Social and Human Development
A.A.S., B.A. Degrees, Certificate, Minor
A.A.S., Human Services
Students in the human services program receive skills-based training within a foundation of theory. After completing foundation courses, students select an area of concentration from the following: addiction counseling, behavioral health or interdisciplinary concentration. Students learn interviewing and assessment, case management, crisis intervention, group counseling techniques and other specific skills needed within their concentration area.
The program prepares students for entry-level positions in human services agencies. Persons with a strong desire to help others, a sincere respect for humankind and a commitment to their own personal growth may find this field rewarding. They must be emotionally stable, flexible and interested in working with people of diverse social, cultural and economic backgrounds from themselves. Recovery from life traumas and addictions can be a positive attribute if the student has successfully worked through specific issues and is willing to continue personal growth.
Students who complete an addictions concentration are eligible for certification as chemical dependency counselor technicians through the Alaska Commission for Behavioral Health Certification.
Each concentration is available to B.A. degree students as a minor. Option 1: The B.A. degree student must complete the concentration and three HUMS elective credits. Concentrations provide students with the skills needed for employment. See minor requirements. Option 2: Complete HUMS-approved elective credits (18 credits of electives must be approved by the human services program head).
Minimum Requirements for Human Services A.A.S. Degree: 63 credits
B.A., Child Development and Family Studies
This program provides the necessary preparation for early childhood professionals who wish to advance their knowledge and career opportunities with specialized study in administration, curriculum and teaching, or family support.
The child development and family studies program meets professional preparation standards developed by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. These six core standards and field experience expectations guide the Child Development and Family Studies B.A. program content and outline a set of common expectations for professional knowledge, skills and dispositions within the field of early care and education in conjunction with family studies.
The program supports students who desire a strong foundation in the field of early childhood development. Students are required to complete the program major and one of the specialized concentration areas: administration within the early childhood field, curriculum and teaching, or family support. Students entering the child development and family studies B.A. program with an A.A. or A.A.S. degree specializing in early childhood from a regionally accredited college or university will receive 20 transfer credits toward the program major. Any additional courses will need to be evaluated on an individual basis.
Flexible course delivery fosters successful completion for early childhood professionals living in both rural and urban areas of Alaska. All program and concentration area courses must be completed with a minimum C- grade or better, with the exclusion of all clinical practice coursework, which must be completed with a B grade or better. Completion of the Child Development and Family Studies B.A. will meet the requirements for both a major and a minor.
Minimum Requirements for Child Development and Family Studies Bachelor's Degree: 120 credits
Learn more about the bachelor’s degree in child development and family studies, including an overview of the program, career opportunities and more.
Certificate, Rural Human Services
The rural human services program is designed to develop strong and healthy rural Alaska Native individuals, families and communities. The RHS program provides entry-level training for students preparing for careers as natural helpers/healers in village-based public, private and volunteer human service organizations. The curriculum draws extensively from Indigenous knowledge and wisdom about health and well-being and reflects a strong multicultural orientation that validates, incorporates and builds on Indigenous values and principles.
The certificate program is a concentrated course of study focused on rural behavioral health services. Both the Alaska Division of Behavioral Health and the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium have designated many of the credits earned through the RHS program as satisfying credentialing training requirements.
The certificate program provides additional credentials for service providers who work in related fields and would like additional training in rural behavioral health services. Providers who may want such training could include health aides, family service workers, correctional workers and teachers. The RHS program is offered as a closed cohort with monthly, week-long intensives for two academic years.
Admission is open to anyone employed by a regional Native health corporation or local entity providing village-based human services, or to individuals recognized by their communities as natural helpers/healers. A high school diploma or GED and/or previous training or work experience in the delivery of village-based human services are recommended but not required.
This degree program is delivered collaboratively within the UA system.
Minimum Requirements for Rural Human Services Certificate: 32 credits
Learn more about the certificate in rural human services, including an overview of the program, career opportunities and more.
Early Childhood Education (ECE)
ECE F101 Early Childhood Professionalism
3 Credits
Offered Fall, Spring and Summer
Includes historical foundation, current issues and trends, exposure to a variety of developmentally appropriate programs, contemporary needs of children and families, the importance of being an advocate, professional standards and career opportunities, introduction to professional organizations including NAEYC and the code of ethical conduct, and explanation for the degree portfolio.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ECE F104X Child Development I: Prenatal, Infants and Toddlers (s)
3 Credits
Offered Fall, Spring and Summer
Child development: prenatal to age 3 foundation. Includes anticipating the emerging development during the rapid growth of these critical years. Focuses on domains, theories, cultural perspectives and multiple influences on development. Prenatal development, healthy childbirth, the importance of relationships and meaningful environments emphasis. Includes observation, reflection, early intervention and labs.
