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Human Development and Family Sciences (HDFS)

Overview

Donna L. Graham
Director
118 ÉÁ²¥¸£Àû¿â Economics Building
479-575-4305

Degree Offered: Bachelor of Science in Human Environmental Science
Major: 120 hours
Delivery: On-Campus, Online
Minor: 15 hours
Delivery: Online
Program Code: AMPD

Students majoring in human development and family sciences prepare for one of the fastest growing employment opportunities in the country. The human services area includes jobs that serve people from conception through the last stages of life. Students develop skills for working with individuals and families in governmental, private, and nonprofit organizations. In addition to the major in Human Development and Family Sciences, the program offers a major in Birth through Kindergarten.

Human Development and Family Sciences Courses

HDFS 14003. Life Span Development. 3 Hours.

A broad overview of the physical, psychological, and social development of the individual from conception until death. Emphasis is on individual development in a family context. Lecture 3 hours per week. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer)

HDFS 140H3. Honors Life Span Development. 3 Hours.

A broad overview of the physical, psychological, and social development of the individual from conception until death. Emphasis is on individual development in a family context. Lecture 3 hours per week. Prerequisite: Honors standing. (Typically offered: Spring)
This course is equivalent to HDFS 14003.

HDFS 24031. Infant and Toddler Development Laboratory. 1 Hour.

Introduction to infant and toddler development. Focus on observation and applied experience with children 0-3 documenting cognitive, emotional, language, physical, and social development, and demonstrating developmentally appropriate practice. Corequisite: HDFS 24033. Prerequisite: HDFS majors or ECED majors or HDFS minors or CATEBS-FCSE majors or instructor consent. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)

HDFS 24033. Infant and Toddler Development. 3 Hours.

Infant and toddler development from conception through toddlerhood with emphasis on physical, emotional, social, language, and cognitive domains. Theoretical and research-based information will be applied to developmentally appropriate practice. Historical and future perspectives will be explored as will the expanding opportunities for professional work with infants and toddlers. Observations in care centers will be assigned. Corequisite: HDFS 24031. Prerequisite: HDFS majors or ECED majors or HDFS minors or CATEBS-FCSE majors or by instructor consent. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)

HDFS 24103. Family Relations. 3 Hours.

Courtship, marriage, and parenthood in the United States, with attention to cultural and psychological factors which affect relations among family members. Lecture 3 hours per week. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer)

HDFS 241H3. Honors Family Relations. 3 Hours.

Courtship, marriage, and parenthood in the United States, with attention to cultural and psychological factors which affect relations among family members. Lecture 3 hours per week. Prerequisite: Honors standing. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)
This course is equivalent to HDFS 24103.

HDFS 24303. Child Development. 3 Hours.

Theory, research, and application in physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development of the child, studied in the biocultural context. Begins with prenatal development and continues through adolescence, with special emphasis on early and middle childhood. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer)

HDFS 243H3. Honors Child Development. 3 Hours.

Theory, research, and application in physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development of the child, studied in the biocultural context. Begins with prenatal development and continues through adolescence, with special emphasis on early and middle childhood. Prerequisite: Honors standing. (Typically offered: Fall)
This course is equivalent to HDFS 24303.

HDFS 24603. Introduction to Leadership and Administration in the Helping Professions. 3 Hours.

The class is a basic introduction of leadership and emotional intelligence as it relates to becoming a successful administrator in the helping professions-based careers. Emphasis will be on administrators' roles as leaders in organizations. Topics include facilities, budget, staff development, and policy manuals. Prerequisite: Human Environmental Science (HESCBS) majors, Human Development & Family Science (HDFSBS) majors, Birth through Kindergarten (BRKDBS) majors, Human Development & Family Science (HDFS-M) minors, or departmental consent. (Typically offered: Fall)

HDFS 24701. Child Guidance Laboratory. 1 Hour.

