NSU 2014-2015 Undergraduate Catalog

373 Nova Southeastern University • Undergraduate Student Catalog • 2014–2015 COURSE DESCRIPTIONS GEST 4900 Special Topics in Gender Studies (3 credits) This course serves as a capstone to gender studies and provides the opportunity for treatment of special topics and/or internships combined with independent research projects. Prerequisites: GEST 2050; and COMP 2000 or COMP 2010, or COMP 2020 or COMP 2000H. GEST 4990 Independent Study in Gender Studies (3 credits) The student selects, and carries out independently, library and /or empirical research. Faculty supervision is provided on an individual basis. Written consent of instructor and division director required. Prerequisites: GEST 2050; and COMP 2000 or COMP 2010 or COMP 2020 or COMP 2000H. HDFS—Human Develop and Family Studies HDFS 3000 Research Methods in Human Development and Family Studies (3 credits) Introduction to quantitative and qualitative research methods used to study human development and families. Provides experience conducting observations and survey interviews, evaluating research results, and writing research reports. Prerequisites: SOCL 2130 and PSYC 2350. HDFS 3200 Child Welfare, Law, and Social Policy (3 credits) This class will acquaint students with various areas in which public policies and laws affect children and families, and in which developmental/family research and practice are germane to legal policy (and case law); the methods through which empirical research findings may influence case law and legislation (amicus curiae and policy briefs); and, the relationship between the fields of family studies/ social science, policy, and law, and how this knowledge can affect study design/dissemination and clinical/practical work. Key areas of focus will include: relevant prevention vs. intervention approaches to promoting child/family welfare and mental health; and, family violence prevention and intervention efforts. Prerequisite: SOCL 2130. HDFS 3400 Legal Aspects of the Family (3 credits) The purpose of this course is to provide the student with a general overview of the most important aspects of family law. Topics covered include the regulation of marriage, separation and divorce, alimony, child custody and support, adoption, parental authority and children’s rights, abortion, and the impact of technology on families. Prerequisite: SOCL 2130. HDFS 3500 Children with Special Needs (3 credits) Multi-disciplinary approach to the study of issues related to exceptional children and their families. Explores social, emotional, and economic aspects of exceptionality for both children and families; examines processes of identification, intervention, and integration of children who deviate significantly from developmental norms. Prerequisite: PSYC 2350. HDFS 4800 Community Practicum in Human Development and Family Studies (3 credits) Supervised experiences in established career-related positions at a community agency; focus selected on basis of professional interest (some sites may require a background check). Prerequisite: SOCL 2130, PSYC 2630, and PSYC 2350. HDFS 4880 Senior Seminar in Human Development and Family Studies (3 credits) Students will have the opportunity to integrate information from a variety of perspectives in human development and family studies. Each seminar will have a focal theme that will allow students to gain new perspectives, as well as apply knowledge from prior courses and experiences. This course is presented as a capstone experience; therefore students with advanced standing in the HDFS major will benefit the most from the seminar. Prerequisite: HDFS 3000. HDFS 4900 Special Topics in Human Development and Family Studies (3 credits) A critical look at one or more contemporary issues in human development and family studies. Prerequisites: PSYC 2350 and SOCL 2130. HDFS 4990A Independent Study A in Human Development and Family Studies (3 credits) The student selects and carries out independently, library and/or empirical research. Faculty supervision is provided on an individual basis. Prerequisites: HDFS 3000 and written consent of instructor and division director. HDFS 4990B Independent Study B in Human Development and Family Studies (3 credits) The student selects, and carries out independently, library and/or empirical research. Faculty supervision is provided on an individual basis. Prerequisites: HDFS 3000 and written consent of instructor and division director. HDFS 4990C Independent Study C in Human Development and Family Studies (3 credits) The student selects and carries out independently, library and/or empirical research. Faculty supervision is provided on an individual basis. Prerequisites: HDFS 3000 and written consent of instructor and division director.