Learning Outcomes: Human Development & Family Studies, BS
Learning outcomes for the Bachelor of Science Major in Human Development & Family Studies
- HDFS students will demonstrate a strong foundation in theories and empirical knowledge associated with human development and family studies (i.e., developmental periods and domains; socialization contexts; diversity among families and children; research methods; family dynamics, transitions, and resilience; and family policy)
- Recall key terminology (theoretical, empirical, methodological, substantive concepts)
- Describe current and historical challenges affecting individuals and families (e.g., social, political, economic, cultural, ethical, including research ethics)
- Summarize key theories, models, and principles (e.g., grand, disciplinary, substantive, methodological)
- Apply theories, models, and principles to developmental, relationship, familial, and social issues
- Apply knowledge to global contexts
- Integrate knowledge across courses and content areas (i.e., human development and family studies; lower level to higher level courses)
- Critique current theoretical and empirical knowledge of and methodological approaches to studying human development, relationships, and families
- HDFS students will exhibit the skills necessary to effectively apply knowledge and generate new ideas to solve real world issues
- Use effective written communication
- Use e to achieve group goals
- Apply research-based knowledge to working with children, families, and communities and/or agencies that serve them
- HDFS students will demonstrate a critical and reflexive orientation toward and sensitivity to issues of diversity and inclusion
- Describe the historical and current relevance of diversity and inclusion to individuals, relationships, families, and communities
- Reflect on one’s own interconnected positions, privileges, and disadvantages across multiple contexts
- Critically examine one’s own beliefs, assumptions, values, attitudes, and biases
- Demonstrate awareness of and sensitivity to issues of diversity and inclusion in one’s own work (e.g., written and oral communication)
- Critically evaluate the cultural respectfulness and appropriateness of research, programs, and policies related to human development and families
- Critically evaluate the potential impact of research, programs, and policies on diversity and inclusion
- Demonstrate awareness of global factors (e.g., economic, political, cultural, social) and how they may affect individuals, families and communities
- HDFS students will develop professional competence skills and establish well-informed career and professional goals
- Identify and compare/contrast a range of career options for HDFS majors
- Create professional/job-related materials (e.g., resume, cover letter, purpose statement)
- Connect discipline knowledge to personal and professional life
- Develop leadership skills (e.g., through formal positions; informal mentoring to prospective/new students; representing the department; participation in class teamwork)
- Develop professional connections to support career and professional goals (e.g., relationships with professors, internship supervisors who can serve as references; connections to professionals through attending conferences/workshops or engaging with guest speakers in class)
- Make decisions appropriate grammar and writing mechanics
- Demonstrate a working knowledge of APA style
- Respond to constructive criticism (e.g., revision process, peer review)
- Produce written work that is organized, logical, and fully developed
- Use effective oral communication (e.g., clearly and logically present ideas aloud through presentation to class or group)
- Apply knowledge to formulate and investigate hypotheses or research questions
- Apply knowledge to propose or create research-based programs or policies
- Critically evaluate the quality of published research, programs, and policies and their implications for individuals, relationships, and families
- Collaborate and solve problems
- Independently
- Collaboratively
- Exhibit professional and ethical behavior