Foundations in Human Science
This 4-week online microcredential course introduces students to the interdisciplinary foundations of human sciences and provides opportunities for academic exploration, personal reflection, and professional development. Through a variety of assignments, including journaling, theory analysis, career planning, and a final visual project, learners engage with core human sciences concepts and demonstrate their ability to think critically, reflect deeply, and apply knowledge to real-world problems. The course emphasizes civic engagement, career readiness, and the personal development of each student’s identity as a human scientist.
Skills / Knowledge
- Human Science Foundations
- Interdisciplinary Analysis
- Career Readiness
- Community Outreach and Engagement
- Practical Problem Solving
- Family and Consumer Sciences Body of Knowledge
- Critical thinking
- Reflective practice
- Interdisciplinary knowledge
- Career planning
- Civic engagement
Earning Criteria
Optional
Students will complete written assignments and reflections to build a foundational understanding of human sciences. Journal entries will support the development of a personal theory of human capacity building. A career preparation plan and communication case study will help students build career readiness and strategic thinking. Community outreach provides a meaningful opportunity for civic engagement and social responsibility. The final perennial problem infographic project will demonstrate the student's ability to synthesize and visually communicate problem-solving strategies. Participation in discussions and quizzes reinforces understanding and engagement throughout the course.
Students will be assessed through a variety of methods, including quizzes, discussions, journal entries, career development and theory assignments, and documentation of their community outreach. The final assessment includes an infographic project focused on solving a perennial problem.
By the end of this course, students will be able to summarize the history and philosophy of human sciences disciplines; identify and apply theoretical frameworks across disciplines; develop a personal theory of human capacity building; construct a personalized college-to-career transition plan; apply interdisciplinary problem-solving strategies to real-world issues; analyze the role of human sciences in global and cultural contexts; and demonstrate social responsibility and professionalism within the field.