Human Ecology
In order to see more information about any course, simply click on it!
This view does not contain classes that have not been offered in the past 2 years. If you want to view those classes click here:
All Courses
Description: An introductory course that provides a foundation in the body of knowledge that constitutes the field of human ecology. The history, philosophy, theoretical approaches and scope of the field are explored and skills that foster effective professional practice are discussed.
Description: An introductory exploration of the origin, creation and use of textiles in our world. Chemical and physical properties of fibres and fabrics are introduced and an understanding of how these properties influence various clothing and textile end uses is developed.
Description: The study of a range of objects and environments (from clothing to buildings) within selected time periods, and the study of particular perspectives through which such items can be interpreted. Students explore and learn about the connections between personal, social, temporal, and cultural contexts and the objects and environments that contribute to these contexts.
Description: A consideration of the sociological, psychological, and personal factors affecting the development, maintenance and dissolution of intimate relationships today.
Description: An inquiry into the nature of sexual behavior, its personal and cultural sources, and the personal, familial and societal implications.
Description: An introduction to generational and other interpersonal relationships of families throughout the later stages of the life course. Offered in alternate years.
Description: An introduction to the soft goods industry including an overview of the apparel sector, apparel production, channels of distribution, fashion oriented products, global competitive influences, and career opportunities.
Description: Explores the production of artifacts as material culture from a human ecology perspective. Artifact production focuses on the design process including visualization, communication, inspiration/influence and interface. Students are introduced to the production of two-and three-dimensional design through historical and contemporary examples. Students also complete hands-on design projects in the studio. Note: Credit will only be given for one of HECOL 150, 250 or 350.
Description: In this studio course students develop fundamental awareness and skills for the textiles and clothing field including machine operation, design and construction terminology, pattern manipulation and fit, and quality construction techniques. Students construct samples and garments with a focus on professional standards in problem solving and production. Prerequisites: One of HECOL 250, 170, or DES 135 or DES 138/139.
Description: Introduction to the historical development of dress in the Western World with contemporary applications in design, merchandising, arts performance, education and museums. Resources include the Clothing and Textiles Collection.
Description: Advancement of textile concepts introduced in HECOL 170 with an emphasis on textile finishing, colouration, care and maintenance. Techniques for fibre identification and yarn and fabric structural analysis are covered. Prerequisites: HECOL 100 and 170.
Description: Processes of policy development, implementation and analysis; Canadian policy environments, institutional frameworks and instruments; application to professional practice and to current social and economic issues.
Description: Theories and processes of program planning, implementation, and evaluation from a human ecological perspective. Prerequisite: successful completion of *60.
Description: An exploration of parent-child relationships, with a concentration from infancy through adolescence. An examination of theoretical and research perspectives of parent-child relationships and the practical application of those perspectives. Prerequisite: (PSYCO 104 and 105) or EDPY 200; PSYCO 104 and 105 are preferred. Offered in alternate years.
Description: An introduction to family dynamics from the perspective of family theory. Changes in family dynamics across the life course will be examined using theoretical concepts, research, and practical application of concepts. Prerequisite: successful completion of *60.
Description: An introduction to interviewing and counseling strategies for working with individuals using a strengths-based, human ecological approach. Prerequisite: successful completion of *30 including HECOL 100.
Description: An introduction to the principles of money management for individuals, households, and families. Students learn basic financial literacy skills and tools required to make key financial decisions by identifying financial goals, assessing current resources, developing and implementing a financial plan and evaluating financial progress. It is also expected that students will be able to apply these tools in their professional work to enhance clients' financial literacy and their ability to resolve financial management challenges. Prerequisite: ECON 101; it is recommended that students have completed both ECON 101 and 102.
Description: An examination of current issues affecting the economic well-being of Canadian families and of government policies which address those issues. Issues explored include work and family; the economics of childbearing, education, delayed life transitions, and aging; intrafamily allocation of resources; and money and family relationships. Prerequisites: ECON 101; it is recommended that students have completed both ECON 101 and 102.
Description: An introduction to the historical and technological development of cross-cultural textiles and survey of common textile-making techniques, designs, and embellishments. Ethnographic textiles are analyzed in the context of socio-cultural, political, economic, environmental, and aesthetical meanings. The course combines lectures, class discussions, videos, and examination of artifacts from the Clothing and Textiles Collection. Prerequisite: *30.
Description: Principles of design and merchandising applied to apparel design and portfolio development. A creative problem-solving approach to production of a line of clothing. Prerequisite: HECOL 254. Normally offered in alternate years.
