HDFR 228.) Either semester. Six credits. Two class periods and laboratory by arrangement. Prerequisite: HDFS 227, GPA of 2.5 in HDFS courses, and consent of instructor.

Continuation of HDFS 227. Experience in early childhood program implementation, administration, staff supervising, policy making, and curriculum planning.

230. Current Topics in Early Childhood Education

(Formerly offered as HDFR 230.) Semester and hours by arrangement. Variable credits. Open only with consent of instructor. With a change in content this course may be repeated for credit.

In-depth investigation of a current issue in early childhood education (e.g. emergent literacy, diversity), with focus on recent research and application to classroom practice. Includes classroom instruction and laboratory observation.

231. Infancy and Toddler Development

(Formerly offered as HDFR 231.) Either semester. Three credits. Prerequisite or corequisite: HDFS 205 or PSYC 202 or SOCI 205. Prerequisite: HDFS 202 or PSYC 236.

Human development from birth through the second year of life within the family setting.

232. Early and Middle Childhood Development

Second semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: HDFS 202 or PSYC 236. Prerequisite or corequsite: HDFS 205 or PSYC 202 or SOCI 205.

Study of children ages 3-8 years from an integrated human development perspective that focuses on the interdependence of physical growth and cognitive, emotional, and social development.

234. Social and Personality Development During Childhood

(Formerly offered as HDFR 234.) Either semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: HDFS 202 or PSYC 236.

Social and personality development during infancy and childhood; influence of family members, peers, and social institutions on development; aggression, pro-social behaviors, autonomy, self-concept, sex-role development, and moral development.

235. Observing Infant and Toddler Development

First semester. One credit. Weekly seminar. Lab by arrangement. Prerequisite or corequisite: HDFS 231. Not open to students who have passed HDFS 236.

Observation of children ages 8 weeks to two years in early care and education programs.

236. Observing Early and Middle Childhood Development

Second semester. One credit. Weekly seminar. Lab by arrangement. Prerequisite or corequisite: HDFS 232. Not open to students who have passed HDFS 235.

240. The Family-School Partnership

(Formerly offered as HDFR 240.) Either semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: HDFS 190 or HDFS 202 or PSYC 236.

The role of families in the education process. The effective family-school-community partnership in educating children: Communications and the implications of culture, socio-economics, family form, family dynamics, family supports, and public policy.

245. Parent-Child Relations in Cross-Cultural Perspective

(Also offered as ANTH 245.) (Formerly offered as HDFR 245.) Either semester. Three credits. 

Theory and research on major dimensions of parenting in the U.S.A. and cross-culturally: parental warmth, control and punishment.

248. Aging in American Society

(Also offered as SOCI 248.) (Formerly offered as HDFR 248.) Either semester. Three credits. 

Social gerontology: the role and status of older people in a changing society.

248W. Aging in American Society

(Also offered as SOCI 248W.) (Formerly offered as HDFR 248W.)
Prerequisite: ENGL 105 or 110 or 111 or 250.

250. Gender and Aging

(Formerly offered as HDFR 250.) Either semester. Three credits.

Aging process as it impacts on men and women; historical and cross-cultural perspectives, changing family roles, including grandparenthood and widowhood, and implications of changing gender roles for self-actualization of older persons.

252. Death, Dying, and Bereavement

(Formerly offered as HDFR 252.) Either semester. Three credits.

Cultural context of death, personal meaning of death at different stages in life cycle, and the effect of death upon survivors.

259. Men and Masculinity: A Social Psychological Perspective

(Formerly offered as HDFR 259.) Either semester. Three credits.

Men's gender role socialization over the life span; men's developmental issues, gender role, conflicts, and interpersonal dynamics with women. Theory, research, and personal exploration are integrated. CA 4.

260. Woman: A Developmental Perspective

(Formerly offered as HDFR 260.) Either semester. Three credits.

Development of women and women's roles from birth to maturity; physiological, psychological, sociological, and interpersonal systems which contribute to development of women across the life span; cross-cultural and alternative models for role development.

264. Legal Aspects of Family Life

(Formerly offered as HDFR 264.) Either semester. Three credits.

Law in family life.

266. Introduction to Counseling

(Formerly offered as HDFR 266.) Either semester. Three credits.