Introduction to the guidance system. Focus on discipline techniques that are positive and age/stage appropriate for children ages 3-8. Corequisite: HDFS 24703. Prerequisite: HDFS 24303. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)

HDFS 24703. Child Guidance. 3 Hours.

Introduction to the guidance system. Focus on discipline techniques that are positive and age/stage appropriate for children ages 3-8. Lecture 3 hours per week plus 1 hour demonstration. Corequisite: HDFS 24701. Prerequisite: HDFS 24303. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)

HDFS 24903. Introduction to Cultural Competence. 3 Hours.

Basic introduction to definitions of intercultural competence, diversity, cultural values and beliefs, attitudes and verbal and non-verbal behavior, are examined to identify basic differences among individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and across populations. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer)

HDFS 26003. Rural Families and Communities. 3 Hours.

Meaning of sociology and sociological concepts with reference to rural society, families and communities; interdependence of rural and urban population in ecological areas; institutions; social change and adjustment. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer)

HDFS 260H3. Honors Rural Families and Communities. 3 Hours.

Meaning of sociology and sociological concepts with reference to rural society, families and communities; interdependence of rural and urban population in ecological areas; institutions; social change and adjustment. Prerequisite: Honors standing. (Typically offered: Spring and Summer)
This course is equivalent to HDFS 26003.

HDFS 34203. Adolescent Development. 3 Hours.

This class explores research on biological, cognitive, social, and emotional development during adolescence (ages 10-17). Topics most relevant to teenagers, such as puberty and its consequences, family and peers, self and identity development, romantic and sexual development, and psychosocial adjustment will be covered. Prerequisite: HDFS 14003 and major in HDFS, or CATEBS-FCSE; or HDFS minor, or IDST with HDFS track. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)

HDFS 342H3. Honors Adolescent Development. 3 Hours.

This class explores research on biological, cognitive, social, and emotional development during adolescence (ages 10-17). Topics most relevant to teenagers, such as puberty and its consequences, family and peers, self and identity development, romantic and sexual development, and psychosocial adjustment will be covered. Prerequisite: Honors standing, HDFS 14003, and major in HDFS, or CATEBS-FCSE; or HDFS minor. (Typically offered: Spring)
This course is equivalent to HDFS 34203.

HDFS 34403. Families in Crisis. 3 Hours.

An interdisciplinary perspective on internal and external crises faced by contemporary families, including substance abuse, natural disasters and other crisis events. Students will explore the family processes during such experiences and develop strategies for stress management, coping, and recovery. Lecture 3 hours per week. Prerequisite: HDFS 24103 or HDFS 241H3; and major in HDFS, CATE-FCSE, or IDST with HDFS track, or HDFS minor. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)

HDFS 344H3. Honors Families in Crisis. 3 Hours.

An interdisciplinary perspective on internal and external crises faced by contemporary families, including substance abuse, natural disasters and other crisis events. Students will explore the family processes during such experiences and develop strategies for stress management, coping, and recovery. Lecture 3 hours per week. Prerequisite: HDFS 24103 or HDFS 241H3; and major in HDFS, CATE-FCSE, or IDST with HDFS track, or HDFS minor; honors standing. (Typically offered: Spring)
This course is equivalent to HDFS 34403.

HDFS 34503. Parenting and Family Dynamics. 3 Hours.

Focus is on influence of parenting and family dynamics on individual development, especially factors in family life which contribute to normal psychological development. Topics include family values, the psychology of sex and pregnancy, the transition to parenthood, childbearing techniques, family influences on cognitive and social development, and changes in family relationships during the life cycle. Prerequisite: HDFS 14003 or HDFS 24103; and major in HDFS, ECED, CATE-FCSE, or IDST with HDFS track, or HDFS minor. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)

HDFS 34603. The Hospitalized Child: Child Life Programming. 3 Hours.

Introduces child life programming in health care settings. Topics include: roles and expectations of a Child Life Specialist, importance of play, coping techniques, family advocacy, administration and professionalism. Lecture 3 hours per week. Prerequisite: (HDFS 24303 or HDFS 243H3), and (HDFS majors or CDSV minors or IDST majors with CDSV or HDFS track). (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)

HDFS 34703. Family Financial Management. 3 Hours.

