HUSV 2500: Science of Play
Examines the scholarship of play. Explores the role and function, benefits, and barriers of play in child development. Topics include the background and significance of play in history; the role of play as a predictor of academic and social functioning; and the use of play in character/moral development and to prevent, intervene, and treat trauma. Explores clinical and nonclinical implications of play, as well as the physiological and social implications of play, using contemporary research on brain science and development. Combines classroom learning with fieldwork experiences throughout the local Boston community and independent research on the role of play as prevention, intervention, and treatment. Students develop service-based research projects with community partners to address key questions related to the science of play.
