Undergraduate Course Directory

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Click on the links below for a list of courses in that subject area. You may then click “View Classes” to see scheduled classes for individual courses.

1060. Close Relationships Across the Lifespan

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

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.

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1070. Individual and Family Development

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: May not be taken out of sequence after passing HDFS 3250 or 4133.

Grading Basis: Graded

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

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1083. Foreign Study

1.00 - 6.00 credits | May be repeated for credit.

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Credits and hours by arrangement. Consent of Director of Undergraduate Studies required, preferably prior to student's departure. Special topics taken in a foreign study program.

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1095. Special Topics Lecture

1.00 - 6.00 credits | May be repeated for a total of 6 credits.

Prerequisites: Prerequisites and recommended preparation vary.

Grading Basis: Graded

Credits, prerequisites and hours as determined by the Senate Curricula and Course Committee.

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2001. Diversity Issues in Human Development and Family Sciences

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Open to sophomores or higher. Recommended preparation: HDFS 1070.

Grading Basis: Graded

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

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2004W. Research Methods in Human Development and Family Sciences

4.00 credits

Prerequisites: ENGL 1007 or 1010 or 1011 or 2011; HDFS 1070, which may be taken concurrently; open only to HDFS majors, sophomores or higher. May not be taken out of sequence after passing HDFS 3092, 4004, or 4007.

Grading Basis: Graded

Overview of research methods with emphasis on the social context in which research occurs and is used, and 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.

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2083. Foreign Study

1.00 - 6.00 credits | May be repeated for credit.

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Credits and hours by arrangement. Consent of Director of Undergraduate Studies required, preferably prior to student's departure. A maximum of six credits can be used to meet major requirements. Special topics taken in a foreign study program.

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2095. Special Topics

1.00 - 6.00 credits | May be repeated for credit.

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

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2100. Human Development: Infancy Through Adolescence

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Open to sophomores or higher. May not be taken out of sequence after passing HDFS 3341 or 4181.

Grading Basis: Graded

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

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2120. Introduction to Programs for Young Children

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Instructor consent required.

Grading Basis: Graded

Overview of program models that support development and learning for young children and their families including early care and education (0-8 years old); early intervention; and home visiting. Intended for students pursuing professions working with infants, young children, and families. Supervised practicum within Child Development Lab classrooms or approved early childhood program. Formerly offered as HDFS 3120.

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2142E. Exploring Conservation and Sustainability with Preschoolers

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Instructor consent. Recommended preparation: HDFS 1070.

Grading Basis: Graded

Introduction to the broad fields of sustainability and conservation through place-based learning experiences. Explores the importance of environmental stewardship by actively engaging with preschool children in project-based learning related to conservation and sustainability throughout the semester. CA 2.

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2200. Human Development: Adulthood and Aging

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Open to sophomores or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

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.

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2300. Family Interaction Processes

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Open to sophomores or higher. May not be taken out of sequence after passing HDFS 3319 or 3420.

Grading Basis: Graded

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

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2620. Human Development, Digital Media, and Technology

Also offered as: DMD 2620

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: ENGL 1007 or 1010 or 1011 or 2011. Recommended preparation: HDFS 1070 or DMD 2010.

Grading Basis: Graded

Social, economic, and cultural influences on youths' interactions with, and use of, technology for formal and informal learning. Examples include media literacy, digital divide, technology in education, cyberbullying, and other issues that have emerged since the rise of the World Wide Web and growth of social media. CA 2. CA 4.

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3042. Baseball and Society: Politics, Economics, Race and Gender

Also offered as: AFRA 3042, AMST 3042, WGSS 3042

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Open to juniors or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

Baseball in historical, political, sociological, and economic contexts. Topics may include: impact on individuals and families; racial discrimination and integration; labor relations; urbanization; roles of women; treatment of gay athletes; and implications of performance-enhancing drugs.

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3080. Supervised Field Experience

3.00 - 6.00 credits | May be repeated for a total of 6 credits.

Prerequisites: GPA of 2.5 in HDFS courses and at least 15 credits of 2000 level or above HDFS courses. May not be taken out of sequence after passing HDFS 3090.

