PSYC 2043 - Child Development

Credits: 3
Hours/Week: Lecture None Lab None
Course Description: Child Development is a field within Developmental Psychology concerned with the facts and principles that influence the health, well-being, and future of the child. The course includes an in-depth study of the physical, cognitive, and psychosocial changes that occur from the prenatal period to adolescence. The course includes research methods and theories of child development, as well as an exploration of genetic, cultural, global, political and economic factors that influence the child’s development.

 
MnTC Goals
5 History/Social/Behavioral Science, 8 Global Perspective

Prerequisite(s): Course placement into college-level English and Reading OR completion of ENGL 0950  with a grade of C or higher OR completion of RDNG 0940  with a grade of C or higher and qualifying English Placement Exam OR completion of RDNG 0950  with a grade of C or higher and ENGL 0090  with a grade of C or higher OR completion of ESOL 0051  with a grade of C or higher and ESOL 0052  with a grade of C or higher.
Corequisite(s): None
Recommendation: None

Major Content

1. Introduction to basic terms, theories, theorists, and concepts related to child development
2. Introduction to child development from a global perspective
3. Scientific research methods used in the study of child development
4. Cultural, social, political and economic influences on child development.
5. Ethical issues in research
6. Conception, genetic, prenatal, birth, and postnatal influences on child development
7. Formation of the brain and nervous system
8. Development of motor and physical skills and capabilities               
9. Influences of sensation, perception, and learning on development
10. Personality and emotional development
11. Cognitive and intellectual development
12. Self, social, moral development, and values
13. Ethical issues in child development

1. describe the scientific research methods used to study children.
2. explain the theoretical perspectives that relate to child development.
3. compare and contrast historical and contemporary perspectives on child development.
4. apply theoretical perspectives to current global issues related to child development.
5. analyze the effects of physical, cognitive, and psychosocial changes that affect child development.
6. identify different contexts (social, cultural, economic and political) within which child development occurs.
7. articulate the processes of cognitive, social/emotional and moral development.
8. apply ethical standards to past and contemporary issues in child development.
9. explain developmental milestones in the context of cultural, social, religious and linguistic differences (and similarities) among children.
10. describe the role that current global situations play in the life of a child.

05. 03. Use and critique alternative explanatory systems or theories.

05. 04. Develop and communicate alternative explanations or solutions for contemporary social issues.
Theme Goals (MnTC Goals 7-10)
08. 01. Describe and analyze political, economic, and cultural elements which influence relations of states and societies in their historical and contemporary dimensions.
08. 02. Demonstrate knowledge of cultural, social, religious and linguistic differences.
08. 03. Analyze specific international problems, illustrating the cultural, economic, and political differences that affect their solution.

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