Human Development & Learning

Adelphi University

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Course Description

The course will discuss conceptual issues relating to human development from a psychosocial and policy perspective. Keeping childhood development, teaching and learning theories at the forefront, students should aim to understand the length and breadth of “human development” in their own professional and academic contexts. Additionally, students will be exposed to an international perspective on the subject with emphasis on multidisciplinary learning that include definitions of culture and an analysis of what it means to interact with a diverse population (gender, age, language, race, etc). 

Guidelines

The course will be conducted on site at the Manhattan campus of Adelphi University. It is extremely important that each student meet the deadlines posted, stay “wired in” and communicate using the various media tools available. I will be uploading most reading material on my personal website: http://www.usnayar.com where you will see a link for Human Development. If for some reason, readings are not available, please contact me and also use the various library tools and other facilities available to you. 

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Performance Outcomes

Based on the six goals of the conceptual framework 

Scholarship: 

To critically examine the conceptualization of human development in historical context. 

To analyze learning theories, concepts, principles and applications to diverse learner populations

To explore and promote safe school climates for all learners

To study the relevance of research on policy and practice oriented learning in human development

Reflective Practice: 

To reflect on self for skills and experiences for the best professional development based on awareness and analysis

To consciously work on articulation of personal theory of learning

Social Justice:

To include critical examination of the impact of inclusion and exclusion of learner's diversity in teaching learning processes

Inclusive Community: 

To analyze best practices of including diverse characteristics of learners due to variations in culture, age, ability, gender, sexual orientation, race, class, caste, religion and citizenship.

Wellness: 

To appreciate collaborative approach in learning and teaching

To develop, enjoy and sustain the lifelong learning attitude for professional growth in joyful environments in classroom and outside class room. 

Creativity and the Arts: 

To include reflective knowledge in varied forms to express how children learn and when do they enjoy learning? 

There is no TEXT BOOK for the class, however, every student is responsible for the readings attached on the website. If for some reason, the readings are not accessible, please email me directly at usnayar[at]gmail.com

Relevant Links

Oxford Poverty & Human Development Initiative

UNDP Human Development Reports

The World Bank: Human Development Education for All

Graduate School of Education & Human Development, George Washington University 

Book Written by GSEHD Faculty that might be interesting to look at. 

Optional Articles 

Sen, Amartya (2000) "A Decade of Human Development," Journal of Human Development, 1 (1), 17-23.

Biggeri, Mario, Renato Libanora,Stefano Mariani and Leonardo Menchini (2006), Children Conceptualizing their Capabilities: Results of a Survey Conducted during the First Children's World Congress on Child Labour, Journal of Human Development, Vol. 7, No. 1, pp. 59-83. DOI : 10.1080/14649880500501179

Nussbaum, Martha C (2006) Education and Democratic Citizenship: Capabilities and Quality Education, Journal of Human Development, Vol. 7, No. 3, pp. 385- 395.D OI : 10.1080/14649880600815974.

UNDP (2000) 'Human rights and Human development' chapter 1.5 in Sakiko Fakuda-Parr and AK Shiva Kumar (eds), Readings in Human Development. This is taken from Human Development Report 2000 (chapter 1).

Basu, K. and J. E. Foster: 1998, ‘On measuring literacy’, Economic Journal 108(6), pp. 1733–1749.

Raworth, Kate Stewart, David (2005) Critiques of the Human Development Index: A Review. In Sakiko Fakuda-Parr and A.K. Shiva Kumar, Readings in Human Development, Oxford University Press, New Delhi.