Economic considerations of the family in a rapidly changing society. Family finance and consumer problems are emphasized. Prerequisite: (HDFS 24103 or HDFS 241H3), and must be an HDFSBS or CATEBS-FCSE major. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)

HDFS 34801. Pre-Internship in Human Development and Family Sciences. 1 Hour.

This course prepares students for their internship experience (HDFS 44803) in Human Development and Family Sciences. Topics covered include professional and ethical behavior when working with people, families and communities. The course will also cover professional and career development topics. By the end of the course, students are expected to have secured an internship position suitable for HDFS 44803. Students should enroll in this course no earlier than the semester before they anticipate enrolling in HDFS 44803. Prerequisite: Junior standing and HDFS majors only. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)

HDFS 34903. Professional Development in Human Development and Family Sciences. 3 Hours.

This course prepares students for professional success in careers related to Human Development and Family Science. Through interactive discussions, assessments, and real-world assignments, students will develop essential soft skills, build a professional identity, and gain confidence in navigating workplace expectations. Emphasis placed on communication, leadership, emotional intelligence, and career readiness. Students planning to complete a faculty-approved internship are required to take this course before enrolling in HDFS 44803. Prerequisite: (HDFS 14003 and HDFS 24103), must be HDFS major, and must have completed 45 hours. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)

HDFS 43503. Play as Development in Childhood. 3 Hours.

This course will examine the contribution of play to cognitive, social, and emotional development of children. It will provide an overview of play theories and practices in indoor and outdoor settings, with an emphasis on nature-based learning and diversity and inclusion. Prerequisite: HDFS 24303, junior standing, (HDFS major or CDSV minor or IDST majors with HDFS or CDSV track), and at least 3 credit hours in 3000 level or above HDFS courses. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)

HDFS 43603. Play as Development in Adulthood. 3 Hours.

This course will examine play as it pertains to development throughout life with a particular focus on adulthood. The modes of adult play will be examined, along with the benefits of play across adulthood. Emphasis will be on play, not as opposition to work, but as a part of a full life. Prerequisite: HDFS 14003. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)

HDFS 44103. Infancy: Brain, Learning and Social Cognition. 3 Hours.

Investigation into how brain mechanisms interact with experience to provide the basis for learning and social cognition. Topics include face perception, motor cognition, imitation, joint attention and shared experience, empathy and altruism, theory of mind, social and moral cognition, language, memory, number, geometry and navigation, object representation, and executive function. Prerequisite: (HDFS 24303 or HDFS 243H3) HDFS major, or IDST major with HDFS or CDSV track, or CDSV minors. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)

HDFS 441H3. Honors Infancy: Brain, Learning and Social Cognition. 3 Hours.

Investigation into how brain mechanisms interact with experience to provide the basis for learning and social cognition. Topics include face perception, motor cognition, imitation, joint attention and shared experience, empathy and altruism, theory of mind, social and moral cognition, language, memory, number, geometry and navigation, object representation, and executive function. Prerequisite: HDFS 24303 or HDFS 243H3; HDFS major or IDST major with HDFS track; honors standing. (Typically offered: Spring)
This course is equivalent to HDFS 44103.

HDFS 44203. Adult Development. 3 Hours.

This course examines the social, psychological, and biological development that occurs throughout adulthood, with an emphasis on middle and later adulthood. Taking a life course perspective, this course particularly focuses on life course trajectories and variabilities across cultural contexts. Prerequisite: HDFS 14003, Junior Standing, HDFS majors or IDST majors with HDFS track and at least 6 credit hours from 20000 level or above HDFS courses. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)

HDFS 44703. Multicultural Families. 3 Hours.

