Positive Youth Development

Applied Developmental Science (ADS) uses research about human development to inform programs and policies pertinent to topics of social importance. Students will integrate readings about and class discussions of ADS theory and research with information about community-based programs. The focus of this class will be a discussion and analysis of the role of developmental research and, in particular from longitudinal research (for example, the 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development), in framing applications (programs and policies) for promoting positive development among youth. In addition to an overview of the theoretical models that are the bases of the PYD perspective, the course will present the work of researchers who have conducted applied developmental studies of adolescents and their ecological settings in order to advance understanding of how individuals and context are involved across the adolescent years in providing a basis for both healthy and problematic development. 

Applied Adolescent Development

This course is designed to provide students with an overview of the theoretical and empirical knowledge base concerning adolescent development. In particular, four broad areas will be considered: (1) psychological, biological, and cognitive transitions; (2) central developmental tasks of adolescence; (3) primary contextual influences; and (4) prevalent types of problematic functioning that emerge during adolescence. The overarching goals of the course are to provide a solid and broad understanding of how and why adolescents develop in the manner they do, and to extend this developmental understanding into research, application, and practice.

Social Issues & Social Policy

Examines a range of social issues relevant to children and families and the social policies directed at such issues. Discusses policy creation, implementation and evaluation, and considers the roles of advocacy, research and politics. Addresses how current social policies impact children and families and compares U.S. policies to those in other industrialized countries. Likely topics include poverty, economic redistribution, work/family balance, early childhood education, educational reform, and other issues. The seminar aims to help students think critically about the political and empirical issues involved in assessing social issues and developing and evaluating social policies.

College Student Development

An intensive introduction to student development, this course focuses on interdisciplinary theories of intellectual and psychosocial change among late adolescent and adult learners in post-secondary education. Research on student outcomes is also covered. Special attention is paid to the implications of ethnicity, age, gender, and other individual differences for the development of students. Course projects include individual and collaborative opportunities to relate theory to professional work with college students.

Issues in Lifespan Development

This course addresses the major psychological and socio-cultural issues in development from childhood through adulthood. The theory, research, and practice in the field of life span development are examined and evaluated.

Multicultural Issues

Assists students to become more effective in their work with ethnic minority and LGBT clients. Increases students' awareness of their own and others' life experiences, and how these impact the way in which we approach interactions with individuals who are different from us. Examines the sociopolitical conditions that impact individuals from ethnic and non-ethnic minority groups in the U.S., and presents an overview of relevant research.

Teachers & Education Reform

Issues of school reform are constantly in the media--high-stakes testing, charter schools, the Common Core. At the heart of these reforms are teachers and the work they do with students in their classrooms. In this course, students look in-depth at the nature of teaching and learning in schools and classrooms. In particular, the course attends to issues and practices linked to current efforts at educational reform, approaching these matters through active inquiry and experiential enactment of such practices. Focused reflection is also a central component of this class.

Diversity in Higher Education

The purpose of this course is to provide students with the opportunity to examine the theoretical scholarship and empirical research on race, class, and gender in American higher education. The course readings are interdisciplinary in nature and require students to identify research claims and their relationship to higher education practice and policy in the U.S. We explore such issues as admissions and affirmative action policy, sexual harassment, access, and financial aid practices.

Family and Community Engagement

This course will explore the theory and practice of family-school-community relationships with a particular focus on the role of school leaders in enacting organizational models, educational programs, and political strategies designed to increase authentic parent and community participation in schools and other educational organizations. Topics include community schools/full service schools, parent involvement models, increasing the involvement of diverse families, grassroots organizing for community development, after school/OST (Out of School Time) programs, and school board-community relations.

Sport Psychology

This graduate course explores the science and practice of sport and exercise psychology with two applied themes: sport-based youth development and sport for social justice. Course content will include individual factors such as personality, motivation, anxiety, exercise adherence, and addictive and unhealthy behaviors, as well as social and environmental factors such as group cohesion, coaching efficacy, parental influence, and character development. The course will challenge students to connect principles of sport and exercise psychology to sport-based youth development and sport for peace and social justice. Therefore, aspects of the course will also utilize a sociological/sociocultural lens. Discussions and assignments will explore practical implications for various applied psychology settings including schools, communities, and sport and recreation organizations.

Career Development

This course provides students with a comprehensive introduction to the theoretical and practice aspects of career development and the psychology of working. Students learn existing theories and related research pertaining to the vocational behavior of individuals across the life span. Through readings, case discussions, and lectures, students learn how to construct effective, ethical, and humane means of helping people to develop their work lives to their fullest potential.