HDFS 485Supporting Healthy Development: Understanding Systems, Successes, and Challenges
In this advanced, project-based course, each student will select a topic to study for an individual, semester-long project. Through interviews with people in their communities and reading academic literature, students will examine their topic in detail and explore the way individuals and contexts interact to influence development. Throughout the semester, students will be instructed on topics such as ecological systems theory, policy analysis, concept mapping, and network theory, as well as be guided to develop skills in interviewing, networking, and project management. Students will learn about each other¿s topics, share resources, and provide each other with support. Assignments will be professional-style products ranging from concise interview and reading summaries to project proposals, weekly logs, and presentations.