20809233Developmental Psychology
Course Information
Description
Developmental Psychology covers the principles of human growth and behavioral development, from conception to death. Topics include methods of studying human behavior, theoretical approaches, individual differences, patterns and sequences of development, and relationships with peers and others.
Total Credits
3
Prior Learning Assessment
  • Exam-National (CLEP)
Course Competencies
  1. Explain current research and investigative methods as it shapes the lifespan perspective.
    Assessment Strategies
    by completing all assigned readings
    by meeting instructor's criteria on quizzes and exams
    by contributing in small group and class discussions
    by participating in the completion of group projects and in-class assignments
    by submitting written assignments on time
    by demonstrating intellectual curiosity and active engagement in the content area
    Criteria
    define developmental psychology
    characterize the nature and application of the scientific method as applied to developmental psychology
    identify and distinguish research designs used in developmental psychology
    examine research findings and critically apply those findings
    employ fundamental principles specific to developmental psychology in classroom and written communication

  2. Evaluate historical and contemporary theories in the context of scientific method in the critical study of lifespan development.
    Assessment Strategies
    by completing all assigned readings
    by meeting instructor's criteria on quizzes and exams
    by contributing in small group and class discussions
    by participating in the completion of group projects and in-class assignments
    by submitting written assignments on time
    by demonstrating intellectual curiosity and active engagement in the content area
    Criteria
    apply theoretical knowledge to personal and vocational contexts
    describe and distinguish the contributions of major theories to the understanding of life span development
    interpret developmental events from the perspective of Psychoanalytic Theory, Behaviorism, Cognitive Theory, Sociocultural Theory and Universal Theory (Humanism and Evolutionary Theory)
    examine valid and reliable use of the scientific method in the study of human development

  3. Interpret the roles of genetics and environment across the lifespan.
    Assessment Strategies
    by completing all assigned readings
    by meeting instructor's criteria on quizzes and exams
    by contributing in small group and class discussions
    by participating in the completion of group projects and in-class assignments
    by submitting written assignments on time
    by demonstrating intellectual curiosity and active engagement in the content area
    Criteria
    describe and identify the basic mechanisms of heredity
    describe the role of evolution and epigenetic influence on development
    identify genetic abnormalities, their causes and manifestation
    identify the contributions of twin research to the understanding of human development
    describe contextual and situational influences on development
    examine gene-environment interaction

  4. Analyze developmental processes including biopsychosocial effects on these processes from conception to birth.
    Assessment Strategies
    by completing all assigned readings
    by meeting instructor's criteria on quizzes and exams
    by contributing in small group and class discussions
    by participating in the completion of group projects and in-class assignments
    by submitting written assignments on time
    by demonstrating intellectual curiosity and active engagement in the content area
    Criteria
    characterize the different stages of prenatal development
    describe different stages of the birth process
    distinguish among the choices for childbirth
    describe the benefits of prenatal care
    appreciate the threat of teratogens and design epidemiological measures to address them
    describe the elements of attachment

  5. Analyze Physical, Neurological and Biosocial development across the lifespan
    Assessment Strategies
    by completing all assigned readings
    by meeting instructor's criteria on quizzes and exams
    by contributing in small group and class discussions
    by participating in the completion of group projects and in-class assignments
    by submitting written assignments on time
    by demonstrating intellectual curiosity and active engagement in the content area
    Criteria
    identify major life changes/tasks throughout the lifespan
    describe physical, neurological and biological development from conception to birth
    describe the predictable physical, neurological and biological development in infancy, childhood, adolescence and adulthood
    identify prevalent physical, neurological and biological complications during the lifespan and examine prevention and intervention strategies
    apply knowledge base of physical, neurological and biological changes to personal and vocational contexts.

  6. Analyze Cognitive and Psychological development across the lifespan.
    Assessment Strategies
    by completing all assigned readings
    by meeting instructor's criteria on quizzes and exams
    by contributing in small group and class discussions
    by participating in the completion of group projects and in-class assignments
    by submitting written assignments on time
    by demonstrating intellectual curiosity and active engagement in the content area
    Criteria
    identify major life changes/tasks throughout the lifespan
    describe the predictable psychological and cognitive development in infancy, childhood, adolescence and adulthood as well as individual and cultural variation thereof.
    distinguish between the major cognitive and psychological theoretical perspectives
    compare historical cognitive and psychological theories to contemporary research
    identify prevalent cognitive and psychological during the lifespan
    examine primary, secondary and tertiary prevention strategies to promote development at the individual, family and community level.
    apply knowledge base of physical, neurological and biological changes to personal and vocational contexts

  7. Analyze Social-Cultural development across the lifespan.
    Assessment Strategies
    by completing all assigned readings
    by meeting instructor's criteria on quizzes and exams
    by contributing in small group and class discussions
    by participating in the completion of group projects and in-class assignments
    by submitting written assignments on time
    by demonstrating intellectual curiosity and active engagement in the content area
    Criteria
    identify major life changes/tasks throughout the lifespan
    describe the predictable social-cultural development in infancy, childhood, adolescence and adulthood as well as individual and cultural variation thereof.
    identify the role of culture on development
    distinguish between the major social-cultural theoretical perspectives
    compare historical social-cultural theories to contemporary research
    identify prevalent social-cultural barriers during the lifespan and
    examine primary, secondary and tertiary prevention strategies to promote development at the individual, family and community level.
    apply knowledge base of social-cultural changes to personal and vocational contexts

  8. Examine biopsychosocial issues surrounding death and dying.
    Assessment Strategies
    by completing all assigned readings
    by meeting instructor's criteria on quizzes and exams
    by contributing in small group and class discussions
    by participating in the completion of group projects and in-class assignments
    by submitting written assignments on time
    by demonstrating intellectual curiosity and active engagement in the content area
    Criteria
    describe social, cultural and spiritual influences on death and dying.
    summarize the changes in perspective on death and dying across the lifespan.
    summarize bereavement as it pertains to different life stages.
    identify the spectrum of bereavement responses.
    apply theoretical knowledge to personal and vocational contexts.