PSYC 317
CHILD PSYCHOLOGY

  1. Catalog Entry

PSYCHOLOGY 317. Child Psychology
Three hours lecture (3).

Prerequisites: PSYC 121

Motor, perceptual, linguistic, social and intellectual aspects of human development from conception through middle childhood.

  1. Detailed Description of Content of Course

1. Introduction
2. Methods of Child Psychology
3. Biological Basis of Behavior
4. Prenatal Development and Birth
5. Infancy
6. Brain Development, Motor Skills, and Physical Maturation
7. Emotional Development
8. Language and Communication
9. Cognitive Development
10. The Family
11. Peers
12. School
13. Sex Roles
14. Morality, Aggression, and Prosocial Behavior
15. Child Development in Other Cultures

  1. Detailed Description of Conduct of Course

A lecture-discussion format supplemented by textbook and outside reading assignments, films/video tapes, student oral and written projects are used to engender knowledge of child development and behavior.

  1. Goals and Objectives of the Course

The student will be able -

1. To develop a knowledge of the history of the study of child psychology.
2. To develop an introductory understanding of the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development of children from conception to adolescence.
3. To develop a knowledge of the inter-relationships among the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional aspects of child development.
4. To develop a knowledge of how environmental and cultural influences impact on the physical, cognitive, social and emotional development of children.
5. To develop a knowledge of the major theories on the cognitive, social, and emotional development of children.
6. To develop a knowledge of recent research in child psychology.
7. To develop a knowledge of the contemporary perspectives of child psychology.
8. To develop a knowledge of the methods used to gather information on child development.
9. To develop an introductory knowledge of the research methods used in the study of children.
10. To develop an introductory knowledge of child development in other cultures.

  1. Assessment Measures

Graded assignments may include in-class tests, a final examination, pop quizzes, the assignment and presentation of exercises, and projects, and class preparation and participation.

  1.  Other Course Information

None

  1. Review and Approval

DATE ACTION REVIEWED
September 2001 Updated and put in new format Alastair V. E. Harris