Attributes: UAF GER Social Sciences Req
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2.5 + 1 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ECE F107X Child Development II: The Preschool and Primary Years (s)
3 Credits
Offered Fall, Spring and Summer
Foundation for the study of children ages 3 to adolescence, including developmental domains, theories, milestones and cultural influences, including Indigenous traditional practices. Emphasis on helping students use their knowledge of child development to predict and promote optimal growth in children. Practical experiences, such as observations and laboratory participation are included.
Prerequisites: Recommended: ECE F104X.
Special Notes: Not available Odd-numbered Summer years.
Attributes: UAF GER Social Sciences Req
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2.5 + 1 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ECE F110 Safe, Healthy Learning Environments
3 Credits
Offered Fall, Spring and Summer
Establishing and maintaining inclusive, safe, healthy, culturally and developmentally appropriate environments for children ages birth-8 years of age. Topics include preventative health care, safety aspects of field trips and indoor and outdoor settings. Completing coursework fall 2017 or later will meet the SOA Child Care Licensing health and safety requirements.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2.5 + 1 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ECE F115 Responsive and Reflective Teaching
3 Credits
How to be ethical, responsive, productive, well-informed practitioners in the field of early childhood. Emphasizes using traditional and local knowledge and values to inform practice, manage personnel and programs, and provide appropriate services and support to young children and their families. Use of observation to transform teaching and management practices. Lab required. This course is comparable to ECE F170. Students should take either ECE F115 or ECE F170 to meet the practicum and reflection requirement for the Certificate and A.A.S. degree.
Prerequisites: ECE F101; placement in WRTG F111X; or permission of program head.
Recommended: Computer with adequate and appropriate software, access to printer, audio conference and internet, and fax machine as needed.
Special Notes: Includes the NAEYC Code of Ethics and NAEYC Standards.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2 + 2 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ECE F117 Practical Math Skills
3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Computation involving percentages, estimation, problem-solving, reading and creating graphs and tables, data organization and interpretation. Applications of computational skills will be emphasized.
Cross-listed with HUMS F117.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ECE F119 Curriculum I: Principles and Practices
3 Credits
Offered Fall, Spring and Summer
Methods of creating and facilitating individually and culturally appropriate curriculum for young children. Establishing integrated, meaningful and relevant experiences applied to the area of language and literacy. Includes a balance of individual and small group experiences, child-centered curriculum and teacher-directed times, as well as transitions. Focus on emergent curriculum, active learning and play. The use of local materials and resources is incorporated. Labs required.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2.5 + 1 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ECE F130 Culture, Learning and the Young Child
2 Credits
Offered Fall, Spring and Summer
Ways each child within a culture comes to know, accept and take pride in himself or herself. Maintaining a culturally appropriate, open, friendly and cooperative caring relationship with each child's family.
Special Notes: Not offered Even-numbered Summer years.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ECE F132 Young Child and the Family
1 Credit
Offered As Demand Warrants
Introduction to the importance of a positive and productive relationship between families and the child development centers. Emphasis on using this relationship to coordinate child rearing efforts of both the family and the educator.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 0.75 + 0.5 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ECE F140 Positive Social and Emotional Development
3 Credits
Offered Fall and Spring
Explores the importance of self-regulation, a strong self-concept and methods for helping children develop positive self-esteem. Focus on emotional intelligence, pro-social orientation, and social competence. Anti-bias curriculum is included. Techniques explored for working with groups of children birth-8 years old including social problem solving and developing skills for making friends.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2.5 + 1 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ECE F170 Practicum I
3 Credits
Offered Fall, Spring and Summer
A guided student teaching experience in working with a group of 0-8 year old children. Students apply skill in providing quality early care and education based on the knowledge of early childhood theories and approved practices. Assumes increasing responsibility for planning and lead teaching.
Prerequisites: ECE F101; ECE F104X; ECE F107X; ECE F110, ECE F119; ECE F140; ECE F213; ECE F229X.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 0.5 + 0 + 14
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ECE F210X Child Guidance (s)
3 Credits
Offered Fall, Spring and Summer
Guidance and discipline approaches for young children, based on an understanding of child development and of developmentally appropriate education practices. Such an understanding assists teachers and parents in addressing the cause of a behavior problem rather than the symptoms.
Prerequisites: Placement in WRTG F111X; or permission of the program head.
Special Notes: Not offered Odd-Numbered Summer years.