Description: The complex phenomenon of bodily adornment is explored in relationship to values, attitudes, activities, beliefs, and forms of knowledge. Clothing is considered in terms of how it is expressive of various aspects of culture. Students develop analytical skills to help them understand the role played by clothing in different times, places, and contexts. Prerequisite: HECOL 201.
Description: Exploration of quality assurance of textiles and apparel through materials testing. Performance of textiles relative to product standards and specifications. Prerequisite: HECOL 270.
Description: Preparation for human ecology practicum placement. Effective workplace relationships and issues involved in professional practice are explored within the context of being a practicum student. Reflective practice and career development are key concepts of the course. Taken in the term preceding HECOL 409. Application to Practicum Coordinator required four to eight months prior to start of the course. Prerequisite: Open to human ecology students only; must have completed *90, including HECOL 100, prior to application.
Description: Supervised field experience. Students are placed in professional settings appropriate to their academic background and career goals. Participation in a weekly online seminar is required. Open to Human Ecology students who have completed *105. Prerequisite: HECOL 408. Application required (see description of HECOL 408). Requires payment of additional student instructional support fees. Refer to the Fees Payment Guide in the University Regulations and Information for Students section of the Calendar.
Description: An in-depth exploration of several family challenges (e.g. addiction, homelessness, and childhood and adult abuse). An introduction to specific prevention and intervention approaches related to family challenges. Prerequisite: HECOL 313.
Description: Assessment and counseling strategies for working with families using a strengths-based, family-centred approach. Prerequisite: HECOL 315 or EDPY 442.
Description: An introduction to the environments in which older people live. The course uses an ecological framework to study the symbolic, physical, interpersonal, community, and political environments of older adults in Canada and other world regions. Prerequisite: successful completion of *60. Offered in alternate years.
Description: Analysis of current policy issues faced by Canadian families and the examination of policies and programs affecting family well-being and relationships. Prerequisite: HECOL 300.
Description: Production and distribution of textiles and apparel in a global context; issues and policy related to international trade agreements; impact of national and international consumer, labor and environmental standards. Prerequisites: HECOL 241 and 300.
Description: Family law regulates intimate and domestic relationships. Examines from a user's perspective, how statutory and common law affects family relationship issues such as marriageand divorce, child custody and child welfare, adoption, and new reproductive technologies. Prerequisite: HECOL 300. Offered in alternate years.
Description: Advanced problems in apparel design and product development. Draping and fabric manipulation techniques are explored. The focus is traditional specialty fabric techniques and experimental production methods. Prerequisite: HECOL 254. Normally offered in alternate years.
Description: Advanced study of Western dress from the 19th century to the present. Lectures and labs introduce students to artifactual research and the handling, storage, examination and documentation of artifacts. Resources include fashion plates, photographic archives and artifacts from the University of Alberta's Clothing and Textiles Collection. Prerequisite: HECOL 268. Normally offered in alternate years.
Description: Framed within the context of theories in human ecology, this course investigates material culture ranging from individual artifacts to community, including local and global environments. The roles and effects of material culture on individual, familial and community living are explored through literature, artifacts and life-stories. These issues are examined through a combination of seminars and group work culminating in an exhibit. Prerequisite: HECOL 201. Offered in alternate years.
Description: Examines the evolution and practice of fashion as a social, economic, political and cultural phenomenon from a cross-cultural perspective. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. Normally offered in alternate years.
Description: Explores how to do research into the relationships between people and objects (from clothing to buildings). Students will learn about how to conduct primary research through a range of methods, approaches, and theories associated with material culture studies. Credit will only be given for one of HECOL 465 or 565. Prerequisite: *60.
Description: Explores how human ecological and material culture approaches contribute to the analysis of a range of contemporary issues in design practice. Prerequisite: *60
Description: Advanced topics in functional textiles and clothing are examined, with an emphasis on current research and relevant theories and mechanisms. Prerequisite: HECOL 370.
Description: A human ecological exploration of the selection, use and performance of clothing and materials used for workplace safety protection and sporting/recreational activities. Prerequisite: HECOL 370. Normally offered in alternate years.
Description: The causes of deterioration and damage in modern and historic textiles are addressed. Macro and microscopic evidence are combined with theories of fibre degradation and textile soiling to identify the causes of material wear, discoloration and failure during normal use, care and storage. Theory related to the cleaning of textiles will include detergency, bleaching, dry-cleaning and specialized procedures for historical textiles. Prerequisites: HECOL 270. Normally offered in alternate years.