The course provides students with opportunities to gain awareness of their own cultures and families, reflect on families from a diverse array of cultures, and develop critical thinking skills needed to effectively engage with people and families from cultures different than their own. Prerequisite: HDFS 24903, Junior or Senior standing, and HDFS majors or IDST majors with HDFS track. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)

HDFS 44803. Internship in Human Development and Family Studies. 3 Hours.

The internship experience provides practical experience for students in settings that are designed to serve the needs of individuals and/or families across the life span. Students must work a minimum of 150 hours in the setting. May be repeated for up to 6 hours of degree credit. Prerequisite: Grade of B or higher in HDFS 34903, junior standing, and instructor consent. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer) May be repeated for up to 6 hours of degree credit.

HDFS 44903. Public Policy Advocacy for Children and Families. 3 Hours.

Public policy advocacy as related to children and family issues. Strategies for advocacy will be emphasized. Lecture three hours per week. Prerequisite: Junior standing and (HDFS majors or IDST majors with HDFS track). (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)

HDFS 449H3. Honors Public Policy Advocacy for Children and Families. 3 Hours.

Public policy advocacy as related to children and family issues. Strategies for advocacy will be emphasized. Lecture three hours per week. Prerequisite: Honors and Junior standing, and (HDFS major or IDST major with HDFS track). (Typically offered: Spring)
This course is equivalent to HDFS 44903.

HDFS 45103. Family Life Education Methodology. 3 Hours.

This course is designed to examine the philosophy and principles of family life education, while preparing students to plan, implement, and evaluate family life programs in community and education settings. Prerequisite: Senior Standing and HDFS Major. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)

HDFS 47603. Research in HDFS: Methodological Approaches. 3 Hours.

This class introduces the methodology of HDFS and other social sciences in the social world. It covers research design, sampling, measurement, and other topics that underlie the social science conclusions presented to you in other classes. The class begins with an introduction to the goals of social science research, then focuses on the understanding of the 3 validities with which social scientists, and consumer of social science, must concern themselves: Internal, Measurement, and External. Each of these three validities is used as the focus of a course section. The class concludes with a fourth section that integrates these topics and other social science methods. Prerequisite: HDFS major and 45 credit hours completed. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)

HDFS 476H3. Honors Research in HDFS: Methodological Approaches. 3 Hours.

This class introduces the methodology of HDFS and other social sciences in the social world. It covers research design, sampling, measurement, and other topics that underlie the social science conclusions presented to you in other classes. The class begins with an introduction to the goals of social science research, then focuses on the understanding of the 3 validities with which social scientists, and consumer of social science, must concern themselves: Internal, Measurement, and External. Each of these three validities is used as the focus of a course section. The class concludes with a fourth section that integrates these topics and other social science methods. Prerequisite: HDFS major and Junior Standing. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)

HDFS 47703. Research in HDFS: Statistical Approaches. 3 Hours.

This course is an introduction to analytical approaches to research in human development and family sciences and will examine the principles and practices underlying the development of knowledge in the field. Emphases in this course will be on conducting and evaluating data analyses relevant to human environmental sciences majors. Students will become critical consumers of data and develop basic skills to analyze and interpret their own data. Prerequisite: HDFS 47603, MATH 21003, and HDFS major. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)

Human Environmental Sciences Courses

HESC 2550V. Special Topics. 1-6 Hour.

Topics not covered in other courses or a more intensive study of specific topics in the specializations of human environmental sciences. (Typically offered: Irregular) May be repeated for degree credit.

HESC 4000V. Special Problems. 1-6 Hour.

Special problems. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer) May be repeated for up to 6 hours of degree credit.

HESC 4550V. Special Topics. 1-6 Hour.

Topics not covered in other courses, a focused study of specific topics in the students' areas of concentration. (Typically offered: Irregular) May be repeated for up to 6 hours of degree credit.

HESC 455HV. Honors Special Topics. 1-6 Hour.

Topics not covered in other courses, a focused study of specific topics in the students' areas of concentration. Prerequisite: Honors standing. (Typically offered: Irregular) May be repeated for up to 6 hours of degree credit.
This course is equivalent to HESC 4550V.