The goal is to give students an understanding of how social policies have developed and of the content of some current social policy issues and debates. This course is the first of a two- quarter sequence offering an overview, from the perspective of child development research findings, of basic concepts and issues in human development that are implicated in policy planning for human services. An understanding of how children's development is influenced by the social settings in which they mature, learn, and develop an interactive character of psychological growth is stressed as well. An introductory course in observational methods, especially recommended for pre-practicum students in the Human Development and Social Policy Program and Teacher Preparation Program.
Students explore the use of observational methods in research and policy analysis.
Varied teaching methods include lecture, discussion, observational exercises, independent reading and projects. Students practice designing, implementing and analyzing observational projects. Internship experience for undergraduate students. It provides a special opportunity to acquaint oneself with a particular professional environment and to apply theoretical and analytical concepts learned in the classroom to an actual job setting. Prior consent of Practicum Director.