Human Development and Family Studies

School of Health and Human Sciences

248 Stone Building
336-334-5307
https://hhs.uncg.edu/hdf

Dena Swanson, Department Chair
Heather Helms, Director of Graduate Studies
Catherine Scott-Little, Director of Birth Through Kindergarten Graduate Program
Anne Fletcher, Director of Undergraduate Studies
Karen LaParo, Director of Birth Through Kindergarten Undergraduate Program

About

The Department of Human Development and Family Studies offers an undergraduate program leading to the Bachelor of Science degree in Human Development and Family Studies. The programs include the study of the development of individuals and families throughout the life span, seeking to improve their well-being through the creation, use, and dissemination of knowledge. Programs of study in the department are multidisciplinary, requiring a synthesis of knowledge from the social and behavioral sciences and from the field of education. The goal of the Department of Human Development and Family Studies is to provide the best opportunity in North Carolina for undergraduates to prepare for careers in child, adolescent, adult, and family care services; in the care and education of children with/without disabilities from birth to kindergarten; teaching in community child care programs and in preschool and kindergarten classrooms in the public school; and in cooperative extension and state agencies.

The internship program within the department provides students with opportunities for professional experiences in the career field of their choice. The department also administers the Child Care Education Program at three sites with an enrollment of 80 children in all-day child care. All serve as laboratories for the study of children and their families.

The Department of Human Development and Family Studies faculty have a wide range of research interests and methodological approaches. The faculty’s research interests cluster in five focal areas:

Early childhood development, care, and education including social, emotional, and cognitive development in young children, child care, and early childhood education;
Parent-child relationships;
Adolescence;
Close relationships, marriage, and divorce; and
Human development and family diversity in sociocultural context.

Faculty use a variety of quantitative and qualitative approaches including tests of children’s social and cognitive development, micro-analytic analyses of peer and parent-child interactions, surveys, interviews, feminist methodologies such as photovoice and interpretive inquiry, and the design and evaluation of educational and intervention programs for children, family members, and educational personnel. Within these general areas of concentration and varied methods of inquiry, students focus upon more specific topics of study.

Graduate course work in human development and family studies focuses on individuals and families as they relate to friendship and kinship networks, the workplace, and economic, human service, health, and formal and informal educational systems. Graduate students have considerable flexibility in tailoring their studies to special interests and career goals. The department also offers several graduate programs jointly with the Department of Specialized Education Services: a M.Ed. in Birth-Kindergarten Interdisciplinary Studies in Education and Development; a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Birth-Kindergarten Initial Licensure; a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Leadership in Infant and Toddler Learning; and an Add-On Licensure in Birth through Kindergarten. For information about these programs, see the Birth Through Kindergarten section under Interdisciplinary Programs.

Professor

Stephanie Irby Coard^G

Anne C. Fletcher^G

Heather Mae Helms^G

Linda Lott Hestenes^G

Andrea G. Hunter^G

Karen M. La Paro^G

Esther Mae Leerkes, Professor and Jefferson Pilot Distinguished Professor^G

Catherine Scott-Little^G

Sudha Shreeniwas^G

Andrew J. Supple^G

Dena Phillips Swanson^G

Visiting Professor

Cheryl Ann Buehler^G

Associate Professor

Jennifer L Coffman^G

Danielle A. Crosby^G

Academic Professional Associate Professor

Harriette Bailey^G

Joi W. Bulls^G

Assistant Professor

Rachel Jepkemboi Boit^G

Bridget L. Cheeks^G

Kierra Marie Pettit Sattler^G

Jocelyn R. Smith Lee^G

Academic Professional Assistant Professor

Elisa Avellar Mercon Vargas

Jennifer Lynn Jones

Visiting Assistant Professor

Jill Veronica Bradley

G: Graduate-level faculty

These interdisciplinary programs are jointly offered by the Department of Human Development and Family Studies and the Department of Specialized Education Services:

HDF 111 Human Development Across the Life Span 3

Study of how development unfolds in diverse contexts and cultures from conception to death and how individual characteristics, relationships, and social settings influence cognitive, social, and psychological development.

MAC: MAC CritThink Soc and BehavSci

Notes: Students may not receive credit for both HDF 111 and PSY 250.

HDF 112 Families and Close Relationships 3

Issues related to singlehood, partnership, and family relationships over time. Topics include love, sexual intimacy, dating, cohabitation, marriage, remarriage, parenting, divorce, and family violence.

MAC: MAC CritThink Soc and BehavSci

HDF 201 Development of School-Age Children 3

Introduction to physical, social-emotional, and cognitive development of children age 5 to 12. Influence of families, culture, race/ethnicity, and teacher/school characteristics on children's development and school experiences emphasized.