Grading Basis: Graded

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

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3083. Foreign Study

1.00 - 6.00 credits | May be repeated for credit.

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Special topics taken in a foreign study program. A maximum of six credits can be used to meet major requirements. Consent of Director of Undergraduate Studies required, preferably prior to student's departure.

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3087. Honors Proseminar

1.00 credits

Prerequisites: Open only with consent of instructor to students in the Honors Program. May not be taken out of sequence after passing HDFS 4097.

Grading Basis: Honors Credit

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

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3090. Fieldwork in Community Settings

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: HDFS 3080; GPA of 2.5 in HDFS courses and 15 units of 2000 level or above HDFS courses.

Grading Basis: Graded

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

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3092. Research Practicum in Human Development and Family Sciences

1.00 - 6.00 credits | May be repeated for a total of 9 credits.

Prerequisites: HDFS 2004W; GPA of 2.5 in HDFS courses.

Grading Basis: Graded

Supervised experience conducting research in human development and family sciences.

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3095. Special Topics

1.00 - 6.00 credits | May be repeated for credit.

Prerequisites: Prerequisites and recommended preparation vary.

Grading Basis: Graded

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3098. Variable Topics in Human Development and Family Sciences

1.00 - 6.00 credits | May be repeated for a total of 12 credits.

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

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3101. Infant and Toddler Development

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: HDFS 2100, or PSYC 2400; HDFS 2004, or NURS 3205, or PSYC 2100Q, or SOCI 3201, which may be taken concurrently; open to juniors or higher. May not be taken out of sequence after passing HDFS 4181.

Grading Basis: Graded

Study of children from birth to three years from an integrated human development perspective; biological and social contextual influences.

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3102. Early and Middle Childhood Development

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: HDFS 2100, or PSYC 2400; HDFS 2004, or NURS 3205, or PSYC 2100Q, or SOCI 3201, which may be taken concurrently; open to juniors or higher. May not be taken out of sequence after passing HDFS 4181.

Grading Basis: Graded

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.

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3103. Adolescent Development

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: HDFS 2100, or PSYC 2400; HDFS 2004, or NURS 3205, or PSYC 2100Q, or SOCI 3201, which may be taken concurrently; open to juniors or higher. May not be taken out of sequence after passing HDFS 3341.

Grading Basis: Graded

Theoretical approaches to adolescence; contextual research findings regarding adolescent development, with an emphasis on evaluating the match between these findings and the lived experience of adolescents; interventions designed to help adolescents meet the challenges of contemporary life.

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3110. Social and Community Influence on Children in the United States

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: HDFS 2100 or PSYC 2400; open to juniors or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

Based on an ecological/contextual perspective students investigate the impact on child development of community characteristics and social groups and organizations on the development of children in the United States. Possible topics include: family, peers, schools, media, economic status, health care, social services, and the legal system. For each topic, focus is on factors related to promoting resilience.

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3122. Integrated Curriculum Methods and Materials for Infants and Toddlers

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: HDFS 2120.

Grading Basis: Graded

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.

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3123. Integrated Curriculum Methods and Materials for Preschool and Kindergarten

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: HDFS 2120.

Grading Basis: Graded

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.

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3127. Professional Development and Advocacy in Early Childhood

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: HDFS 3120. Consent of the instructor is required. Not open to students who completed HDFS 3126.

Grading Basis: Graded

Historical, philosophical, psychological, and contemporary influences on the field. Comprehensive services, the workforce, quality, funding, and child outcomes. Focus on each student's professional development and on advocacy for change.

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3141. Developmental Approaches to Intergroup Relations and Victimization

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Open to sophomores or higher. Recommended preparation: HDFS 2001.

Grading Basis: Graded

Developmental, social-ecological, and social psychological theories of the fundamental processes involved in intergroup relations; cognitive, affective, and social underpinnings of intergroup dynamics; critical issues of diversity and social justice in the lives of children and families; experiences of intergroup discrimination and victimization such as bullying and exclusion; theoretical approaches to improving intergroup relations and tolerance. CA 2. CA 4.

