Psychology 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:
- Describe and discuss the methods of inquiry and theories used in investigating various domains of lifespan development.
- Identify major milestones of development across the lifespan.
- Describe and discuss issues relating to the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development of human beings across the lifespan
- Describe and discuss how environmental and cultural influences impact physical, cognitive, social and emotional development across the lifespan.
- 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