Attributes: UAF GER Social Sciences Req
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ECE F213 Curriculum: Thinking, Reasoning and Discovery
3 Credits
Offered Fall, Spring and Summer
Emphasizes culturally and developmentally appropriate curriculum and activities to advance the cognitive development of young children, with particular focus on science, math and creativity. Includes a variety of approaches to curriculum development, assessment and necessary skills for early childhood teachers. Lab required.
Recommended: ECE F104X; ECE F107X; ECE F119.
Special Notes: Not available Even-Numbered Fall years.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2.5 + 1 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ECE F214 Infants and Toddlers
3 Credits
Offered Fall, Spring and Summer
Developmentally appropriate care/nurturance of infants and toddlers. Utilizing relationship-based practices and child development knowledge this course prepares students to create, facilitate and evaluate infant/toddler curriculum. Includes activities and routines to stimulate development, learning, communication, guidance and health. Research-based techniques and cultural practices included. Weekly practice labs (14 hours) required.
Prerequisites: ECE F104X; or permission of program head.
Special Notes: Not available Odd-Numbered Fall years, Odd-Numbered Spring Years, or Even-Numbered Summer Years.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2.5 + 1 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ECE F229X Foundations in Nutrition and Physical Wellness (s)
3 Credits
Offered Fall, Spring and Summer
Become a good role model/teacher for children's wellness through analysis, problem-solving, planning, participation, teaching and reflection on healthy nutrition and movement education/fitness. Covers science of nutrients for energy/growth/regulation; food safety; planning meals. Includes mind-body connection for academic success; elements of movement; environments; fundamental skills of balance, locomotion, music/rhythm and manipulation.
Attributes: UAF GER Social Sciences Req
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2.5 + 1 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ECE F235 Screening, Assessment and Recording
3 Credits
Offered Fall and Spring
Information to help teachers of young children understand the purpose of screening. Presents use of good screening procedures. Explores the importance of assessing young children's development and provides tools and practice for recording and evaluating children's progress towards goals. Includes a variety of evaluation tools for assessing young children's development.
Prerequisites: ECE F104X; ECE F107X.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2.5 + 1 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ECE F240 Inclusion of Children with Special Needs (s)
3 Credits
Offered Fall and Spring
Using developmental knowledge, study inclusionary practices. Includes description of developmental and social-emotional screening and referral processes. Encompasses: exceptionality, role of teachers in promoting positive outcomes for each child, building effective learning environments, use of assistive technology and legal (PL94-142 and 99-457) issues related to education of children with special needs.
Prerequisites: ECE F104X, ECE F107X, ED F245 or PSY F245 or permission of the program.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ECE F242 Child and Family Ecology
3 Credits
Offered Spring
Examines the family influences on the child, family dynamics and issues impacting families. Focus on the importance of understanding relationship building, support for families and interpersonal skill development that is culturally conducive with individual communities. Examines the ECE program's policies and procedures on families and parental involvement. Includes practical application.
Prerequisites: Placement in WRTG F111X; permission of program head.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2.5 + 1 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ECE F249 Current Issues in Early Childhood Education
1-3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Selected current issues of importance to the human services, early childhood education or child development and family studies fields. Repeatable for credit by Early Childhood Education and Child Development and Family Studies majors to a maximum of nine credits.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1-3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Pass/Fail Grades
Repeatable for Credit: May be taken 9 times for up to 9 credits
ECE F270 Practicum II
3 Credits
Offered Fall, Spring and Summer
An advanced guided field experience in working with a group of young children in a school or center. May include teaching in a team situation and working with families.
Prerequisites: ECE F170; placement in WRTG F111X.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 0.5 + 0 + 15
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ECE F299 Practicum for CDAs
1-3 Credits
A practical application of all previous CDA competency courses. The student will assume responsibility for children in an approved early childhood setting. (CDA curriculum.)
Prerequisites: Placement in WRTG F111X.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 0 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
Repeatable for Credit: May be taken unlimited times for up to 3 credits
ECE F301 Parents as Partners in Education
3 Credits
Offered Fall Odd-numbered Years
Study of strategies that will assist those who work with children and/or families to facilitate supportive partnerships with parents. Includes partnerships, contemporary issues, school and home-based programs, rights and responsibilities, professional ethics, and parents with special or unique needs.
Prerequisites: WRTG F211X, WRTG F212X, WRTG F213X or WRTG F214X.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ECE F302 Building Home Program Relationships: Prenatal to 3 Years
3 Credits
Offered Fall Even-numbered Years
Focuses on professionalism, family support, ethics, cultural continuity, child development, attachment and curriculum of home-based programs. Addresses the broad continuum of services across multiple domains and how staff that work in these programs can meet the needs of children prenatal to 3 and their families in the home setting.
Prerequisite: WRTG F111X.