Description: Independent project or study of a topic in human ecology planned by the student with an instructor. Open to human ecology students only. Prerequisite: successful completion of *75, application to Department, and consent of Instructor.
Description: Normally offered in Spring or Summer. Can be taken for credit more than once if the topics are different. Prerequisite: successful completion of *60 or consent of Instructor.
Description: Normally offered in Spring or Summer. Can be taken for credit more than once if the topics are different. Prerequisite: successful completion of *60 or consent of Instructor. Requires payment of additional student instructional support fees. Refer to the Fees Payment Guide in the University Regulations and Information for Students section of the Calendar.
Description: Independent study of a topic in human ecology planned by the student in consultation with the Instructor. Independent studies may be taken more than once for credit.
Description: Provides an introduction to the theory and practice of structural equation modeling with social science data. Practical application in Mplus is emphasized by computing and interpreting statistical models within this framework, including path analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and structural equation modeling. Prerequisites: Statistics coursework covering regression analysis. Normally offered in alternate years.
Description: Critical examination of the conceptualization and measurement of family health and the interrelationships between the health of families and their members. Applications to research and practice in a variety of disciplines including family ecology, nursing, health promotion, occupational therapy, education, and psychology. Not to be taken if credit received in NURS 532.
Description: Topics of current interest. May be taken for credit more than once. Prerequisite: consent of Instructor.
Description: Framed within the context of theories in human ecology, this course investigates material culture ranging from individual artifacts to local and global community environments. The roles and effects of material culture on individual, family, and community living are explored through literature, artifacts and life stories. These issues are examined through a combination of seminars and group work culminating in a project. Prerequisite: consent of Supervisor and Department.
Description: Explores how to do qualitative research into the relationships between people and objects (from clothing to buildings). Students will learn how to conduct primary research through a range of qualitative methods, approaches, and theories associated with material culture studies. Credit will only be given for one of HECOL 465 or 565.
Description: Explores how human ecological and material culture approaches contribute to the analysis of a range of contemporary issues in design practice.
Description: Advanced topics in functional textiles and clothing are examined, with an emphasis on current research and relevant theories and mechanisms. Seminars are the same as for HECOL 470, but with additional assignments and evaluation appropriate to graduate studies. Not to be taken if credit received for HECOL 681.
Description: Content and philosophy of the study of textiles and clothing from a human ecological perspective. Not to be taken if credit received for HECOL 680.
Description: A human ecological exploration of the selection, use and performance of clothing and materials used for workplace safety protection and sporting/recreational activities. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. Normally offered in alternate years.
Description: The causes of deterioration and damage in modern and historic textiles are addressed. Macro and microscopic evidence are combined with theories of fibre degradation and textile soiling to identify the causes of material wear, discoloration and failure during normal use, care, and storage. Theory related to the cleaning of textiles will include detergency, bleaching, dry-cleaning and specialized procedures for historical textiles. Lectures and labs are the same as for HECOL 476, but with additional assignments and evaluation appropriate to graduate studies. Prerequisite: consent of the instructor. Normally offered in alternate years.
Description: Enquiry into the nature, scope and object of human ecology knowledge; the distinct contributions of various modes of inquiry; and the relationship between ways of knowing and selected issues related to the acquisition of knowledge, such as ethics and research methods.
Description: A critical analysis of the issues and environments that influence the lives of older Canadians. Focus is on theories and knowledge about age-related normative and non-normative changes and their interaction with the physical, social, community and policy environments of older adults.
Description: Content and philosophy of the study of the family from a human ecological perspective.
Description: Consideration of family theory as it relates to research and practice. Pre or corequisite: HECOL 610 or consent of Instructor.
Description: An in-depth exploration of several family challenges (e.g., addiction and homelessness). An introduction to specific intervention approaches related to family challenges.
Description: Selected practicum placements to integrate theory and practice in a variety of agencies. When used as the capping exercise for the course-based Master's program, requirements include a written report and an oral presentation to the Department and/or where appropriate to relevant agency staff. Prerequisites: consent of Supervisor and Department.
Description: Selected practicum placements to integrate theory and practice in a variety of agencies. When used as the capping exercise for the course-based Master's program, requirements include a written report and an oral presentation to the Department and/or where appropriate to relevant agency staff. Prerequisites: consent of Supervisor and Department.
Description: Selected practicum placements to integrate theory and practice in a variety of agencies. When used as the capping exercise for the course-based Master's program, requirements include a written report and an oral presentation to the Department and/or where appropriate to relevant agency staff. Prerequisites: consent of Supervisor and Department.
Description: Current issues in mid- and later-life families including relationships between aging parents and adult children, grandparent relationships, family caregiving.
