Human Development & Family Science (HDFS)
HDFS 110. Introduction to Human Development and Family Science. 1 Credit.
Introduction to the Human Development and Family Science department and field. Prereq: restricted to HDFS majors only.
HDFS 135. Family Science. 3 Credits.
Introduction to family science concepts including family life cycle, different styles of family life, and the influence of society on the family.
HDFS 182. Wellness and Aging. 3 Credits.
Study of wellness in the later years with a focus on the positive aspects of aging and the contributions of elders in society including emphases on research, theory, and wellness resources.
HDFS 185. Financial Survival for College Students. 2 Credits.
This course provides a foundation for personal financial planning focusing on the skills and tools needed to organize and manage personal finances in the real world.
HDFS 186. Consumer and Society. 3 Credits.
Consumer rights, responsibilities, and consequences of consumer decision-making. Overview of advertising, fraud, and other issues.
HDFS 194. Individual Study. 1-5 Credits.
HDFS 196. Field Experience. 1-15 Credits.
HDFS 230. Life Span Development. 3 Credits.
Study of human growth and development throughout the life span.
HDFS 242. Couples, Marriages and Families. 3 Credits.
Study of the formation of relationships in varied contexts: examines the diversity of couples, marriages, and families that exists in our contemporary society. Emphasis will be on relationship health as well as barriers to relationship wellness.
HDFS 250. Introduction to Research Methods in Human Development and Family Sciences. 3 Credits.
Undergraduate orientation to research methods in human development and marital/family relationships; students will explore the scientific method as applied to HDFS, methods/issues related to data collection, and methods of data analysis.
HDFS 291. Seminar. 1-5 Credits.
HDFS 310. Citizenship & Social Activism. 3 Credits.
This course is designed to help students understand and promote civic engagement and leadership. Students will learn to analyze social, economic, and political problems through a theoretical framework and practical application. Leadership development will be emphasized using tools of social change.
HDFS 320. Prenatal, Infant and Toddler Development. 3 Credits.
Study of growth and development of the child from conception to age 3.
HDFS 330. Child Development. 3 Credits.
Study of children, three years through middle childhood. Emphasis on social, cognitive, physical, and emotional development. Prereq: HDFS 230, HDFS 320, or PSYC 250.
HDFS 340. Adolescent Development. 3 Credits.
Study of physical, social, cognitive, and emotional development of adolescents. Includes examination of contemporary issues related to this age group. Prereq: HDFS 230 or HDFS 320 or HDFS 330 or PSYC 250.
HDFS 341. Parent-Child Relations. 3 Credits.
Contemporary parenting principles and strategies. Emphasis on application in the home and professional settings. Prereq: HDFS 135 and HDFS 230 or HDFS 320 or HDFS 330 or HDFS 450 or PSYC 250.
HDFS 350. Fundamentals of Hospital Child Life. 3 Credits.
Introduction to the child life profession through exploring the needs of hospitalized children. Child development theories will be used to understand coping and intervention techniques for the hospitalized child. Recommended Prereq: HDFS 320 or HDFS 330. This course is restricted to HDFS majors and minors or WGS majors or minors.
HDFS 353. Children, Families and Public Policy. 3 Credits.
Interaction of the national economy and the family economy with regard to the public programs affecting well-being of families. Emphasis on philosophies of service delivery and policy alternatives. Prereq: HDFS 135 and junior or senior standing.
HDFS 357. Personal and Family Finance. 3 Credits.
Factors influencing decisions on acquiring and using financial resources and budgeting to achieve goals. Overview of credit, taxation, savings, insurance, and investments. Recommended: HDFS 186. This course is restricted to HDFS majors and minors or FACS Ed majors or pre-FACS majors or WGS majors or minors.
HDFS 360. Adult Development and Aging. 3 Credits.
Study of development during adulthood and later life. Emphasis on perceptual-motor and cognitive functioning, personality, adjustment, social, familial, and cultural aspects of adulthood. Prereq: junior or senior standing.
