HDFS Core Courses

HDFS 117 Lifespan Human Development

This introductory course is designed to give students an understanding of human development across the lifespan. Topics covered include theories of development, research methods for studying human development, physical growth and development, cognitive development, personality development, as well as social and moral development across the lifespan. The emphasis of the course is on addressing a topical approach to normative lifespan development and learning how research and theories help elucidate these topics.

Offered: Fall 2024, Spring 2024, Summer 2024, Winter 2023
HDFS 197A Introduction to Family Studies and Human Development

The focus of this 1-unit workshop is to help students successfully transition into the Family Studies & Human Development (FSHD) pre-major. Topics include: student success and time management, exploration of campus resources, professionalism, FSHD academic advising and graduation planning, academic writing, and personal exploration of careers and internships related to FSHD. This class combines activities, discussions, and guest speakers to help students explore interests, develop goals, and create meaningful experiences.

Offered: Spring 2024
HDFS 237 Love, Intimacy, and Relationships

Behavioral science approach to close relationship development.

Offered: Fall 2024, Summer 2024
HDFS 257 Contemporary Families

Family relationships can be rewarding, challenging, complicated, and more. This course overviews research from the family science field covering topics related to contemporary family life including gender roles, work/family balance, marriage, parenthood, divorce, blended families, family violence, and related topics.

Offered: Fall 2024, Spring 2024, Summer 2024
HDFS 323 Infancy/Child Development

Growth, development, and socialization of the child within the family setting, from conception to the middle school years; observations of infants and preschoolers.

Offered: Fall 2024, Summer 2024
HDFS 377 Adolescence

This course is designed to provide you with an in-depth understanding of adolescent development, including the relationships between theory, research, and practice. We will examine various aspects of adolescent development, focusing on the major developmental milestones (such as identity, intimacy, and sexuality), transitions, strengths, and challenges of adolescents, as well as the contexts in which these occur. Additionally, this course will introduce you to the practice of working with adolescents and their caregivers, and provide opportunities for you to apply research and theory to specific issues of adolescent development (such as best practices for structuring out of school programs).

Offered: Fall 2024, Spring 2024, Summer 2024
HDFS 384 Leadership, Ethics, and Professional Practices

Theories and applications of leadership and communication applied to professional decision-making, planning and control in the workplace. Examination of personal and professional qualities essential for successful internship and career planning. Roles, responsibilities, and ethical standards for professionals will be examined.

Offered: Fall 2024, Spring 2024
HDFS 413 Issues in Aging

This course addresses major issues facing older adults and their families, society, and how earlier life experiences influence our older adult years. This class will tackle questions such as: What opportunities and challenges do adults face as they age? What resources and barriers shape their lives? How do physiological, psychological, interpersonal/family, economic, and socio-historical factors affect the experience of aging? How do gender, social class, and ethnicity influence the experience of aging? How do government policies, community services, the healthcare system, and health interventions affect the lives and well-being of older adults?

Offered: Fall 2024, Spring 2024, Summer 2024, Winter 2023
HDFS 427A Mental Health & the Family: Adulthood

This course overviews a variety of mental illnesses and relationship problems in adulthood, with specific focus on how those issues impact individuals and their family systems. Prevention and treatment approaches for these issues are discussed, including research-supported therapeutic approaches and family-based strategies.

Offered: Fall 2024, Spring 2024
HDFS 427C Mental Health & the Family: Childhood & Adolescence

This course overviews intellectual disability, learning disabilities, and a variety of mental illnesses in childhood and adolescence, with specific focus on how those issues impact individuals and their family systems. Prevention and treatment approaches for these issues are discussed, including play-based and other therapeutic interventions, family-based methods, and school and community strategies.

Offered: Fall 2024, Spring 2024, Summer 2024
HDFS 447A Sociocultural Context of Development

In-depth examination of human development from a sociocultural perspective; focus on socialization processes in childhood and adolescence and the role of the social and cultural context in those processes.

Offered: Fall 2024, Spring 2024
HDFS 487 Theories of Interpersonal & Family Relationships

Critical analysis of selected studies and current research in family relations.

Offered: Fall 2024, Spring 2024