PSYC 1041 - Developmental Psychology: Lifespan

Credits: 4
Hours/Week: Lecture None Lab None
Course Description: The focus of this course is on human development from conception to death. The course includes research methodology, theoretical perspectives, and the biological, cognitive, and psychosocial changes occurring in human development. The course will also focus on the role of social context, cultural context, and developmental challenges. Emphasis will be placed on the application of research and theory to current issues, and the study of human development across diverse U.S. cultural groups.
MnTC Goals
5 History/Social/Behavioral Science, 7 Human Diversity

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 Developmental Psychology
   1. Developmental science defined
   2. Tenets of developmental science
2. Research Methods in Developmental Psychology
   1. The scientific method
   2. Experimental and non-experimental research
   3. Cross-sectional, longitudinal and cross-sequential designs
   4. Research ethics
3. Theoretical Perspectives
   1. Major theories of development
   2. Newer theories of development
   3. Theories focused on cultural and contextual development
4. Nature and Nurture
   1. Mechanisms of heredity
   2. Genetic and chromosomal disorders
   3. Interplay of heredity and environment
   4. The role of culture in human development
5. Prenatal Development
   1. Major developmental changes
   2. Hazards to prenatal development
   3. Birth and the newborn
   4. Cultural variability in pre- and post-natal care
6. Physical, Cognitive, Cultural, and Socioemotional Development in
   1. Infancy
   2. Early Childhood
   3. Middle Childhood
   4. Adolescence
   5. Emerging Adulthood
   6. Early Adulthood
   7. Middle Adulthood, and
   8. Late Adulthood
7. Death and Dying
   1. Developmental perspectives on death
   2. Cultural perspectives on death and mourning
   3. Facing death
   4. Care for the dying
   5. Grief and mourning

 
Learning Outcomes
At the end of this course students will be able to:

1. explain the scientific method and research methodology used by developmental psychologists.

2. evaluate the quality of developmental psychology information from multiple sources.

3. compare and contrast the main theories and issues of human lifespan development: learning, cognitive, cultural, contextual, and sociobiological.

4. identify biological, neurological, cognitive, cultural, and socio-emotional processes associated with developmental periods.

5. analyze how biological, neurological, cognitive, cultural, and socio-emotional factors interact with each other in a developmental context.

6. describe the developmental challenges and psychopathologies that may occur throughout the lifespan.

7. explain how culture, social context, and individual differences play a role in development.

8. analyze ethical perspectives related to legal, social, and scientific issues in human development.

9. apply developmental psychological principles to daily life.

    

05. 02. Examine social institutions and processes across a range of historical periods and cultures.

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

05. 04. Develop and communicate alternative explanations or solutions for contemporary social issues.
Competency 2 (7-10)
07. 01. Understand the development of and the changing meanings of group identities in the United States’ history and culture.

07. 03. Analyze their own attitudes, behaviors, concepts and beliefs regarding diversity, racism, and bigotry.

07. 04. Describe and discuss the experience and contributions (political, social, economic, etc.) of the many groups that shape American society and culture, in particular those groups that have suffered discrimination and exclusion.

07. 05. Demonstrate communication skills necessary for living and working effectively in a society with great population diversity.

Courses and Registration