HDFS 101 Lifespan Development

Overview of Course

HDFS 101 provides insights into past, current, and future influences on human lifespan development. Human development is influenced by many factors, including relationships, family, historical contexts, community and culture, biology, and environmental contexts. Using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (World Health Organization, 2001), we will explore the intricacies of lifespan development through a global health lens. We will consider a variety of theoretical approaches to understand how human trajectories in physical health, cognition, and social-emotional development transact with environmental and situational factors to drive life outcomes. Cross-cultural differences, as they pertain to different life stages, will be examined as students visit different ports over the semester. HDFS 101 may be relevant for students pursuing majors in health, education, behavioral sciences, and other related fields.