Description: In-depth examination of intimate relationships, including theoretical perspectives, research methods, relationship forms and processes, and how context affects relationships. Students will consider how sociological, psychological, and personal factors affect the development, maintenance and dissolution of intimate relationships today.
Description: An examination of the complex relationship between two important social institutions: work and family. Topics include demographic, social, and economic changes that have shaped the work-family relationship as a contemporary issue; its implications for individuals, families, work environments and society; and theoretical and practical perspectives on the challenges of and strategies for managing the relationship.
Description: An examination of the elements of policies and policy issues that affect contemporary Canadian families. The elements of policies and policy issues studied include: their origins and underlying ideologies; their institutional frameworks and foundations; and their substance, nature, and impact on families.
Description: Prerequisite: consent of Instructor.
Description: Prerequisite: consent of Instructor
Description: An original research project, conducted with guidance from a faculty member, typically resulting in the preparation of a research report and a submission to a professional academic conference for a poster or paper presentation OR the preparation of a manuscript that is submitted to a scholarly journal for publication. May be taken more than once for credit.
Description: An original research project, conducted with guidance from a faculty member, typically resulting in the preparation of a research report and a submission to a professional academic conference for a poster or paper presentation OR the preparation of a manuscript that is submitted to a scholarly journal for publication. May be taken more than once for credit.
Description: An original research project, conducted with guidance from a faculty member, typically resulting in the preparation of a research report and a submission to a professional academic conference for a poster or paper presentation OR the preparation of a manuscript that is submitted to a scholarly journal for publication. May be taken more than once for credit.
Description: A critical analysis of specific issues, theories, and perspectives that influence material culture studies, as a field of research and practice.
Description: A range of perspectives and approaches to theory and research as they are used in the field of material culture studies.
Description: Examines the evolution and practice of fashion as a social, economic, political and cultural phenomenon from a cross-cultural perspective. Prerequisite: consent of the instructor.
Description: Examines the different ways in which artifacts are interpreted and used in both physical and virtual exhibitions. Discussion of different types of artifacts and institutions, registration processes, collection storage, handling and mounting, documentation and exhibition design.
Description: Modules on laboratory and field research, fibre theory, soiling and detergency, colour theory and measurement, comfort and protection theory and measurement, as well as other topics related to a student's specific research area. May be taken more than once for credit.
Description: Theories, approaches, and processes fundamental to the development, implementation, and evaluation of programs that effect change and build capacity in families, communities and organizations.
Description: This professional development seminar is one in a series that provides an introduction to graduate study in the Department of Human Ecology, and to career development and professional issues in human ecology. Topics include: an introduction to the field of human ecology; what it means to be a graduate student; supervisory and professional relationships; research and teaching assistantships; applying for scholarships; professional networking; professional bodies/associations; conferences; academic and practice journals; and academic writing and referencing. Restricted to graduate students in the Department of Human Ecology. Typically taken in the first semester of the graduate program.
Description: This professional development seminar is one in a series that provides an introduction to graduate study in the Department of Human Ecology, and to career development and professional issues in human ecology. Topics include: critical reading of the research literature; ethical issues in conducting research; preparing a submission for the research ethics review board; preparing and reviewing conference submissions; preparing a poster; and preparing a research proposal. Restricted to graduate students in the Department of Human Ecology. Fulfills part of FGSR's mandatory ethics training requirement. Typically taken in the second semester of the graduate program.
Description: This professional development seminar is one in a series that provides an introduction to graduate study in the Department of Human Ecology, and to career development and professional issues in human ecology. Topics include: funding agencies; preparing and reviewing grant proposals; preparing and reviewing manuscripts for publication; oral presentations; writing for different audiences; and preparing for comprehensive exams. Restricted to doctoral level students in the Department of Human Ecology. Typically taken in the third semester of the doctoral program.
Description: This professional development seminar is one in a series that provides an introduction to graduate study in the Department of Human Ecology, and to career development and professional issues in human ecology. Topics include: developing an academic career; obtaining teaching experience and developing a teaching dossier; developing a program of research; working in research teams; authorship; intellectual property issues related to research data; preparing for candidacy exams; surviving your dissertation; preparing a curriculum vita; and applying and interviewing for jobs or post-doctoral fellowships. Restricted to doctoral level students in the Department of Human Ecology. Typically taken in the fourth semester of the doctoral program.
Description: Comprises the capping exercise for the course-based Masters programs. Requirements include conducting an applied research project, and both a written project report and an oral presentation to the Department, and where appropriate, to relevant practising professionals.