Recommended: WRTG F211X or WRTG F213X; ECE F342.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ECE F304 Attachment and Social Development (s)
3 Credits
Offered Spring
Principles and practices in understanding and supporting attachment and social development in conjunction to reciprocal communication streams and social interactions. Strategies working with families as continuum for each specific child's development.
Prerequisites: WRTG F111X; WRTG F211X, WRTG F212X, WRTG F213X or WRTG F214X.
Recommended: ECE F104X and ECE F107X, or ECE F110, ED F245 or PSY F245 or other early development course.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ECE F305 Social Emotional Development: Reflection and Practice
3 Credits
Offered Fall
Examination of the many ways teachers can help young children with their social development by addressing the common problems and situations that arise in teaching all children between the ages of 3 and 6 years. Development of strategies to improve teacher practices that will support social and emotional competence.
Prerequisites: WRTG F211X, WRTG F212X, WRTG F213X or WRTG F214X.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ECE F306 Building Bridges to Support Family Mental Health
3 Credits
Offered Spring
Understanding and providing assistance to families who live in environments with multi-risk factors requires professionals working together providing best possible interventions. Demonstration and examples of strategies that help multi-risk families that assists in bringing together most effective intervention techniques from a variety of theoretical approaches, parenting strategies and innovative programs.
Prerequisites: WRTG F111X; WRTG F211X, WRTG F212X, WRTG F213X or WRTG F214X.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ECE F310 Constructivist Curriculum
3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
A focus on the issues involved in developing constructive curriculum for young children. Includes a foundation in the aims and assumptions of constructivist teaching and key components of this type of curriculum. Emphasis is on best practices for constructivist classrooms.
Prerequisites: WRTG F211X, WRTG F212X, WRTG F213X or WRTG F214X.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ECE F311 Theories, Methodologies and Pedagogy for Early Childhood
3 Credits
Offered Fall
Expanded studies on context and theoretical perspectives of appropriate practice in early care and education for children from birth through age 8. Examines roles of early childhood educators and identifies best practices for curriculum and teaching strategies. Theories and philosophies include Montessori, Erikson, Piaget and Vygotsky, Reggio-Emilia and Project Approach.
Prerequisites: WRTG F211X, WRTG F212X, WRTG F213X, WRTG F214X.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ECE F320 Environment and Curriculum for Infants and Toddlers
3 Credits
Offered Spring
Roles and practices adults take for supporting learning and development in infants and toddlers (birth-3 years). Stresses the adoption of the child's individual abilities and interests while supporting their exploration, discovery, relationship building and problem solving through environment development. Prominence for family inclusion in curriculum development through reciprocal relationships.
Prerequisites: WRTG F211X, WRTG F212X, WRTG F213X or WRTG F214X.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2.5 + 0 + 1.5
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ECE F340 Financial Management of Early Childhood Programs
3 Credits
Offered Spring
The financial aspects of managing a child care center or preschool program. Includes budgeting, program resource management, marketing, purchasing, pay and compensation, and fee collection issues important to maintaining quality programs for young children.
Prerequisites: WRTG F211X, WRTG F212X, WRTG F213X or WRTG F214X.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ECE F341 Personnel Management of Early Childhood Programs
3 Credits
Offered Fall
Management of personnel of child care programs, including recruitment, hiring, in-service training, staff meetings and communication, supervision, evaluation, motivation, burnout prevention and termination of employees. Focus on maintaining quality programs for young children.
Prerequisites: WRTG F211X, WRTG F212X, WRTG F213X or WRTG F214X.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ECE F342 Family Relationships
3 Credits
Offered Fall
Examination of relationships in contemporary family life. Focus on the changing family, gender roles, living together, and relationships with children and grandchildren. Includes current family research and issues within and effect of public policy on families in our multicultural society.
Prerequisites: COM F131X or COM F141X; upper-division standing.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ECE F345 Screening, Assessment and Data Collection Tools
3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Overview of the diversity of tools used for screening, ongoing child and classroom assessment, data collection and reporting within early childhood programs. Tools can be used individually or collectively to support the development of a high quality early care and learning environment and positive outcomes for young children.
Prerequisites: WRTG F211X, WRTG F212X, WRTG F213X or WRTG F214X.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ECE F350 Play: Foundation for Development (s)
3 Credits
Offered Spring
Concepts, theories, and research in the development of children regarding play; includes the effects of culture, media and technology. Roles of early care professionals, early education curriculum and parent support. Ways of self-expression through quality play experiences support communication and friendships in relation to the whole child development examined.