HDFS 394. Individual Study. 1-5 Credits.
HDFS 424. Observation and Assessment of Children. 3 Credits.
Overview of observation/assessment of children for research and practice application. Prereq: HDFS 320, 330. {Also offered for graduate credit - see HDFS 624.}.
HDFS 430. Topics in Cognitive Development. 3 Credits.
Understanding the fundamentals of cognitive development in children, adolescents and/or adults. Topics vary each time the course is offered and may include cognition, perception, concepts, reasoning, memory, and language. May be repeated for credit with change in subtopic. Prereq: HDFS 250 or PSYC 350 or SOC 340 and junior or senior standing. {Also offered for graduate credit - see HDFS 630.}.
HDFS 435. Topics in Socioemotional Development. 3 Credits.
Understanding the fundamentals of socio-emotional development in children, adolescents and/or adults. Topics vary each time the course is offered and may include temperament, peer relations, moral development, emotional development, gender development, or development of self-concept. May be repeated for credit with change in subtopic. Prereq: HDFS 250 or PSYC 350 or SOC 340 and junior or senior standing.{Also offered for graduate credit - see HDFS 635.}.
HDFS 445. Topics in Family Science. 3 Credits.
Advanced study of specific topic areas in Family Science. Topics vary each time the course is offered and may include mate selection, divorce, step-families, poverty, etc. May be repeated for credit with change in subtopic. Prereq: HDFS 135, HDFS 242, HDFS 250 and students must be a major with junior or senior standing in HDFS, WGS or FACS.
HDFS 448. Issues In Sexuality. 3 Credits.
Study of personal, interpersonal, and societal meanings of human sexuality. Decision making relevant to sexual behavior. Prereq: junior or senior standing.
HDFS 462. Methods of Family Life Education. 3 Credits.
Introduces students to the study of various family issues including crisis, stress, diversity and change and the role of family life education as a method of preventing or mediating family distress. Prereq: HDFS 135, HDFS 242, junior or senior standing, HDFS majors or minors, WGS majors or minors, FACS majors or pre-FACS majors only. Recommended: HDFS 341. {Also offered for graduate credit - see HDFS 662.}.
HDFS 468. Families and Work. 3 Credits.
Issues, opportunities and problems related to the interface of work and family. Topics include household division of labor, trends in the labor market, and work-family policy. Prereq: Junior or Senior standing. {Also offered for graduate credit - see HDFS 668.}.
HDFS 475. Children and Families Across Cultures. 3 Credits.
Study of developmental and family issues as viewed from a cross-cultural diversity perspective. {Also offered for graduate credit - see HDFS 675.}.
HDFS 477. Financial Counseling. 3 Credits.
Advanced analysis of family financial issues. Evaluation of alternative financial programs. Prereq: HDFS 357. {Also offered for graduate credit - see HDFS 677.}.
HDFS 478. Financial and Consumer Issues of Aging. 3 Credits.
Integration of economic and consumer problems of the elderly including income trends in retirement and health care. Recommended Prereq: 6 credits social science. This course is restricted to HDFS majors and minors or WGS majors or minors. {Also offered for graduate credit - see HDFS 678.}.
HDFS 480. Community Resources of Later Life. 3 Credits.
This course will expose students to the various policies and programs focused on providing services to older adults. Additionally, this course will emphasize the theoretical knowledge that underscores an understanding of the social and psychological dynamics of help seeking behavior in later life. Prereq: HDFS 230 or HDFS 360.
HDFS 482. Family Dynamics of Aging. 3 Credits.
Examination of issues related to family life in the later years from the perspectives of aging individuals and their families. Prereq: HDFS 135 or HDFS 230 or HDFS 360 or PSYC 250 or PSYC 471. {Also offered for graduate credit - see HDFS 682.}.
HDFS 483. Developmentally Appropriate Practices from Birth Through Adolescence. 3 Credits.