MAC: MAC CritThink Soc and BehavSci

HDF 202 Infant and Child Development 3

An examination of development from conception through middle childhood across family, context, and culture. Explores variability in individual development and factors related to health and well-being.

MAC: MAC Health and Wellness

HDF 203 Adolescent Development: From Puberty to Young Adulthood 3

An examination of development from early adolescence into young adulthood across family, context, and culture. Explores how political, social, and cultural systems shape development of adolescents and young adults from diverse backgrounds.

MAC: MAC Diversity and Equity

HDF 204 Adult Development 3

An examination of development from early through late adulthood across family, context, and culture. Explores individual and systemic variability in development and well-being.

MAC: MAC Health and Wellness

HDF 221 Issues in Parenting 3

Examination of parenting behaviors from infancy through young adulthood across family, context, and culture. Explores how political, social, and cultural systems shape parenting choices, options, and experiences.

MAC: MAC Diversity and Equity

HDF 250 Introduction to Birth through Kindergarten Education and Programs 3

Introduction to Birth through Kindergarten programs and careers. Discussion of development from birth to six and developmentally appropriate practice. Overview and observations of program types for children with and without disabilities.

HDF 315 Assessment and Planning for Inclusive B-K Programs 4

Theoretical, practical, ethical issues in observing, assessing, and planning for young children with and without disabilities. Individualized approaches for program planning and monitoring development are integrated.

Prerequisites: HDF 111 or PSY 250, HDF 112, and HDF 202. Pr. or Coreq.: SES 242 and HDF 250;

Notes: Same as SES 315.

HDF 330 Family Diversity 3

Study of the variation within and between families through an exploration of the similarities and differences according to culture, race/ethnicity, class, gender, family structure, and sexual orientation.

Prerequisites: Grade of C- or better in HDF 111 or PSY 250, HDF 112, HDF 202, or HDF 203 or HDF 204. 2.50 GPA in the major.

HDF 341 Social Emotional Competence in Inclusive Settings 3

Social, emotional, and physical environments of inclusive early childhood settings (birth to kindergarten) and their role in promoting optimal development and successful learning.

Prerequisites: HDF 111 or PSY 250, HDF 112, and HDF 202. Pr. or Coreq.: SES 242 and HDF 250;

Notes: Same as SES 341.

HDF 375 Research Methods in Human Development and Family Studies 3

An introductory examination of human development and family research methods designed to provide an understanding of scientific inquiry, methodology, measurement, test construction, scaling, and statistical terms and techniques.

Prerequisites: STA 108. Grade of C- or better in HDF 111 or PSY 250, HDF 112, HDF 202, or HDF 203 or HDF 204; 2.50 GPA in the major.

HDF 377 Professional Development in HDFS 3

Development of professional skills and exploration of careers related to individuals and families. Should be taken in the senior year the semester immediately preceding HDF 499.

Prerequisites: Grade of C- or better in HDF 111 or PSY 250, HDF 112, HDF 202, or HDF 203 or HDF 204. 2.50 GPA in the major, senior standing, permission of instructor.

HDF 390 Families and Children in Global Perspective 3

A study of Asian, African, Latin American, and Eastern European families and children, focusing on family structure, gender roles, and socialization practices within their socioeconomic, historical, and cultural context.

Prerequisites: (HDF 111 or PSY 250) and HDF 112.

HDF 401 Special Problems in Human Development and Family Studies 1-6

Individual study. Conference hours to be arranged.

Prerequisites: Permission of instructor.

Notes: May be repeated for credit when topics vary.

HDF 407 Issues Affecting Women and Families 3

Study of cultural influences on definitions and roles of women in families and work, including impact of educational, scientific, religious, and legal institutions. Exploration of issues affecting women and families.

Prerequisites: Grade of C- or better in HDF 111 or PSY 250, HDF 112, HDF 202, or HDF 203 or HDF 204. 2.50 GPA in the major.

HDF 420 Birth to Kindergarten Teaching Practicum I 3

Introduction to teaching; requires six (6) hours per week placement in ECE classroom for typical and atypical children. Assignments include developing activities, tracking children's learning, and reflecting on personal professional growth.

Prerequisites: Grade of C+ or better in HDF/SES 315 and HDF/SES 341. 2.60 GPA.

HDF 425 Infants and Toddlers: Development, Learning, and Curriculum 3

Theories, principles, methods, and issues related to infant and toddler development and inclusive programs. An emphasis on integrating knowledge with skills to design, implement, and evaluate programs will be taken.

