Covers the processes of change and stability in human development from conception through death. Course begins with the study of prenatal concerns and progresses through the years of infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood and aging. Discusses theory, research, and application associated with the biological, cognitive, affective, and social domains of development.
Goals, Topics, and Objectives
This course emphasizes development across the lifespan. Students will gain knowledge and perspective of the interrelatedness of the biological, cognitive, affective, and social domains as they examine how and why people change or remain the same over the course of a lifetime.
- Lifespan development basics
- Developmental research designs
- Heredity and environment in the development process
- Theories of development
- Pregnancy, prenatal development, and birth
- Infancy and toddlerhood: Physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development: Major developmental issues
- Early and middle childhood: Physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development: Major developmental issues
- Adolescence: Physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development: Major developmental issues
- Adulthood: Physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development: Major developmental issues
- Death and dying
- Define the field of lifespan development.
- Summarize basic developmental issues and major factors that impact development.
- Compare and contrast developmental research designs and apply research findings.
- Explain the influence of genetics and environment on development.
- Differentiate the current major theoretical perspectives of development.
- Describe the processes of pregnancy, prenatal development, and birth.
- Explain and analyze the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional developmental issues of infancy and toddlerhood.
- Explain and analyze the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional developmental issues of early and middle childhood.
- Explain and analyze the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional developmental issues of adolescence.
- Explain and analyze the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional developmental issues of adulthood.
- Explain issues surrounding death and dying.
Assessment and Requirements
Each instructor will implement appropriate methods for assessing the achievement of the learning objectives of the course. These methods may include, but are not necessarily limited to, objective and/or written examinations, papers, Internet assignments, and library projects.
In addition, each student will be required to produce a critical thinking paper/project relevant to lifespan development. The details of the assignment are at the discretion of the instructor.
Textbook selection is determined by the department.
Outcomes
- Social Sciences
- Civil Society and Culture - U.S. and Global
- Category 4: Social Sciences