This course will provide guidance in planning, implementing, and evaluating developmentally appropriate activities and programming from birth through adolescence including infancy, preschool-age, childhood, and adolescence A strong emphasis on careers from birth through adolescence in child development and family science will be incorporated into this course. Recommended Prereq: HDFS 320, 330, 450.
HDFS 484. Developmentally Appropriate Practices Across the Adult Lifespan. 3 Credits.
This course will provide guidance in planning, implementing, and evaluating developmentally appropriate activities and programming across the adult lifespan from emerging to later adulthood. A strong emphasis on family science careers working with adults, their families, and connecting the generations will be incorporated into this course. Prereq: HDFS 360.
HDFS 487. Practicum in Child Development Programs. 1-8 Credits.
Supervised on- or off-campus experience in early childhood settings. Application of theoretical and practical knowledge as a professional. Recommended Prereq: Grade of C or better in HDFS 330, HDFS 341, HDFS 371, HDFS 381, first aid and infant/toddler CPR certification.
HDFS 491. Seminar. 1-5 Credits.
HDFS 494. Individual Study. 1-5 Credits.
HDFS 496. Field Experience. 1-15 Credits.
HDFS 499. Special Topics. 1-5 Credits.
HDFS 624. Observation and Assessment of Children. 3 Credits.
Overview of observation/assessment of children for research and practice application. {Also offered for undergraduate credit - see HDFS 424.}.
HDFS 630. Topics in Cognitive Development. 3 Credits.
Understanding the fundamentals of cognitive development In children and adolescents. Topics vary each time the course is offered and may include cognition, perception, concepts, reasoning, memory, and language. May be repeated for credit with change in subtopic. {Also offered for undergraduate credit - see HDFS 430.}.
HDFS 635. Topics in Socioemotional Development. 3 Credits.
Understanding the fundamentals of socio-emotional development in children and adolescents. Topics vary each time the course is offered and may include temperament, peer relations, moral development, emotional development, gender development, or development of self-concept. May be repeated for credit with change in subtopic. {Also offered for undergraduate credit - see HDFS 435.}.
HDFS 648. Issues In Sexuality. 3 Credits.
Study of personal, interpersonal, and societal meanings of human sexuality. Decision making relevant to sexual behavior. Prereq: 6 credits social science. {Also offered for undergraduate credit - see HDFS 448.}.
HDFS 675. Children and Families Across Cultures. 3 Credits.
Study of developmental and family issues as viewed from a cross-cultural diversity perspective. {Also offered for undergraduate credit - see HDFS 475.}.
HDFS 677. Financial Counseling. 3 Credits.
Advanced analysis of family financial issues. Evaluation of alternative financial programs. {Also offered for undergraduate credit - see HDFS 477.}.
HDFS 678. Financial and Consumer Issues of Aging. 3 Credits.
Integration of economic and consumer problems of the elderly including income trends in retirement and health care. Prereq: 6 credits social science. {Also offered for undergraduate credit - see HDFS 478.}.
HDFS 681. Gender and Aging. 3 Credits.
Study of theory, research, and application of issues related to women and the aging experience. {Also offered for undergraduate credit - see HDFS 481.}.
HDFS 682. Family Dynamics of Aging. 3 Credits.
Examination of issues related to family life in the later years from the perspectives of the elderly and the family. Prereq: 6 credits social science. {Also offered for undergraduate credit - see HDFS 482.}.
HDFS 696. Special Topics. 1-5 Credits.
HDFS 703. Research Methods in Human Development and Family Science. 3 Credits.
Introduction to research methods in child development and marital and family relationships. Includes instrument selection/construction, data collection, interpretation of results, and proposal writing. Emphasis on the unique methodological features associated with the field.
HDFS 705. Quantitative Methods in Developmental Science. 3 Credits.
This course is an introduction to quantitative methods commonly used in research in developmental and family science. Areas covered will include basic univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analysis, including appropriate software, interpretation of results, and reading and writing technical research reports. Prereq: Graduate standing in HDFS or Developmental Science.