Prerequisites: SES 242. Grade of C+ or better in HDF/SES 315 and HDF/SES 341; 2.60 GPA;

Notes: Same as SES 425.

HDF 435 Preschool: Development, Learning, and Curriculum 3

In-depth examination of typical and atypical development of diverse preschool-age children. Integrated teaching strategies and effective inclusive learning environments will be emphasized.

Prerequisites: SES 242. Grade of C+ or better in HDF/SES 315 and HDF/SES 341; 2.60 GPA;

Notes: Same as SES 435.

HDF 436 Kindergarten: Development, Learning, and Curriculum 3

In-depth examination of current policies and practices in public school kindergartens. Development of children with and without disabilities and appropriate teaching strategies in kindergarten will be emphasized.

Prerequisites: SES 242. Grade of C+ or better in HDF/SES 315 and HDF/SES 341; 2.60 GPA;

Notes: Same as SES 436.

HDF 440 Birth to Kindergarten Teaching Practicum II 3

Includes six (6) hour placement in ECE with typical and atypical children. Personal growth as a teacher will be highlighted. Assignments include activity planning for individual children's learning, growth, and development.

Prerequisites: Grade of C+ or better in HDF 420. 2.60 GPA.

HDF 445 Current Family Theory and Research 3

Seminar designed to examine current issues in family studies. Emphasis placed on theories and current research literature. Writing and editing are emphasized.

Prerequisites: HDF 202, HDF 203, HDF 204, and C- or better in HDF 375. 2.50 GPA in the major.

HDF 450 Professional Experience in Early Childhood 6

Supervised professional experience for students working with children in early childhood settings.

Prerequisites: Grade of C+ or better in HDF 440, HDF/SES 425, HDF/SES 435, and TED 416. 2.60 GPA and permission of instructor.

HDF 455 Current Developmental Theory and Research 3

Seminar designed to examine current issues in development. Emphasis placed on current research literature, theories, and applications across the lifespan. Writing and editing are emphasized.

Prerequisites: HDF 202, HDF 203, HDF 204, and C- or better in HDF 375. 2.50 GPA in the major.

HDF 460 Supervised Student Teaching 9

Supervised student teaching in an infant and/or toddler, preschool, or kindergarten setting under direction of a cooperating teacher with university supervision.

Prerequisites: Grade of C+ or better in KIN 342, HDF/SES 425, HDF/SES 435, HDF/SES 436, HDF 440, TED 416. 2.85 GPA; admission to the Teacher Education Program, and permission of instructor;

Corequisites: HDF 461.

HDF 461 Student Teaching Seminar 3

This course is designed to accompany the student teaching experience. The foci of the seminar will be to prepare students to complete all state licensure requirements including edTPA and to provide facilitated opportunities to discuss student teaching experiences as well as to prepare students for the educational job market.

Prerequisites: Grade of C+ or better in KIN 342, HDF/SES 425, HDF/SES 435, HDF/SES 436, HDF 440, TED 416. 2.85 GPA; admission to the Teacher Education Program, and permission of instructor;

Corequisites: HDF 460.

HDF 464 Advanced Family and Developmental Studies Seminar 3

In-depth study of selected topics in Human Development and Family Studies. Particular section content is determined by the instructor.

Prerequisites: HDF 202, HDF 203, HDF 204, and C- or better in HDF 375. 2.50 GPA in the major;

Notes: May be repeated once for a total of six (6) credit hours when topic varies.

HDF 468 Diversity in Inclusive Early Care and Education 3

In-depth analysis of the issues, challenges, and recommended practices related to effectively serving diverse populations of young children and their families in inclusive early care and education settings.

Prerequisites: HDF 450 or HDF 460, or concurrent enrollment in HDF 450 or HDF 460. or permission of instructor; 2.60 GPA;

Notes: Same as SES 468.

HDF 470 Leadership in Early Education 3

Identifying characteristics of leaders and effective leadership styles and how these can be applied in early care and education. Prepares students to advocate best practice in a community-based environment.

Prerequisites: HDF 450, or HDF 460, or permission of instructor. 2.60 GPA.

HDF 482 Administration of Dependent Care Programs 3

Major areas of planning and administering dependent care programs, including programming, scheduling, reporting, financing, housing, equipping, staffing, and working with families.

Prerequisites: Grade of C+ or better in HDF/SES 315 and HDF/SES 341. 2.60 GPA.

HDF 499 Supervised Professional Experience 1-6

Supervised professional experience in selected commercial or industrial organizations, public or private agencies.

Prerequisites: C- or better in HDF 377. 2.50 GPA in the major; and permission of instructor;

Notes: May be repeated for up to six (6) credit hours.

