Transcript title
Developmental Psychology
Credits
4
Grading mode
Standard letter grades
Total contact hours
40
Lecture hours
40
Recommended preparation
WR 060 (or higher) or minimum placement Wr/Comm Level 5.
Course Description
Comprehensive study of human development over the life span from prenatal through late adult development. Focuses on physical, cognitive and psychosocial changes throughout the human life cycle and emphasizes an interactionist approach to explain developmental processes and outcomes. The major theoretical approaches to psychology are included.
Course learning outcomes
1. Articulate the major theories, research findings and methodological approaches in developmental psychology and discuss their strengths and weaknesses.
2. Identify and describe environmental and biological influences that are causally associated with various developmental outcomes and how those work together to influence risk and resilience across the lifespan.
3. Communicate clearly and effectively the research findings regarding development from conception to death based on an understanding of the empirical evidence.
4. Use critical thinking to analyze, apply and problem solve concerns and issues in lifespan development.
Content outline
- Philosophical bases for the major approaches to psychological injury
- Scientific Method
- Genetics, prenatal and perinatal events
- Parenting influences
- Societal and cultural influences
- Nature vs. Nurture
- Developmental Stages in infancy, early and middle childhood, adolescence, early, middle and late adulthood
- Neural Plasticity across the lifespan
- Adjustment strategies
- Cultural, social and political issues regarding death
Required materials
Required textbook and supplemental materials.
General education/Related instruction lists
- Social Science
- Cultural Literacy