HDFS 710. Foundations of Youth Development. 1 Credit.
This course will examine the fundamentals of youth development and the youth development profession. Through this introduction to the field, students will explore the ethical, professional, and historical elements of youth development as it has evolved toward professionalization.
HDFS 711. Youth Development. 3 Credits.
An introduction to theory and research in positive youth development. The course emphasizes how the developmental tasks of this life stage are influenced by (and influence) family and home, school, peers, and other contextual forces. The course will help students recognize and become familiar with the major issues and transitions of adolescents.
HDFS 712. Community Youth Development. 3 Credits.
Focuses upon community youth development from a strength-based approach. This approach is a holistic and dynamic understanding of youth and communities encompassing both individual development (i.e. positive youth development) and adolescents' interrelationships with their environments. Emphasis is placed upon research, theory, and practice.
HDFS 713. Adolescents and Their Families. 3 Credits.
This course explores adolescent development in the context of the family. The bi-directional influences between adolescents and their families will be examined. Implications for professionals working with youth and families will be explored and highlighted.
HDFS 714. Contemporary Youth Issues. 3 Credits.
This course presents issues faced by youth today and associated risk and resiliency factors. A different topic is presented each year. Past topics have included Youth Violence, Youth and Appearance, and Volunteerism. The course may be taken more than once, as long as the topic areas are different each time.
HDFS 715. Youth in Cultural Contexts. 3 Credits.
This course will examine the cultural contexts that affect youth from within and outside the family. Students will be encouraged to think critically about society and culture, gain further knowledge of how ethnic groups fit historically into society, and examine how history has shaped the current cultural climate of the U.S.
HDFS 716. Youth Professionals as Consumers of Research. 3 Credits.
Students will learn the basics of quantitative and qualitative research approaches that will enable them to understand, evaluate, and critique research articles. Students will be able to judge the validity and usefulness of research articles in order to guide their educational or therapeutic interventions or public policy decisions.
HDFS 717. Program Design, Implementation and Evaluation. 3 Credits.
Focuses on hands-on tools for conducting strategic planning, designing program logic model, and evaluating the performance of programs for youth and families. Students will develop knowledge through participating in a community-based project involving the practical application of program design and evaluation methods.
HDFS 718. Administration and Program Management. 3 Credits.
This course introduces students to the development, administration and management of youth-serving organizations.
HDFS 719. Youth Policy. 3 Credits.
This course examines federal and state policies that impact the developmental opportunities for youth. A guiding question that will be used to evaluate these existing (and prospective) policies is whether they contribute to, or act as barriers to desired developmental outcomes.
HDFS 720. Basic Grant Development and Management. 1 Credit.
This course introduces students to the grant development and management process. Restricted to HDFS MS or PhD program students only.
HDFS 721. Adult Development and Aging. 3 Credits.
Study of development during adulthood and later life. Emphasis on perceptual-motor and cognitive functioning, personality, adjustment, social, familial, and cultural aspects of adulthood.
HDFS 722. Methods and Theories in Gerontology. 3 Credits.
Study of theories and methods (quantitative and qualitative) in Gerontology.
HDFS 723. Perspectives in Gerontology. 3 Credits.
Examination of current research, theories and controversies within the field of gerontology.
HDFS 729. Professional Seminar in Gerontology. 3 Credits.
Integrative experience for gerontology students; designed to be taken near the end of the degree program.
HDFS 740. Theories & Research in Family Financial Planning I. 3 Credits.
Introduction to the social science of family financial planning: Theories of family functioning, microeconomic theory related to family resource allocation decisions, the family as an economic unit, and interaction of the family and the economy.
HDFS 741. Theories & Research in Family Financial Planning II. 3 Credits.
