PSY 240 - Developmental Psychology

3 Credits, 3 Contact Hours
3 lecture periods 0 lab periods

Human development from conception through adulthood. Includes physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development milestones at various periods in the lifespan. Also includes research methods used in developmental psychology, and the exploration of empirical literature in psychology as it relates to developmental issues.

Prerequisite(s): PSY 101  
Information: Prerequisite(s) may be waived with consent of instructor before enrolling in the class.
Gen-Ed: Meets AGEC - SBS; Meets CTE - SBS.

2.       Discuss the science of human development from early childhood through middle childhood; including peer development, cognitive development, language development, physical and perceptual development, social and emotional development.

3.       Discuss the science of human development from adolescence through emerging adulthood; including           peer development, cognitive development, physical and perceptual development, social and emotional development.

4.       Discuss the science of human development from adulthood through late adulthood; including peer development, cognitive development, developmental tasks, physical and perceptual development, social and emotional development.

1. Describe the major theories and controversies of developmental psychology research.
2. Identify the research methods used in developmental psychology.
3. Discuss prenatal development and the factors that influence the process.
4. Discuss the processes of physical and perceptual development and the factors that influence them, including physical and perceptual changes which accompany aging.
5. Discuss the developmental tasks of adulthood and old age.
6. Describe the major theories of aging.
7. Describe the major theories of cognitive development.
8. Discuss some of the factors that influence cognitive development.
9. List the major milestones of language development and some of the factors that influence them.
10. Describe the major theories of language development.
11. Identify the factors that influence attachment, social and emotional development at various ages.
12. Discuss the influence of the peer group at various ages.

1. Introduction to Developmental Psychology
   1. Controversies in developmental psychology
   2. Theories of development
   3. Experimental methodologies

1. Prenatal Development, Birth and the Neonate
   1. Description of prenatal development
   2. Influences on prenatal development
   3. Birth and the neonate
2. Physical and Perceptual Development
   1. Physical development
   2. Perceptual development
   3. Influences on physical and perceptual development
3. Cognitive Development
   1. Measurement of intelligence
   2. Theories of cognitive development
   3. Influences on cognitive development
4. Language Development
   1. Development of grammar and meaning
   2. Theories of language development
   3. Influences on language development
5. Personality and Social Development
   1. Theories of personality development
   2. Attachment
   3. Peer group relationships