ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews the history of the field of human development and family studies (HDFS), and also describes present and future of the field of HDFS. HDFS has historical roots in a number of different fields, most notably Home Economics, although it has attracted faculty expertise from other social sciences such as Developmental Psychology and Sociology. Initially, HDFS was part of a larger program, known as Home Economics or Domestic Sciences. In many ways, the rise of Home Economics paralleled the women's movement, particularly the increasing presence of women on college campuses across the country. Home Economics promoted the multidisciplinary and integrative study of all aspects of home and family management. The flipped classroom model is gaining ground in family science programs. Mirroring the national trends toward more innovative, experiential, and online approaches to teaching courses in institutions of higher education, teaching in HDFS programs also has changed.