Macroeconomic theory as it relates to family resource allocation decisions, theories of household behavior, lifecycle hypothesis, behavioral economics, behavioral finance, theories of behavioral change, and psychological theories of family well-being. Focus on empirical research investigating household financial decision-making. Prereq: HDFS 740.
HDFS 750. Culture and Aging: Global and Multicultural Perspectives. 3 Credits.
Using a cross-cultural perspective, this course explores the developmental processes of aging in various social and cultural contexts, both within the U.S. and across the globe. Focus will be specifically on how culture influences the processes and experience of aging as well as well-being during late-life.
HDFS 755. Advanced Lifespan Development. 3 Credits.
Advanced study of current theory and research on physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development across the lifespan.
HDFS 760. Aging Policy. 3 Credits.
Formation, implementation and impact of policies that affect the well-being of the elderly in the United States.
HDFS 761. Applications in Gerontology. 3 Credits.
Study of the applications of gerontology research and theory. The course will provide an overview of programs, methods and evaluations of services for older adults.
HDFS 762. Retirement Planning, Employee Benefits and the Family. 3 Credits.
Critical examination of micro and macro considerations in retirement planning for individuals and families.
HDFS 763. Personal Income Taxation. 3 Credits.
Study of principles and concepts of personal income tax planning as they relate to families.
HDFS 764. Family Economics. 3 Credits.
Overview of basic concepts and theories in family economics with emphasis on the economics situation of families in the United States.
HDFS 765. Insurance Planning for Families. 3 Credits.
An in-depth study of risk management concepts, tools, and strategies for individuals and families.
HDFS 766. Estate Planning for Families. 3 Credits.
Study of principles and concepts of estate planning as they relate to families.
HDFS 767. Professional Practices in Family Financial Planning. 3 Credits.
Study of strategies and methods for managing private family financial planning practices including ethics, compensation, client-centered marketing and practice management.
HDFS 768. Housing/Real Estate. 3 Credits.
Overview of the role of housing and real estate in the family financial planning process including taxation, law, mortgages, ethics and financial calculations.
HDFS 769. Financial Planning Case Studies. 3 Credits.
Examines professional issues in family financial planning including ethics, regulation on certification, communication, and professional responsibility. Emphasis on personal finance case studies and investment policy.
HDFS 770. Fundamentals of Financial Planning. 3 Credits.
Survey of personal/family financial planning including process, time value of money, cash management, credit, taxation, insurance, housing, investments, retirement, and estate planning.
HDFS 771. Investing for the Family's Future. 3 Credits.
Study of the concepts of time and risk value of money in evaluating investment markets.
HDFS 772. Military Personal Financial Readiness. 3 Credits.
Preparation of Financial Counselors and Planners regarding the unique needs and resources of military service members and their families. Focus on mission readiness and overall financial well-being.
HDFS 790. Graduate Seminar. 1-3 Credits.
HDFS 791. Temporary/Trial Topics. 1-5 Credits.
HDFS 793. Individual Study/Tutorial. 1-5 Credits.
HDFS 794. Practicum/Internship. 1-8 Credits.
HDFS 795. Field Experience. 1-15 Credits.
HDFS 796. Special Topics. 1-5 Credits.
HDFS 797S. Comprehensive Project. 1-6 Credits.
HDFS 797. Master's Paper. 1-3 Credits.
HDFS 798. Master's Thesis. 1-10 Credits.
HDFS 801. Graduate Orientation Seminar. 1 Credit.
Introduction to graduate program, faculty, policies and procedures.
HDFS 802. Teaching Developmental Science. 3 Credits.
Introduction to research and theory on college teaching, including course preparation, grading, and classroom management. Emphasis on acquiring skills related to teaching in developmental science.
HDFS 805. Professional Development in Developmental Science. 1 Credit.
This course serves to facilitate professional development among graduate students in developmental science. Students will discuss methods for succeeding in graduate school, presenting and publishing research, and searching for jobs.
HDFS 812. Advanced Human Development: Birth Through Childhood. 3 Credits.
