HDFS 129Introduction to Human Development and Family Studies

3 credits · Human Development and Family Studies · Penn State

Introduction to psychosocial and family development at all stages of the individual and family life cycle. Students may take only one course for General Education credit from SOC 30 or HDFS 129 . HDFS 129 Introduction to Human Development and Family Studies (3) (GS)(BA) This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements. This course provides a basic introduction to the concepts, theories, and research on human development as it occurs over the life span and in context. Students will be introduced to developmental tasks and challenges unique to each stage of human development from the womb through infancy, early and middle childhood, adolescence, emerging adulthood, middle age and old age. Beginning with the prenatal state and infancy, students will be introduced to the biological, emotional, cognitive, psychosocial, as well as the social, cultural and historical factors that influence growth and development across infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and advanced adulthood. Students will be introduced to basic concepts, theoretical orientations, and key empirical studies that inform human growth and development. Furthermore, attention is given to the central role of families and family life as a context for development. The formation of intimate relationships, marriage, marital processes, motherhood and fatherhood will be reviewed, as well as problems and challenges that families face such as financial stress, separation and divorce, abuse, and caregiving. Finally how families and family behavior are influenced by their communities, the larger culture, and other social and economic forces will be discussed.