An examination of the developmental changes occurring throughout the entire life span from conception to death. The various domains of development including physical, cognitive, social and emotional are studied. Several major theoretical approaches and important modern developments and applications are covered.
Course Learning Outcomes
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Describe key concepts, principles and overarching themes in psychology.
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Use scientific reasoning to interpret psychological phenomena.
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Incorporate sociocultural factors in scientific inquiry.
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Describe key concepts, principles and overarching themes in psychology.
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Use scientific reasoning to interpret psychological phenomena.
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Describe applications of psychology.
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Use scientific reasoning to interpret psychological phenomena.
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Describe applications of psychology.
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Use scientific reasoning to interpret psychological phenomena.
Core Topics
- Major issues and research practices in human development
- Theories of development across the lifespan
- Cognitive development theories including Piaget, Vygotsky, information processing and modern approaches
- Personality and emotional development including Erikson, Levinson, Vaillant
- Ethology, evolutionary psychology, developmental neuroscience and other biological approaches
- Ecological and other perspectives on environment factors including Bronfenbrenner’s ecological theory, behaviorism, Vygotsky’s sociocultural perspective
- Evaluating theories and forming an evidence based eclectic theoretical orientation
- Biological bases of development
- Contextual factors affecting development including gender, culture, socioeconomic status, etc.
- Prenatal development
- Infancy
- Childhood
- Adolescence
- Adulthood
- Aging and Death