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3180. Programs for Young Children: Introductory Laboratory

1.00 credits

Prerequisites: Open only to students concurrently enrolled in HDFS 3120.

Grading Basis: Graded

Guided observation and participation in a program for young children.

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3181. Observing Infant and Toddler Development

1.00 credits

Prerequisites: HDFS 3101, which may be taken concurrently. Not open to students who have passed HDFS 3182.

Grading Basis: Graded

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

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3182. Observing Early Childhood Development

1.00 credits

Prerequisites: HDFS 3102, which may be taken concurrently. May not be taken out of sequence after passing HDFS 3181.

Grading Basis: Graded

Observing young children in early care and education settings.

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3192. Early Childhood Development and Education: Supervised Fieldwork Practicum

4.00 credits

Prerequisites: HDFS 2120, HDFS 2192, HDFS 3101, HDFS 3102; HDFS 3122 or HDFS 3123, which may be concurrent; open to juniors or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

Supervised participation at Child Development Lab and/or approved early childhood program. Focus on observational assessment and intentional interactions with young children to develop relationships and guide learning/development through play. Formerly offered as HDFS 3183.

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3245. Aging in American Society

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Open to juniors or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

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

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3249. Gender And Aging

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Open to juniors or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

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.

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3250. Disabilities: A Lifespan Perspective

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: HDFS 1070; open to juniors or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

Introduction to disabilities, approaching the topic from historical, developmental-lifespan, individual, and family perspectives. Topics include social constructions, models, definitions, and types of disabilities, disability rights, public policy, and philosophies and systems of education and support for individuals and families.

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3251. Biotechnology, Disability and the Family

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Open to juniors or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

Politics and ethics of treating and/or preventing disabilities in reproduction and across the lifespan. Family/caregiver experiences analyzed through disability studies, medical sociology, science and technology studies, and bioethics.

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3252. Death, Dying, and Bereavement

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Open to juniors or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

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

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3261. Men and Masculinities

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Open to juniors or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

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.

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3268. Latinos: Sexuality and Gender

Also offered as: LLAS 3251

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Open to juniors or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

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

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3277. Issues in Human Sexuality

Also offered as: WGSS 3277

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Open to juniors or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

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

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3310. Parent Child Relations in Cross-Cultural Perspective

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Open to juniors or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

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

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3311. Parenthood and Parenting

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: HDFS 2100 or PSYC 2400; HDFS 1070 or 2200; open to juniors or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

Parent behavior and the dynamics of parenthood; interpersonal, familial, and societal roles of parents and variables influencing these roles across the lifespan. CA 2.

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3319. Risk and Resilience in Individuals and Families

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: HDFS 2300; open to juniors or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

Challenges, stresses, and crises experienced by individuals and families; protective factors and resilience; coping strategies; prevention and intervention.

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3340. Individual and Family Interventions

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Open to sophomores or higher. Recommended preparation: HDFS 2300.

Grading Basis: Graded

An introduction to individual, couple, family, and group intervention. Topics include counseling theories, developmentally appropriate interventions, and methods for addressing diversity. Intervention strategies used in a variety of human services settings are examined.

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3342. Family Resource Management

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Open to juniors or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

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

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3343. Family Life Education

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Open to juniors or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

Theory and practice of family life education including program development, implementation, evaluation, and professional ethics.

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3420. Abuse and Violence in Families

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: HDFS 2300; open to juniors or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

Historical, psychological, sociological and legal issues relating to abuse and family violence across the lifespan, including child maltreatment and elder abuse. Introduction to methods for prevention and remediation.

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3421. Low Income Families

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Open to juniors or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

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.

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3423. History of the Family

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

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.

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3425. Food and the American Family

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Open to juniors or higher. Recommended preparation: HDFS 2004W; PSYC 2100WQ, or equivalent research methods course.

Grading Basis: Graded

Comprehensive and critical examination of how individual characteristics, family factors, community environments, food industry actions, and government food policies work together to influence what Americans eat throughout the lifespan.

