Human Development & Childhood Studies

The Department of Human Development and Childhood Studies is an undergraduate department integral to studying Home Science. The course on human development imbibes a transdisciplinary approach through core papers on Lifespan development, Psychology and Sociology. Specialisations in the department of Human Development focus on Child Rights, Gender Studies, Childhood Disabilities, Early Childhood Development and Self Development and Wellbeing. The exploratory approach is emphasised and forms the basis of teacher-student dialogue at the department. Students are encouraged and supported to venture beyond the classroom to help understand complex theoretical concepts. Study visits, field trips, workshops and webinars, placements, surveys, and outreach activities help to demystify ideas that are often new and challenging.

At the Department of Human Development and Childhood Studies we believe that

• Learning takes place both within and outside the classroom
• Experiential learning is important to develop a sound understanding
• Academic and professional experiences encourage students’ quest for knowledge
• Multiple teaching methods add value to curriculum transaction
• Connecting with the community is essential for education to be meaningful

The Departmental strengths include committed faculty whose professional and academic pursuits include guiding doctoral students, conducting research and contributing to academic writing and publication. The faculty members also share their expertise and skill through community outreach and intervention activities. Such activities encourage students to learn new skills and sensitizes them to diversity. The department is committed to preparing professionals who can successfully engage with multiple contemporary concerns and the changing global challenges through academics, research activities and community action.

Over the years, several Short-Term Courses have been developed and run by the department for students and other interested learners. The most recent ones have been on Understanding Learning Disability and on Early Childhood Care and Development. The department encourages students to develop their interests beyond the classroom. VOICES, a society to promote mental health and wellbeing has been set up by the students under the guidance of the department faculty.

AARAMBH, an Early Childhood Learning Centre which caters to children in the age group of 2-4 years with a day care facility for children between ages of 2-8 years has been established and supported by the HDCS department. This lab school contributes to the department curriculum by sustaining students’ experiential learning. The students gain immensely through the opportunity of a ‘hands on’ experience with young children at AARAMBH.

The Annual academic festival is another important highlight of the department of Human Development and Childhood Studies. Renowned speakers and experts are invited from various walks of life to provide enriching learning experiences to our students.

n the last 15 months, the HDCS department has responded to the challenge of the global pandemic by creating a rich and robust online learning environment. All efforts have been made to ensure that students continue to benefit from the wholistic learning experience of the department despite the shift to online classes and virtual spaces for learning. Besides developing appropriate material for online learning, classroom interactions, assignments and evaluation, the learning experience continues to be enriched through webinars, online workshops, and student internships. The department organised a two-day National Level Symposium on Ethics in Social Science Research and Publication in April 2021 for faculty, research scholars and students from all over the country.