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HDFS 105 Intro to Human Development
3 hours (2 hours lecture, 1 hour discussion)
Fall and Spring Semesters
Course Objectives
In this course we will focus on the biological, psychological, and social changes that occur as individuals move across the lifespan, from conception to death. You will learn that these changes are dynamically interrelated and incredibly diverse, often depending on factors such as gender or culture. The main objective of the course is to help you to acquire an understanding of the process of human development through presentation of scientific research and theory as well as through application and critical thinking activities.
Topics
- What is human development and why do we study it?
- Overview of the big ideas in development
- Prenatal development and the birth process
- The newborn
- Infancy: Learning to walk and talk
- Infancy: Perception and thought
- Infancy: The role of parents and others
- Childhood: How do children think
- Childhood: Gender role development
- Childhood: A child's social world
- Childhood: The role of peers
- Adolescence: An overview
- Adolescence: Changing social world
- Adolescence: Identity and intimacy
- Adolescence: New Social Roles
- Adulthood: Transition to adulthood
- Adulthood: Work and parenthood
- Adulthood: The myths and realities of getting
- Later adulthood: Why do we grow old?
- Death and dying
Graded Activities
- Exams (3)
- Discussion Participation & Assignments (9)