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PSYC 230

I. Course Title: Lifespan Developmental Psychology (GE)

II. Course Number: PSYC 230

III. Credit Hours: 3 credits 

IV. Prerequisites: PSYC 121

V. Course Description: 

Introduces students to the study of how people develop and change across the lifespan. Areas of development that will be covered include motoric and perceptual skill development, social/emotional and personality development, linguistic and intellectual development from conception through old age.

Note(s): General Education and Cultural or Behavioral Analysis designated course. Fulfills Developmental core requirement for psychology major and minor.

VI. Detailed Description of Content of the Course:

Major topics to be covered in a typical semester will include: 

1. Themes of development: An organizational framework to examine the lifespan

2. Research methods in studying individuals across the lifespan 

3. Heredity, environment and the beginnings of life 

4. Infancy and Early Childhood 

  • a. physical and perceptual development in infancy 
  • b. cognitive development in infancy
  • c. social and emotional development in infancy
  • d. physical development in early childhood 
  • e. cognitive development in early childhood 
  • f. social and emotional development in early childhood 

5. Middle childhood and Adolescence 

  • a. physical and cognitive development in middle childhood 
  • b. social and emotional development in middle childhood.
  • c. physical and cognitive development in adolescence 
  • d. social and emotional development in adolescence 

6. Early and Middle Adulthood 

  • a. physical and cognitive development in early adulthood
  • b. social and emotional development in early adulthood 
  • c. physical and cognitive development in middle adulthood
  • d. social and emotional development in middle adulthood 

7. Late Adulthood and the End of Life 

  • a. Physical and cognitive development in late adulthood
  • b. social and emotional development in late adulthood 
  • c. death, dying and bereavement 

8. Cultural and social contexts of human growth and development 

VI. Detailed Description of Conduct of Course:

A number of instructional strategies will be employed to enhance student engagement, and may include any or all of the following general strategies.  

  • Lecture
  • Online content, activities, and assignments
  • Individual and group presentations 
  • Individual and collaborative research activities
  • Community-based projects
  • Video instruction
  • Instructor-led class discussions
  • Small-group discussions
  • Informal writing activities
  • Written and critical thinking assignments
  • Group activities
  • Case studies
  • Guest speakers
  • Journals or class blogs 

VII. Goals and Objectives of the Course:

Having successfully completed this course, the student will be able to:

  1. Describe and discuss the methods of inquiry and theories used in investigating various domains of lifespan development.
  2. Identify major milestones of development across the lifespan.
  3. Describe and discuss issues relating to the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development of human beings across the lifespan
  4. Describe and discuss how environmental and cultural influences impact physical, cognitive, social and emotional development across the lifespan.
  5. Reflect on and analyze the student’s own perceptions and stereotypes about lifespan developmental psychology, their impact on society,  and the student’s own developmental experiences.

VIII. Assessment Measures:

Assessment measures may include any combination of the following strategies:

  • Examinations (Objective and essay questions)
  • In-class or out-of-class quizzes
  • Student presentations
  • In-class discussion and participation
  • Written assignments/projects
  • Evaluation of research
  • In-class application assignments
  • Online assignments
  • Group participation
  • Class attendance

 

Other Course Information: None

 

Review and Approval

March 01, 2021