Prerequisites: WRTG F211X, WRTG F212X, WRTG F213X or WRTG F214X; ECE F104X; ECE F107X; or approved development class.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ECE F360 Assessment in Early Childhood
3 Credits
Offered Spring
Examination of policies and practices related to evaluation and assessment of young children's progress. Includes legal, ethical and professional responsibilities in assessment. Exploration of "what, when, why and how" to assess young children. Includes practice and analysis of various assessment styles and tools as well as how to use information gained through assessment.
Prerequisites: WRTG F111X; WRTG F211X, WRTG F212X, WRTG F213X or WRTG F214X.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ECE F365 Social Studies Pedagogy in Early Childhood
3 Credits
Offered Spring
Guidance on how to teach social studies to young children to cultivate bias and discrimination-free learning communities. Emphasis on encouraging development of teachers' pedagogical practices, and resources for building positive social attitudes and dispositions that value the contributions of young children as citizens of their living and learning communities.
Prerequisites: ECE F311; WRTG F211X, WRTG F212X, WRTG F213X, WRTG F214X.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2.5 + 1 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ECE F405 Seminar in Culture and Child-rearing Practices
3 Credits
Offered Spring
Seminar course providing opportunity for students, cross regionally throughout Alaska and beyond, to engage in the comparative study of issues associated with culture and child-rearing practices of families within Alaska and throughout the world. Emphasis placed on the role of caregiver working with children aged birth through three years old.
Prerequisite: WRTG F211X, WRTG F212X, WRTG F213X or WRTG F214X.
Recommended: ECE F104X, ECE F107X or PSY F245 or ED F245, ECE F130, ECE F342.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ECE F410 Supporting Family Relationships through Mentoring
3 Credits
Offered Fall
Focus on policies, leadership and professional practices inherent of successful relationships with parents. Consideration of individual communication styles and cultural diversity emphasized in relation to best mentoring practices.
Prerequisites: ECE F242; WRTG F211X, WRTG F212X, WRTG F213X or WRTG F214X.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ECE F420 Developing Literacy in the Early Years
3 Credits
Offered Spring
Principles and practices in understanding and supporting young children's emerging literacy. Links importance of oral language and early exploration with later reading and writing skills. Strategies for assisting emergent readers and writers are included, as well as how to use play and children's interests to assist in developing their literacy.
Prerequisites: ECE F310; ECE F360; WRTG F111X; WRTG F211X, WRTG F212X, WRTG F213X or WRTG F214X; upper-division standing.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ECE F421 From Babbling to Talking to Early Literacy
3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
This course provides the opportunity for exploration and understanding of infant-toddler beginning language and early literacy development as it reflects on research from multiple fields. Looks at the importance of oral language development and early explorations with literacy while considering principles and practices that provide support for families and culture.
Prerequisite: ECE F214; WRTG F111X; WRTG F211X, WRTG F212X, WRTG F213X or WRTG F214X.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2.5 + 0 + 1.5
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ECE F430 Fine Arts for the Early Years (h)
3 Credits
Offered Fall
Explores the role of the teacher developing children’s awareness of the world around them and expressing through a variety of art forms including: theatre, two- and three-dimensional art, crafts, vocal and instrumental music and dance. Strategies for assessing artistic development and working with families are incorporated.
Prerequisites: WRTG F111X; WRTG F211X, WRTG F212X, WRTG F213X or WRTG F214X; ECE F240; ECE F310.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2.5 + 0 + 1.5
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ECE F440 Exploring Math and Science
3 Credits
Offered Fall Odd-numbered Years
Constructivist teaching of math and science. Explores role of teachers in helping children become theory builders in an environment designed to promote learning in math and science. Specific examples in chemistry, biology, ecology, numbers, patterns, geometry, measurement and data analysis. Emphasizes teaching children interactive, analytic and reflective processes of inquiry.
Prerequisites: ECE F310; ECE F360; upper-division standing.
Recommended: Completion of at least one natural science course.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2.5 + 1 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ECE F442 Family Resource Management
3 Credits
Offered Fall
Management of resources which help families meet and alter the increasing complexities of life. Involves purposeful actions that affect the use of time, money, energy, skills, talents and knowledge. Explores roles, goals and decision-making within our multicultural society throughout the life cycle.
Prerequisites: ECE F242; WRTG F111X; WRTG F211X, WRTG F212X, WRTG F213X or WRTG F214X.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ECE F445 Adolescence Through the Lifespan
3 Credits
Offered Spring
Study of the inter-relationships between early childhood and future development from adolescence through adulthood. Achievement in school, anorexia, chemical dependency and other health issues, family happiness, personal confidence and career success have all been linked to the early years. This course helps students understand these vital connections.