Critical examination of current research and theories on child development. Emphasis on applying theoretical understanding and knowledge of the current empirical research base to current issues facing children and families.
HDFS 814. Advanced Human Development: Adolescence Through Early Adulthood. 3 Credits.
This course examines the physical, cognitive, emotional, and social changes that occur in the lives of individuals as they progress through adolescence and early adulthood. We will also examine how these changes affect or influence individuals, families, romantic partners, researchers, professionals, and therapists.
HDFS 816. Advanced Human Development III: Middle through Late Adulthood. 3 Credits.
Critical examination of current research and theories on development in middle and late adulthood. Emphasis on applying theoretical understanding and knowledge of the current empirical research base to current issues facing older adults.
HDFS 817. Prevention Science. 3 Credits.
This course examines the field of prevention science and intervention programs in the context of human development, relationships and well-being across the lifespan. Restricted to Human Development and Family Science doctoral students only.
HDFS 824. Advanced Topics in Socioemotional Development. 3 Credits.
Critical examination of socio-emotional development. Topics vary each time the course is offered and may include temperament, peer relations, moral development, emotional development, gender development, or development of self-concept. May be repeated for credit with change in subtopic.
HDFS 825. Advanced Topics in Cognitive Development. 3 Credits.
Critical examination of cognitive development. Topics vary each time the course is offered and may include cognition, perception, concepts, reasoning, memory, and language. May be repeated for credit with change in subtopic.
HDFS 830. Issues and Theories in Family Science. 3 Credits.
Exploration of foundational and contemporary theories that form the basis of the family science discipline. Examination of the complexities of family relationships and issues in a variety of contexts and life stages.
HDFS 854. Advanced Quantitative Methods in Developmental Science. 3 Credits.
Survey of advanced quantitative methods typically used in research in Developmental Science. Areas covered will include mid-level and advanced multivariate analyses, including use of SPSS software, interpretation of results, and use in current literature. Prereq: HDFS 705.
HDFS 856. Longitudinal Research Methods and Analysis. 3 Credits.
The primary focus will be on multilevel models (general linear mixed models or hierarchical linear models) as applied to studies in human development. Topics will include the measurement of change over time and the modeling of individual differences in growth trajectories by the inclusion of both time invariant and time varying covariates. Prereq: HDFS 705.
HDFS 873. Social Justice Approaches to Couple and Family Therapy. 3 Credits.
This course will cover approaches to couple and family therapy that are specifically designed to address the ways in which larger social systems negatively influence the lives of individuals, couples, and families. In particular, this course will focus on helping students learn how to use these approaches to counter the effects of social inequalities in their work with clients.
HDFS 874. Contemporary Grant Writing. 3 Credits.
This course covers all aspects of contemporary grant writing in the fields of human development and family science and couple and family therapy. Course topics include grant planning and development, writing successful proposals, budgeting, and grant management.
HDFS 875. Research Methods in Couple and Family Therapy. 3 Credits.
This course explores quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-method methodologies within the context of couple and family therapy research. Co-req: HDFS 801.
HDFS 877. Qualitative Theories and Methods in Couple and Family Therapy. 3 Credits.
This course is an introduction to qualitative research methodologies. A special emphasis will be placed on the methodological frameworks that are particularly useful when researching and studying diverse populations. Prereq: HDFS 885.
HDFS 880. Supervision and Teaching Couple and Family Therapy. 3 Credits.
Critical analysis of theories and practices of feminist, social justice informed pedagogical approaches to effective and engaging teaching and learning in couple and family therapy. Prereq: CFT doctoral students only.
HDFS 890. Graduate Seminar. 1-5 Credits.
HDFS 892. Graduate Teaching Experience. 1-6 Credits.
HDFS 893. Individual Study/Tutorial. 1-5 Credits.
HDFS 894. Practicum/Internship. 1-8 Credits.
HDFS 899. Doctoral Dissertation. 1-15 Credits.