Play Across the Lifespan   [Archived Catalog]
2019-2020 Academic Catalog and Student Handbook
   

HD 311 - Play Across the Lifespan

3 Credit(s)
This course is an exploration of play as a human adaptive function with a distinct development progression, beginning in infancy and extended throughout the lifespan. Varying in content and mode from culture to culture, emphasis will be placed on the ability to observe play across an age-range and to make use of these observations in planning for play-based opportunities. This includes recognizing the importance of the physical environment in setting up spaces for play that will engage participants in using the skills that are requisites for lifelong learning. Ways to support cultural expression and nonsexist play opportunities will be analyzed as part of the examination of the impact of anti-bias issues and diversity on one's play. Although our focus begins with the early years, we will address the integrative and transformative function of play as it contributes to the lives of individuals across the lifespan.