Principles of professional counseling including therapeutic processes, roles, and skills. How counselors help people solve problems is explored. Student's psychological growth and development is facilitated through psychological education.

267. Latino Health and Health Care

(Also offered as PRLS 250.) Either semester. Three credits.

Overview of health and health care issues among Latinos in the United States. Particular attention is paid to cultural and social factors associated with health and well being (eg. migration, acculturation, SES).

268. Latinos: Sexuality and Gender

(Also offered as PRLS 251.) Either semester.  Three credits.

Critical discussion of issues involving gender and sexuality among Latinos, with particular attention to race, class, ethnicity, and acculturation.

269. Family Violence

(Formerly offered as HDFR 269.) Either semester. Three credits.

Theory, research, prevention, and treatment concerning the multiple forms of violence within contemporary families. The impact of violence on families and family members over the entire life span is considered. Includes child abuse and neglect, courtship violence, spouse abuse, elder abuse, and rape.

270. Low Income Families

(Formerly offered as HDFR 270). Either semester. Three credits.

Impact of poverty and related problems on development of the child in the context of the family. Family structure, childrearing patterns, early educational and community programs.

271. Black American Family Patterns

(Formerly offered as HDFR 271.) Either semester. Three credits.

Continuities and discontinuities between black American subcultural patterns and dominant cultural norms as reflected by black American families

272. Family and Work

(Formerly offered as HDFR 272.) Either semester. Three credits.

Interaction of the world of work with family structure; social psychological dynamics that enhance or impede working families' lives.

273. Family Interaction Processes

(Formerly offered as HDFR 273.) Either semester. Three credits.

Family interaction: communication processes, bonding behaviors, management of conflict and aggression, negotiation of family crisis.

274. Public Policy and the Family

(Formerly offered as HDFR 274.) Either semester. Three credits. 

Analysis of government programs and policies impacting the family: child care, aging, family law, mental health, family violence, income maintenance, and family impact analysis.

275. Family Pathology

(Formerly offered as HDFR 275.) Either semester. Three credits. 

Theory, research and intervention in families under stress.

276. Planning and Managing Human Service Programs

(Formerly offered as HDFR 276.) Either semester. Three credits.

Planning techniques: needs assessment, data collection and analysis, budgeting, and evaluation. Management skills: decision making, management theory and organizational behavior, personnel motivation, accountability, and financial management.

277. Issues in Human Sexuality

(Formerly offered as HDFR 277.) Either semester. Three credits.

Contemporary issues concerning human sexuality; impact upon individuals and family units.

278. Family in Society

(Formerly offered as HDFR 278.) Either semester. Three credits. 

Sociocultural and historic variability of family and kinship systems. Race, class, gender and ethnicity as those advantage or disadvantage the opportunity structure for families and individuals. Effect of public policy on the quality of family life.

279. History of the Family

(Also offered as HIST 209.) (Formerly offered as HDFR 279.) Either semester. Three credits. Not open for credit to students who have passed HIST 209.

Pre-industrial and industrial family life in Western society since the Middle Ages, with emphasis on the changes in demography, family size and structure, family economy, social expectations, sex roles, sexuality, and affective bonds.

280. Material Culture in American Family Life

(Formerly offered as HDFR 280.) Either semester. Three credits. 

Material culture of the American family; interaction between family members and the artifacts in their near environment; role of personal possessions, household objects, housing and diet in daily family life and rituals over time.

281. Comparative Family Policy

(Formerly offered as HDFR 281.) Either semester. Three credits.

Comparative analysis of government programs and policies impacting families in the United States and other countries. Health and welfare policies, family planning, child care, teen pregnancy, and care of the aged.

283. Family Resource Management

Either semester. Three credits.

Decision-making process of families concerning the utilization of financial, personal, environmental and social resources. 

284. Adolescent Development

(Formerly offered as HDFR 284.) Either semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: HDFS 202 or PSYC 236. Prerequisite or corequisite: HDFS 205 or PSYC 202 or SOCI 205.

Contemporary adolescence, the multiple forces and behavioral characteristics of this period of development.

285. Child Welfare, Law and Social Policy

Either semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: HDFS 202 or PSYC 236 and HDFS 205 or PSYC 202.