Prerequisites: ECE F107X or ED F245 or PSY F245; WRTG F111X; WRTG F211X, WRTG F212X, WRTG F213X or WRTG F214X.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2.5 + 0 + 1.5
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ECE F450 Leadership and Advocacy in the Early Childhood Field
3 Credits
Offered Spring Odd-numbered Years
An overview of the early childhood field as a profession, the history of policy changes and the origin of policy reform. Topics will include system building strategies and models, ways to promote advocacy in early childhood and leadership qualities necessary to be an advocate in the field.
Prerequisites: WRTG F211X or WRTG F213X; ECE F340 or ECE F341.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ECE F470 Advanced Practicum
3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Advanced practicum requiring 200 hours of work in an early childhood program or family support agency as a teacher, curriculum specialist, family advocate or in another related position.
Prerequisites: Senior standing; permission of instructor.
Special Notes: A capstone course available only to those who have completed the other required course work for the B.A. in Child Development and Family Studies degree and their designated specialty.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2.5 + 1 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ECE F471 Clinical Practice: Organizational Action Research
3 Credits
Offered Fall and Spring
Supervised Field Practice: Theory and application of action research within an organization. Emphasis on use of personal reflection to understand practice and the development of a planned theory of action. Techniques for observing action through the use of examining the evidence are learned. Approximate project timeline is 10 weeks/200 hours.
Prerequisites: WRTG F211X, WRTG F212X, WRTG F213X or WRTG F214X; completion of all CDFS core major and Administration or Family Support concentration course work.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1 + 0 + 14
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ECE F472 Clinical Practice: Classroom Research
3 Credits
Offered Fall and Spring
Supervised Field Practice: Theory and application of classroom research, emphasizing the teacher as researcher. Techniques of classroom research will be studied and applied through the development and application of a relevant project; including observation, question posing, note-taking, data analysis/interpretation. Approximate project timeline is 10 weeks/200 hours.
Prerequisites: WRTG F211X, WRTG F212X, WRTG F213X or WRTG F214X; completion of all CDFS core major and concentration course work, excluding ECE F473.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1 + 0 + 14
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ECE F473 Clinical Practice: Classroom Management
3 Credits
Offered Fall and Spring
Supervised Field Practice: Provides a capstone following completion of course work within the Curriculum and Teaching or Infant and Toddler concentration of the CDFS B.A. program. Activity will demonstrate application of appropriate curriculum, and care enhancing the learning and development of young children. Approximate project timeline is 10 weeks/200 hours. This course may be taken in conjunction with ECE F480.
Prerequisites: WRTG F211X, WRTG F212X, WRTG F213X or WRTG F214X; completion of all CDFS core major and concentration course work, excluding ECE F472.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1 + 0 + 14
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ECE F480 Child Development and Family Studies Portfolio
1 Credit
Offered Fall
This course introduces students to the portfolio process, which will be completed with the final assessment as the finishing piece of the CDFS program. The portfolio is required for final completion of the CDFS B.A. degree program in lieu of a written comprehensive exam or thesis.
Prerequisites: WRTG F211X, WRTG F212X, WRTG F213X or WRTG F214X; admittance to the CDFS B.A. program.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 0.5 + 0 + 1
Grading System: Pass/Fail Grades
Human Services (HUMS)
HUMS F101 Introduction to Human Services
3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Provides an overview and orientation for individuals who have either started or are exploring human service careers. Designed for entry level behavioral health providers with an emphasis in understanding social service systems in rural and frontier Alaska. Strongly encourage students to be accepted into the Human Services Degree Program.
Special Notes: Recommended, Should be taken within the first academic year when possible.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
HUMS F102 Standards of Practice
2 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Designed to provide an integrative approach for ongoing development of critical thinking skills, best practices evaluation, and application of skill based competencies. Development of a professional portfolio and integration of past human service experience.
Special Notes: This course should be taken as soon as possible upon acceptance into the Human Services Program.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
HUMS F105 Personal Awareness and Growth
2-3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Interpersonal and intrapersonal communication explored. Personal growth process presented from a holistic perspective. Focus will identify opportunities for personal enrichment through increased awareness of self and others.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2-3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
HUMS F117 Practical Math Skills
3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Computation involving percentages, estimation, problem-solving, reading and creating graphs and tables, data organization and interpretation. Applications of computational skills will be emphasized.
Cross-listed with ECE F117.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
HUMS F120 Cultural Diversity in Human Services
3 Credits
Offered Spring
The impact of culture on the delivery of human services including Alaska Native cultures; examination of relationship of multicultural and multi-ethnic concepts. Issues of age, class, disablement, race, gender and sexual orientation will also be discussed. Student exploration of personal values and cultural world view included.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
HUMS F125X Introduction to Addictive Processes (s)
3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Focus on gaining knowledge of the psycho-social aspects of addiction. Historic and behavioral approaches, disease concept and current trends relating to addiction presented. Twelve step and self-help approaches explored.
