#  HDE101 Course Description 

 



This course examines the dynamic interplay between the science of human development and its applications in practice and policy settings. The course is organized around a collection of landmark research-to-policy/practice illustrations that showcase how core knowledge about how children and youth learn and grow (e.g., brain development in early childhood and adolescence) has shaped foundational concepts in the worlds of policy (e.g., early childhood nutrition, educational, and family support systems) and practice (e.g., pre-k curricula to support executive function; targeted and universal adolescent risk prevention programs). The illustrations reflect the primary domains of social, emotional, cognitive, and linguistic development, as well as atypical developmental trajectories and learning differences, from infancy through young adulthood. In examining these illustrations, students will be exposed to broad theories of human development that highlight the important roles of individual experience, exposure to adversity and challenge, features of setting and context, and broader educational systems. Students will learn how to be critical consumers of the science of human development and how to link developmental science to effective change strategies across practice and policymaking settings.