HDF 601 Directed Individual Study in Human Development and Family Studies 1-6

Prerequisite: 6 credit hours of HDF graduate courses and permission of instructor.

HDF 602 Special Topics in Human Development and Family Studies 2-4

Designated special topics such as Child Care Administration, Parent Education, Practicum, Child Guidance.

Notes: May be repeated for credit.

HDF 603 Research Laboratory Practicum in Human Development and Family Studies 1

Supervised practicum experiences in planning, designing, and implementing research investigations in the field of human development and family studies.

Notes: Students must obtain approval of a supervising graduate faculty member before registering. May be repeated for credit. credit cannot be used to meet minimum hour requirements of a degree program. Grade: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory (S/U).

HDF 606 Preschool-Kindergarten Learning in Inclusive Settings 4

In-depth exploration of the principles of early childhood care and education and learning strategies for preschool/kindergarten children with and without disabilities. Field placements in BK setting are required.

Prerequisites: Admission to BKISED degree program and SES 601.

Notes: Same as SES 606.

HDF 607 Infant-Toddler Learning in Inclusive Settings 4

An examination of development in infancy and toddlerhood and strategies for facilitating very young children's growth and learning in early childhood care and educational settings. Field placement required.

Prerequisites: HDF or SES major or permission of instructor.

Notes: Same as SES 607.

HDF 633 Advanced Curriculum in Early Childhood Education 3

Examination of theoretical and developmental foundations of early childhood curriculum approaches, including critique of accepted early childhood practices, action research, and published research in curriculum and program effectiveness.

HDF 634 Contemporary Issues in Early Childhood Policy 3

Analysis of how federal, state, and local policies impact early childhood programs, early childhood professionals, children, and families.

HDF 636 Leadership in Educating Young Children 3

Examination of advanced leadership and lifelong learning for those who develop and implement early childhood programs.

Prerequisites: SES 601.

HDF 637 Administration of Early Care and Education Programs: Financial and Personnel Management 3

Addresses knowledge and skills needed to administer early childhood programs, with a focus on personnel and financial management within child care centers. Organizational structures will be reviewed and critiqued. Students will learn how to develop and implement program policies, meet legal requirements, and promote best practices.

Prerequisites: SES 601.

HDF 638 Coaching and Mentoring in Early Childhood Programs 4

Introduces students to various models of coaching, and provide knowledge and skills needed to carry out a coaching cycle to support early educators in improving practice with young children and their families. Students will also learn skills needed for mentoring early educators.

Prerequisites: SES 601.

HDF 640 Professional Seminar 1

Conceptual and methodological perspectives of multidisciplinary study in the field of human development and family studies. Required of all first-year master's and doctoral students.

HDF 650 Theory and Research in Early Childhood 3

Examination of theory and current research pertaining to the development of children from birth through kindergarten within the context of the family, community, and larger society.

Prerequisites: ERM 604 and SES 601.

HDF 651 Contemporary Research in Human Development 3

Examination of contemporary research findings in the field of human development.

HDF 652 Theories of Human Development and Family Studies 3

Survey of selected theories of human development and family studies.

HDF 653 Contemporary Research in Family Studies 3

Examination of contemporary research findings in the field of family studies.

HDF 655 Family Theory 3

Theories that relate to studying families; linking conceptual ideas, theorizing, and research examples relevant to families.

HDF 656 Race, Class, and Culture 3

Examination and application of theory and research related to racial/ethnic, social class, and cultural issues; self-awareness and cultural competence are emphasized.

Prerequisites: HDF 651, 652, 653 or 655 or permission of instructor.

HDF 661 Professional Seminar II 2

Professional activities and ethical responsibilities of university scholars; professional planning and time-management; writing; peer-review; extramural funding; diversity, equity, and inclusion in the academy; and research practices with human subjects.

HDF 696 Supervised Professional Experience in Human Development and Family Studies 1-6

Supervised professional experience in selected commercial or industrial organizations, public or private agencies. Completion of a major project or activities appropriate to the goals of the agencies.

Prerequisites: Permission of instructor.

HDF 699 Thesis 1-6

Individual guidance in the development of a specific research problem.

Prerequisites: Permission of instructor.

Notes: Required of all candidates for the Master of Science degree. Credit may be divided over two or more semesters.

HDF 703 Contemporary Topics in Human Development and Family Studies 3

Advanced study of designated contemporary topics in Human Development and Family Studies.

Prerequisites: Doctoral standing or permission of instructor.

Notes: May be repeated for credit.