Cross-listed with JUST F125X.
Attributes: UAF GER Social Sciences Req
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
HUMS F140 Family Systems
3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Focus is on the family as a system and its involvement in the services provided to elders and children as well as services to family members with mental illness, developmental disabilities and substance abuse or dependence.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
HUMS F202 Standards of Practice II
1 Credit
Offered Spring
This course is designed for students who are either in practicum placement or finalizing their Human Services degree program. Students will demonstrate their competencies as lifelong learners, professional readiness and personal development by encompassing their best-written work and self-assessment by refining their human services portfolios. Active verbal participation is required.
Prerequisite: HUMS F102 or departmental approval.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
HUMS F205 Basic Principles of Group Counseling
3 Credits
Offered Spring
Concepts and techniques of working with small groups, including establishing group goals, effective group interaction, termination and evaluation. Development of therapeutic group activities presented.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
HUMS F210 Crisis and Grief Counseling
3 Credits
Offered Fall
Helping people in crisis from a theoretical and experiential perspective. Understanding how people feel, think and behave during periods of crisis and grieving. Suicide, violence, life transitions and AIDS explored.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
HUMS F215 Individual Interviewing
2-3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Introduction to interpersonal communication skills. Focus on gathering client information through the interviewing process. Emphasis on development of one to one interviewing, behavioral observation and documentation.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2-3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
HUMS F232 Human Service Practicum I
3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Integration of human service theory with skill-based training through a professional, supervised experience in a human service agency. Practicum requires 125 hours. Seminar also meets one hour per week; student-shared learning, peer support and documentation, including progress notes, social history, mental status and case planning.
Prerequisites: Human Services major or minor.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1 + 8 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
HUMS F233 Human Service Practicum II
3-6 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Continuation of HUMS F232. Course may be repeated once for credit to meet program requirements.
Prerequisites: HUMS F232.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1 + 8 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
Repeatable for Credit: May be taken 2 times for up to 6 credits
HUMS F250 Current Issues in Human Services
1-4 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Selected current issues of importance to the human service field. Emphasis on issues impacting Alaskan communities. Repeatable for credit by Human Services majors to a maximum of 9 credits.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1-4 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
Repeatable for Credit: May be taken 9 times for up to 9 credits
HUMS F260 History of Alcohol in Alaska
1 Credit
Offered As Demand Warrants
Significant historical forces, events and consequences related to alcohol and other drug use in Alaska. Includes current impact and trends.
Prerequisites: HUMS F125X.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
HUMS F280 Prevention and Community Development
3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Examine the historical evaluation, conceptual framework, practical realities of community development and prevention in rural Alaska. Surveys diverse approaches, community need evaluation processes for addressing community needs. Review of a multiplicity of approaches which can be considered in designing and implementing culturally respectful projects.
Prerequisite: HUMS F101; HUMS F102; or departmental approval.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
HUMS F290 Case Management
3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Challenge and broaden students' understanding, thinking, and conceptualizing case management. Investigate the case management model emphasizing its useful application to diverse client groups with an emphasis on Alaska and rural communities. The role of community in supporting efforts as well in providing resources such as natural supports will be emphasized.
Prerequisite: HUMS F101; HUMS F102; or departmental approval.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
HUMS F301 Ethics in Human Service
3 Credits
Offered Spring
Professional and ethical issues related to the helping professions. Ethical concerns in multicultural and rural human service delivery. Ethics and legal issues related to substance abuse counseling in Alaska.
Prerequisites: PSY F101X or SOC F101X.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
HUMS F305 Substance Abuse Counseling
3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Introduction to the basic principles of substance abuse counseling. Application of counseling modalities to intervention and treatment of individuals, families and groups experiencing alcohol and drug abuse or dependence. Cross-cultural issues addressed.
Prerequisites: HUMS F125X.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
Rural Human Services (RHS)
RHS F110 Cross-cultural Bridging Skills
1 Credit
Offered As Demand Warrants
Issues and impacts relevant to effective cross-cultural communication. Understanding barriers to effective cross-cultural communication in rural settings and development of effective cross-cultural communication skills from an Indigenous perspective. Development of bridging and networking skills that integrate Indigenous values and principles. Course taught on site/ intensive. Enrollment in RHS program required.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
RHS F115 Issues of Personal Development
2 Credits
Dynamics and impacts of personal development issues relevant to the delivery of rural human services focusing on understanding types, application and processes of personal development. Facilitating personal development through processes that integrate or reflect Native values and principles. Student must spend one week in intensive study at selected delivery site.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2 + 1 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
RHS F120 Family Systems I
2 Credits
Survey of historical forces that exerted influence on Alaska Native families, the impacts of those forces and discussion of their contemporary effects from a Native perspective. Focus on developing options and strategies for developing healthy Native families as the foundation for healthy Native communities.
