This course is an introduction to research methods as used in Human Development and Family Studies to provide students with a foundational understanding of how to design, implement, complete, and evaluate research studies. The research process will be emphasized, including review and application of current research literature, generating research questions, formulation of hypotheses, conceptual and operational definitions, measurement, sample selection, quantitative and qualitative analyses, designing and interpreting research designs, and understanding ethical responsibilities in research.

This course is designed to look at the challenging biological, cultural and situational factors that affect the contemporary family. Concerns such as immigration, terrorism, disease, and media influences will be discussed, along with global problems of climate change, war, violence, alcohol and drug abuse, and economic change. This class is about how families cope with the stress associated with these challenges, but also how they adapt, how to promote resilience, and how families can thrive in the face of adversity. Students will explore remedies, solutions and support networks that help families in crisis.

This course provides an overview of the physical, cognitive, language, and social-emotional development of children from the prenatal period through early and middle childhood. Theories of development are discussed as well as research methodologies used in the study of child development. Special attention is given to landmark and current research findings regarding development during this period of the lifespan.

This course examines the normative changes adolescents experience in biological, social, emotional, and cognitive domains. Emphasis is on the contexts of adolescent development including family and peer relationships, school, work, leisure, and broader cultural influences. Students will learn about problematic and risky behaviors as well as the positive development outcomes associated with this period of the lifespan.