2023-2024 Academic Catalog

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Learning, Developmental and Family Sciences (LDFS)

LDFS 5110 -  Human Learning  (3 Credits)  

A review of the research on human learning, including related topics such as information processing and motivation. Various theories of learning are examined in-depth, and their applications to teaching and practices in schools (and in other educational settings) are considered. Repeatable. Max Hours: 6 Credits.

Grading Basis: Letter Grade

Repeatable. Max Credits: 6.

LDFS 5240 -  Cognition and Instruction  (3 Credits)  

Explores recent developments in cognition and their implications for instructional practices. Includes theory and research in cognitive psychology and resultant educational practices. Repeatable. Max Hours: 6 Credits.

Grading Basis: Letter Grade

Repeatable. Max Credits: 6.

LDFS 5260 -  Child Study and Observation  (3 Credits)  

Involves extensive, systematic observation of young children. Recorded observations are analyzed in terms of child development theories, children's background, setting variables, and are then presented in written and elaborated form. Repeatable. Max Hours: 6 Credits.

Grading Basis: Letter Grade

Repeatable. Max Credits: 6.

LDFS 5840 -  Learning, Developmental and Family Sciences Independent Study  (1-6 Credits)  

Repeatable. Max Hours: 12 Credits.

Grading Basis: Letter Grade

Repeatable. Max Credits: 12.

LDFS 5930 -  Learning, Developmental and Family Sciences Internship  (2-4 Credits)  

Field-based experiences in settings (schools, businesses, governmental agencies, special projects) that are linked closely to the student's professional objectives. Requires a minimum of 150, 225 or 300 clock hours under supervision (two-four credit hours, respectively). Repeatable. Max Hours: 4 Credits.

Grading Basis: Letter Grade

Repeatable. Max Credits: 8.

LDFS 6100 -  Advanced Child Growth and Development  (3 Credits)  

Systematic study of the major theories of child growth and development. Focuses on current research regarding infants and children and the implication of such research for education. Cross-listed with LDFS 7100. Repeatable. Max Hours: 6 Credits.

Grading Basis: Letter Grade

Repeatable. Max Credits: 6.

LDFS 6140 -  Social Contexts of Adolescence and Schooling  (3 Credits)  

Systematic study of the major theories of adolescent growth in social contexts, emphasizing the social and cultural construction of the adolescent experience. Focuses on current research regarding adolescents and the implications of the research for education. Repeatable. Max hours: 6 Credits.

Grading Basis: Letter Grade

Repeatable. Max Credits: 6.

LDFS 6200 -  Human Development Over the Life Span  (3 Credits)  

An inquiry into the experience and meaning of human development over the full span of life. Both analytical and reflective modes of exploration are utilized to approach the study of personhood and the courses and themes of life. Cross-listed with LDFS 7200. Repeatable. Max Hours: 6 Credits.

Grading Basis: Letter Grade

Repeatable. Max Credits: 6.

LDFS 6220 -  Adult Development  (3 Credits)  

Surveys theories and principles of adult development through an ecological perspective with an emphasis on community and educational contexts. Cross-listed with LDFS 7220. Repeatable. Max hours: 6 Credits.

Grading Basis: Letter Grade

Repeatable. Max Credits: 6.

LDFS 6320 -  Mind, Brain, and Education  (3 Credits)  

An introductory survey into contemporary theory and research in developmental cognitive neurosciences and their potential applications to education, aiming to explore how the brain learns, and what it means for learning and development. Max Hours: 3 Credits.

Grading Basis: Letter Grade

LDFS 6400 -  Observation, Documentation and Assessment  (3 Credits)  

This course focuses on developing competencies in observation, documentation, and assessment to inform understandings about children and teaching. Students will draw from child development and ecological theories to observe children’s assets, then interpret and analyze how children learn and develop. Max Hours: 3 Credits.

Grading Basis: Letter Grade

LDFS 6410 -  Social Foundations of Family and Community  (3 Credits)  

In this course, students of early childhood education will learn to think and act reflectively, critically, and socially, informed by the roles of families and communities of young learners. Course readings, observation, documentation, and reflection provide foundations for the development of relational perspectives on social justice. Max Hours: 3 Credits.

Grading Basis: Letter Grade

LDFS 6420 -  The Environment as the Third Teacher  (3 Credits)  

This course will provide students with an understanding of the relationship between the Learning Sciences and Reggio-Inspired practices, and how this relationship can be applied to the design of engaging and dynamic learning environments. Max Hours: 3 Credits.