Special Notes: Students must spend one week in intensive study at the selected delivery site.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2 + 1 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
RHS F130 Processes of Community Change
2 Credits
Rural social development contemporary foundations and relevant issues from a Native perspective. Developing understanding and skills necessary for facilitating positive individual, family and community development from an ecological systems approach. Emphasis on developing the skills necessary to identify, develop and mobilize individual, family and community resources in rural Native communities.
Special Notes: Students must spend one week in intensive study at the selected delivery site.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2 + 1 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
RHS F140 Alaska Native Values and Principles
1 Credit
Traditional Native values and principles, their applicability to today's world and issues relevant to their integration into today's lifestyles. Developing understanding and skills necessary for facilitating formulation of positive world views within Native individuals, families and communities. Explores the role of spirituality in a variety of Alaska Native cultures.
Special Notes: Student must spend three days in intensive study at selected delivery site.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
RHS F150 Introduction to Rural Counseling
2 Credits
Identification and examination of issues relevant to delivery of rural counseling services. Opportunities for development of basic rural counseling skills with emphasis on integration of Native values and principles, exploring strategies that facilitate positive individual, family and community growth and development through enhancement of healthy lifestyles in rural Native communities.
Special Notes: Students must spend one week in intensive study at the selected delivery site.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2 + 1 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
RHS F220 Family Systems II
2 Credits
The dynamics and issues relevant to personal healing and recovery from a Native perspective focusing on developing the understanding and skills necessary to healing and recovery in Native individuals, families and communities. Emphasis on achieving healthy lifestyles through self-understanding based on truth, grieving and positive proactive repositioning.
Special Notes: Students must spend one week in intensive study at the selected delivery site.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2 + 1 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
RHS F250 Rural Counseling II
2 Credits
Differences and similarities between Native and Western counseling skills. Issues relevant to the development and delivery of basic rural counseling skills and services. Focuses on identifying and building on individual, family and community strengths as the foundation for development of intervention strategies. Addresses the importance of integrating Native traditional values.
Special Notes: Students must spend one week in intensive study at the selected delivery site.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2 + 1 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
RHS F260 Addictions: Intervention and Treatment
2 Credits
Dynamics, issues, impacts, treatment options and intervention strategies relevant to behavioral and chemical addictions. Understanding addictive processes and developing treatment options and intervention strategies from a Native perspective. Emphasis on the development of treatment options and intervention strategies that integrate Native values and principles.
Special Notes: Students must spend one week in intensive study at the selected delivery site.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2 + 1 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
RHS F265 Interpersonal Violence
2 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Types, causes and impacts of interpersonal violence focusing on developing an understanding of interpersonal violence and development of treatment options and intervention strategies from a Native perspective. Emphasis on the development of treatment options and intervention strategies that integrate Native values and principles.
Special Notes: Students must spend one week in intensive study at the selected delivery site.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2 + 1 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
RHS F275 Introduction to Recovery and Mental Illness
2 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Overview of mental illness and recovery issues. Emphasis on issues for practitioners in small, rural communities in Alaska.
Prerequisites: RHS F150.
Recommended: RHS F250, RHS F115.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2 + 1 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
RHS F285 Case Management
2 Credits
Identification and discussion of issues, components, procedures, responsibilities, skills and processes for case management in rural settings with diverse populations. Emphasis on case management processes unique to rural and village Alaska and to the fields of mental health, addictions and interpersonal violence. Explore essential case management oral/written communication skills.
Special Notes: Students must be willing and able to work independently outside the classroom and in the community.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2 + 1 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
RHS F287 Rural Human Services Practicum
4 Credits
Offered Fall
Personal and professional development, self-analysis and growth. Emphasis on developing the understanding and skills necessary to integrate Native healing theory and problem-solving into the delivery of rural human services. Taken as part of the final sequence of courses in the Rural Human Services certificate program, practicum provides students with 100 hours of supervised learning experience in an approved rural human service organization/agency.
Special Notes: Students must be willing and able to work independently outside the classroom and in the community.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1.5 + 0 + 7.5
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
RHS F290 Grief and Healing
2 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Exploration of the dynamics of grief and healing from an Alaska Native perspective. Special emphasis on Native values and principles focused on developing culturally relevant, understandings, awarenesses and professional skills.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2 + 1 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