Examines the methods through which empirical social science research can affect law and public policy affecting children and families.

287. Parenthood

(Formerly offered as HDFR 287.) Either semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: HDFS 202 or PSYC 236 and HDFS 190 or HDFS 204.

Parent behavior and the dynamics of parenthood; interpersonal, familial, and societal roles of parents and variables influencing these roles across the lifespan.

288. Supervised Field Experience

(Formerly offered as HDFR 288.) Either semester. Three or six credits. May be repeated up to a maximum of six credits. Prerequisites: GPA of 2.5 in HDFS courses, 15 credits of 200 level HDFS courses, and consent of the Director of Undergraduate Studies. Students who do not meet all of these requirements may take the course with the consent of the fieldwork coordinator and of the seminar instructor. Weekly seminar required. Practicum by arrangement.

Supervised participation in settings where purposes and functions are related to the development and welfare of individuals and families.

289. Fieldwork in Community Settings

(Formerly offered as HDFR 289.) Either semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: HDFS 288; GPA of 2.5 in HDFS courses: 15 credits of 200 level HDFS courses and consent of the Director of Undergraduate Studies. Cannot be repeated for credit. Cannot be used towards meeting major requirements in HDFS nor towards meeting GPA requirements in HDFS. Weekly seminar required. Practicum by arrangement.

Supervised participation in settings where purposes and functions are related to the development and welfare of individuals and families.

291. Honors Proseminar 

Second semester. One credit. One class period. Prerequisite: Open only with consent of instructor to students in the Honors Program.  Garey

Overview of the Family Studies Honors Programs and  the  opportunities available through University Honors. Includes written and oral presentations by Family Studies faculty members and discussions with faculty  regarding research. Provides direction to students planning honors theses.

292. Research Practicum in Human Development and Family Studies

(Formerly offered as HDFR 292.) Either semester. Credits and hours by arrangement. Prerequisite: GPA of 2.5 in HDFS courses and consent of instructor. May be taken more than one semester.

Supervised experience conducting research in human development and family studies.

293W. Professional Communication in Human Development and Family Studies

Either semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: HDFS 205W and an additional 12 credits completed in 200-level HDFS courses; ENGL 105 or 110 or 111 or 250. Open only to HDFS majors.

Development of advanced written and oral communication skills required for professional careers and graduate studies. Emphasis is placed on appropriate presentation and writing styles for the diverse audiences and purposes encountered in research and practice.

294. Foreign Study

(Formerly offered as HDFR 294.) Either or both semesters. Credits and hours by arrangement. Consent of Director of Undergraduate Studies required, preferably prior to student's departure. With a change in content, this course may be repeated for credit.

Special topics taken in a foreign study program.

295. Senior Seminar in Reasearch Methods

Either or both semesters. Three Credits. Prerequisites: HDFS 205, 12 credits of 200 - level HDFR/HDFS courses. Open only to Human Development and Family Studies Majors. Open only with consent of instructor.

Students will work as a research team to conduct a research project through all of its phases, from formulating a research question to final presentation of findings. 

296. Honors Thesis

Either semester. Three to six credits. Hours by arrangement. Prerequisite: Open only with consent of instructor to students in the Honors Program. Student must have a thesis advisor and have an approved thesis topic.

Individual study with student's honors thesis supervisor for the purpose of writing the honors thesis.

297. Honors Thesis Preparation Seminar 

First semester. Two credits. Class meets once a week for two hours. Prerequisite: HDFS 291; open only with consent of instructor to students in the Honors Program. Garey

Prepares students to tackle the honors thesis by covering the basics of the thesis process. Course content will focus on strategies to make the thesis manageable, organizational and writing skills, and discussion of seminar members' thesis projects and progress. In this seminar, students form a community of scholars to discuss and support each other's work.

298. Selected Topics in Human Development and Family Studies

(Formerly offered as HDFR 298.) Either semester. Three credits. With a change in content this course may be repeated for credit.

299. Independent Study for Undergraduates

(Formerly offered as HDFR 299.) Either or both semesters. Credits and hours by arrangement.  Prerequisite: HDFS 205. Open only with consent of instructor. May be taken more than one semester.

Students, working with a faculty supervisor, develop plans for an independent research project or review paper, execute the project, and complete a report.