Grading Basis: Letter Grade

LDFS 6600 -  Motivation in Contexts  (3 Credits)  

Theories of human motivation are examined through social and cultural lens directed at phenomena of engagement and disengagement in activities at different levels of scale. Applications are considered for both educators and learners in various social and cultural learning contexts. Cross-listed with LDFS 7600. Max hours: 6 Credits.

Grading Basis: Letter Grade

Repeatable. Max Credits: 6.

LDFS 6750 -  Designing Environment for Learning and Development  (3 Credits)  

Introduction to concepts, findings, and research methods relevant to theory and research in the Learning Sciences, with specific focus on how those concepts and findings apply to design learning across settings. Max Hours: 3 Credits.

Grading Basis: Letter Grade

LDFS 6840 -  Learning, Developmental and Family Sciences Independent Study  (1-6 Credits)  

Repeatable. Max Hours: 12 Credits.

Grading Basis: Letter Grade

Repeatable. Max Credits: 12.

LDFS 6910 -  Practicum Reflections on Learning  (3 Credits)  

This course focuses on the pursuit of praxis within the student teacher residency. Reflection on course resources, engagement in ongoing processes of documentation, and reflection within a small group meeting format drive social construction of knowledge about learning and development. Max hours: 3 Credits.

Grading Basis: Letter Grade with IP

LDFS 6950 -  Culminating Capstone Experience  (3 Credits)  

This course provides a learning environment for students to complete an applied project/thesis in education and human development contexts as part of their final capstone experience in the Master’s in Learning, Developmental and Family Sciences. Max hours: 3 Credits.

Grading Basis: Letter Grade with IP

Additional Information: Report as Full Time.

LDFS 7100 -  Advanced Child Growth and Development  (3 Credits)  

Systematic study of the major theories of child growth and development. Focuses on current research regarding infants and children and the implication of such research for education. Cross-listed with LDFS 6100. Max hours: 3 Credits.

Grading Basis: Letter Grade

LDFS 7120 -  Family Dynamics  (3 Credits)  

Review and analysis of issues related to families with exceptional or at-risk young children. Topics include coping skills, family involvement, parent-child interaction, and sources of support. Special attention is given to current research and its application to early intervention. Repeatable. Max Hours: 6 Credits.

Grading Basis: Letter Grade

Repeatable. Max Credits: 6.

LDFS 7140 -  Advanced Studies in Youth Development  (3 Credits)  

Systematic study of the current research and major theories of youth growth, emphasizing the social and cultural construction of the youth experience. Focuses on current theories and research regarding youth within contemporary social structures in multidisciplinary perspectives. Max hours: 3 Credits.

Grading Basis: Letter Grade

LDFS 7200 -  Human Development Over the Life Span  (3 Credits)  

An inquiry into the experience and meaning of human development over the full span of life. Both analytical and reflective modes of exploration are utilized to approach the study of personhood and the courses and themes of life. Cross-listed with LDFS 6200. Max hours: 3 Credits.

Grading Basis: Letter Grade

LDFS 7220 -  Adult Development  (3 Credits)  

Surveys theories and principles of adult development through an ecological perspective with an emphasis on community and educational contexts. Cross-listed with LDFS 6220. Max hours: 3 Credits.

Grading Basis: Letter Grade

LDFS 7600 -  Motivation in Contexts  (3 Credits)  

Theories of human motivation are examined through social and cultural lens directed at phenomena of engagement and disengagement in activities at different levels of scale. Applications are considered for both educators and learners in various social and cultural learning contexts. Cross-listed with LDFS 6600. Max hours: 3 Credits.

Grading Basis: Letter Grade

LDFS 7712 -  Learning and Human Development  (3 Credits)  

Students apply major theories from learning and human development theories to problems of practice and research related to education and community contexts.  Restriction: Restricted to EDHD-PhD, LDRE-EDd, and SPSY-PsyD majors within the School of Education and Human Development. Max Hours: 3 Credits.

Grading Basis: Letter Grade

Restriction: Restricted to EDHD-PhD, LDRE-EDd, and SPSY-PsyD majors within the School of Education and Human Development.

LDFS 7840 -  Learning, Developmental and Family Sciences Independent Study  (1-6 Credits)  

Repeatable. Max Hours: 12 Credits.

Grading Basis: Letter Grade

Repeatable. Max Credits: 12.