HDFS 109Community, Connection, and Contemplation

1 credit · Human Development and Family Studies · Penn State

Supportive relationships and communities are critical to health and well-being. However, creating meaningful relationships is challenging, and often requires a continuous exploration of the self and others. In this course, human development and contemplative science research sets the foundation to explore and understand connections between wellness, self-care, and community. Students will examine qualities of healthy relationships, social connection in their lives, and contemplative practices as they build skills for to promote collective resilience and solidarity. Additionally, they will be guided to examine challenges of self-care and caring for others by exploring systemic, social, and psychological barriers perpetuated by culture. Primary goals of this course are for students to develop greater awareness of self and a skill set to build and support a culture that values belonging, acceptance, and authenticity.