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3430. The Family-School Partnership

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: HDFS 1070 or 2100 or PSYC 2400; open to juniors or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

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.

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3431. Families and Work

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Open to juniors or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

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

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3442. Latino Health and Health Care

Also offered as: LLAS 3250

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Open to juniors or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

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 (e.g. migration, acculturation, SES).

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3470. The Latinx Family

Also offered as: LLAS 3470

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Current issues in the study of Latinx youth and families from a social and developmental psychological perspective. Topics include parenting, youth development and adjustment, risky and healthy behaviors, cultural values, and immigration.

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3473. Asian-Pacific American Families

Also offered as: AAAS 3473

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Overview of social, cultural, educational, demographic and economic characteristics of Asian-Pacific American families. Examination and critique of values, customs, traditions and beliefs that distinguish families of this heterogeneous ethnic population.

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3510. Planning and Managing Human Service Programs

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Open to juniors or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

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.

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3520. Legal Aspects of Family Life

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Open to juniors or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

Overview of historical roots and key aspects of family law. The case method is used to analyze the causes and effects of contemporary trends. Topics include: the regulation of marriage, separation, and divorce; procreation and abortion; adoption; child custody and support; and, end-of-life issues.

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3530. Public Policy and the Family

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Open to juniors or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

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

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3540. Child Welfare, Law and Social Policy

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: HDFS 2100 or PSYC 2400; HDFS 2004 or PSYC 2100Q; open to juniors or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

Examines the methods through which empirical social science research can affect law and public policy affecting children and families. CA 2.

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3550. Comparative Family Policy

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Open to juniors or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

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.

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4004. Senior Seminar in Research Methods

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: HDFS 2004; 12 credits of 2000-level or above HDFS courses; open only to Human Development and Family Sciences majors.

Grading Basis: Graded

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.

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4007W. Professional Communication in HDFS

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: HDFS 2004; ENGL 1007 or 1010 or 1011 or 2011; 12 additional credits of 2000 level or above HDFS courses; open to HDFS majors.

Grading Basis: Graded

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.

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4087W. Honors Thesis

3.00 - 6.00 credits

Prerequisites: ENGL 1007 or 1010 or 1011 or 2011; open to students in the Honors Program only.

Grading Basis: Honors Credit

Individual study with student's honors thesis supervisor for the purpose of writing the honors thesis. Student must have a thesis advisor and have an approved thesis topic.

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4097. Honors Thesis Preparation Seminar

1.00 credits | May be repeated for credit.

Prerequisites: HDFS 3087; open students in the Honors Program with instructor consent.

Grading Basis: Honors Credit

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.

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4099. Independent Study for Undergraduates

1.00 - 6.00 credits | May be repeated for credit.

Prerequisites: HDFS 2004.

Grading Basis: Graded

Students, working with a faculty supervisor, develop plans for an independent research project or review paper, execute the project, and complete a report. May be taken more than one semester.

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4181W. Early Childhood Development and Education: Supervised Teaching Practicum

9.00 credits

Prerequisites: HDFS 2100, 3101, 3102, 3120, 3122, 3123, 3183, and either 3181 or 3182; ENGL 1007 or 1010 or 1011 or 2011; GPA of 2.7 in HDFS courses.

Grading Basis: Graded

Supervised teaching experience within the Child Development Labs or approved early education center. Development of advanced written and oral communication skills required for early childhood educators with emphasis on appropriate presentation and writing styles for diverse audiences.

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4182. Administration and Leadership in Early Childhood Programs: Practicum

1.00 - 6.00 credits

Prerequisites: HDFS 4181 and a GPA of 2.5 in HDFS courses; open to juniors or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

Continuation of HDFS 4181. Experience in early childhood program implementation, administration, staff supervising, policy making, and curriculum planning.

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4255. Living with Chronic or Life-Threatening Illness

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Open to juniors or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

Chronic and/or life-threatening illness from diagnosis through long term management. Psychological, interpersonal, family, and ethical aspects of the chronic illness experience across the life span, in contexts of culture and health policy.

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