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