HDF 713 Social and Emotional Development 3

Integrates theory and research focusing on social-emotional growth across the lifespan. Importance of peer and family relations in personality development; social and emotional competence and adjustment difficulties.

Prerequisites: HDF 651 (or HDF 650) and HDF 652, or permission of instructor.

Notes: Same as PSY 715.

HDF 714 Cognitive Development in Young Children 3

Current theories and research on cognitive development from infancy through middle childhood; the development of language, thinking, conceptual representation, learning, memory, and executive functions.

Prerequisites: HDF 651 (or HDF 650 or HDF 654), HDF 652, or permission of instructor.

HDF 715 Infant Development 3

Principles of perceptual, motor, cognitive and socio-emotional development in infants and very young children.

Prerequisites: HDF 650 or HDF 651, HDF 652, or permission of instructor.

HDF 716 Seminar in Adolescence 3

Integrates theory, research, and practice focusing on dimensions of normative and problematic adolescent development within its ecological contexts.

Prerequisites: HDF 651 (or HDF 650) or permission of instructor.

HDF 721 Seminar in Parent-Child Relations 3

Synthesizes theoretical perspectives and current research on parent-child relations. Topics include: links between parenting and child outcomes, determinants of parenting, links between parenting and adult development/relationships. Integrates applied implications.

Prerequisites: HDF 651, HDF 652, and HDF 653. or permission of instructor.

HDF 722 Families in Middle and Later Life 3

This course examines family configurations and relationships as individuals move through middle and later life.

Prerequisites: Admitted to a graduate program or permission of instructor.

HDF 723 Divorce, Remarriage, Cohabitation 3

Integrates theory and research focusing on variations within and changes to family structures and processes (e.g., communication, intimacy, conflict management). Sociocultural variations within and across groups.

Prerequisites: HDF 653, HDF 655 or permission of instructor.

HDF 725 Psychobiology of Human Development and Family Processes 3

This seminar will focus on recent theoretical and empirical work on the genetic, physiological, and neural processes that play a role in human development and family functioning.

Prerequisites: HDF 651 (or HDF 650) and HDF 652, or permission of instructor.

HDF 726 Close Relationships in Adulthood 3

Interdisciplinary introduction to close relationships in adulthood, including the major theoretical perspectives scholars use to examine close relationships, the methods researchers employ, and the substantive foci that characterize the field.

Prerequisites: HDF 653 or HDF 644 or permission of instructor.

HDF 730 Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Child Development 3

Examines how culture influences children's development and also is influenced by members of that culture.

HDF 740 Social Justice Research with Diverse Families 3

Social justice theoretical perspectives and methods for studying diverse families including the variety of qualitative methods, analyses, and best practices that can be used to address contemporary social issues impacting families and their members.

HDF 745 College Teaching in Human Development and Family Studies 2-3

Introduction to college teaching through observation and exploration of issues for beginning teachers. Students are assigned to work with graduate faculty members.

Prerequisites: 2nd year master's student and above.

Notes: May be repeated with a different member of the graduate faculty. Grading method is Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory (S/U).

HDF 750 Professional Seminar III 3

Job search methods and strategies in human development and family studies for doctoral students including HDFS academic and non-academic jobs, fellowships, internships, and doctoral research grants.

Prerequisites: HDF 640, HDF 661.

HDF 755 Advanced Theory in HDFS 3

In-depth study of particular theories used to study children and families. Theories addressed will vary by instructor. May include mechanics of theory building and refining.

Prerequisites: HDF 652, HDF 655, or permission of instructor.

HDF 756 Advanced Research Design in Human Development and Family Studies 3

Methods and designs of research with individuals and families from problem specification, data collection and reduction, to data analysis.

Prerequisites: HDF core requirements and two graduate statistics courses or permission of instructor.

Notes: Core requirement for PhD degree.

HDF 765 College Teaching Practicum in Human Development and Family Studies II 3

Supervised experiences in planning, teaching, and evaluating a college-level course.

Notes: Student must obtain the approval of a supervising graduate faculty member before registering. May be repeated with a different member of the graduate faculty.

HDF 790 Independent Doctoral Research 1-9

Individual work related to the student's primary area(s) of specialization. Work may consist of empirical research or of critical reviews and integrations of existing literature.

HDF 799 Dissertation 1-12

Individual direction in the development and completion of a doctoral dissertation project.

Prerequisites: Permission of instructor.

Notes: Required of all candidates for the Ph.D.

HDF 801 Thesis Extension 1-3

Thesis Extension.

HDF 802 Dissertation Extension 1-3

Dissertation Extension.

HDF 803 Grad Resrch Proj Ext 1-3

Research Extension.