Those whose professional concern is with the life chances of others require a thorough knowledge of development throughout the life span and of the familial and societal contexts of this development. The human development major stresses the application of this knowledge to the human services. Human development across the life span. The core of the human development major is a series of three courses examining in detail the development of the individual from conception through childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and old age. Advanced coursework addresses abnormal development, theories of personality and linkages between brain functioning and behavior.
All courses devote considerable attention to implications for intervention in the human services.
The family context of development. Several courses focus on the family as a vitally important context for human development. The wider social context of development. This theme is emphasized throughout the curriculum so that students become increasingly aware of the impact of social circumstances, institutions, conditions and policy on individuals and families. Courses dealing with the human services system and the ecology of human development provide a detailed consideration of social and cultural influences on development.