Program Description

Human Development

Human Development is an interdisciplinary program that integrates theory and methodology from disciplines such as anthropology, biology, linguistics, psychology, and sociology. Students majoring in Human Development explore the processes and mechanisms underlying developmental change and stability across the lifespan, and the sociocultural and historical contexts in which development takes place. The program's curriculum equips students with basic understanding of major research findings and core concepts in human development, the ability to critically analyze and evaluate theoretical and practical issues in the field, and the skills to apply their learning to diverse communities outside the university. The program strives to create an optimal learning community which values and fosters mutual learning and dialogue between and among students and faculty from diverse backgrounds.

During the senior year, Human Development majors focus their studies in a specific area. Students may choose one of the Department's five concentrations: Early Childhood Development, Childhood Development, Adolescent Development, Adult Development and Gerontology, or Women's Development. In addition to taking 10-12 units related to their chosen concentration, all seniors complete the Department's the capstone course: Senior Research Seminar (HDEV 499). In HDEV 499 students propose a research project based on a literature review, and then carry out their independent research project. This advanced course enables students to pursue a specialized research topic in depth.

Refer to the Degree Roadmap for more details.

A minor in Human Development is also offered for non-majors. A Minor in Human Development requires the completion of 16 units of 300 or 400 level courses with the prefix HDEV. Please note if you declared the Minor in the quarter system you will need to consult a faculty advisor.

The Human Development program is deeply committed to educational access and offers a broad range of educational formats, including fully online classes, hybrid classes which combine an online component with face-to-face interaction, and face-to-face lecture/discussion and seminar classes. The Major is offered at both the Hayward Hills and Concord campuses. The program also offers its major through P.A.C.E. (Program for Accelerated College Education).

Women's Studies

Mission Statement

Women’s Studies explores theoretical and empirical approaches to the study of gender across a range of contexts. Courses connect academic work with the social and political world outside the university, educate our students about a range of social issues and problems that relate to sexism, racism, classism, heterosexism, and ethnocentrism; and link knowledge, research, teaching, and social activism. We engage students in the study of gender and the intersection of gender with other substantive categories of analysis and identity, including race, sexuality, class, disability, and nationality. We promote responsible citizenship in a diverse local and global environment. We empower students to think more critically about social, cultural, and institutional structures, policies and practices.

Program Description

Undergraduate courses in Women’s Studies ensure that students receive an interdisciplinary education that bridges theory and practice, and focuses on the intersections of gender, race, class, sexuality, and nationality in all areas of research.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Graduates will be able to understand feminist theoretical and methodological perspectives on culture and society.
• Graduates will have the analytic competency to critique social inequalities founded on the intersections of gender, race, ethnicity, class, sexuality, and nation.
• Graduates will be able to critically reflect upon their own lives from a feminist perspective.
• Graduates will comprehend the challenges of dismantling sexism and other oppressive beliefs, and will become leaders in work for social justice.

For more information about Women's Studies, please check the Department of Human Development and Women's Studies Catalog.