This course examines the physical, intellectual, emotional and social development of individuals from infancy to very old age. Within the psychosocial framework, students will be able to research and apply developmental concepts to relevant problems in daily life.

Overall Course Objectives | Major Course Topics | Course Format | Orientation | Course Requirements | Texts and Materials | Exams

Overall Course Objectives

Upon completion of this course the student will be able to:

1. Examine the scientific process as it relates to psychological research.

2. Compare various methods of developmental research.

3. Assess the advantages and disadvantages of the various methods of developmental research.

4. Compare the following basic theories as they relate to the lifespan: psychodynamic, behavioral, learning, social learning and cognitive.

5. Evaluate the theory of psychosocial development as described by Erik Erikson.

6. Examine the concept "Stage of Development" as it relates to psychosocial theory.

7. Examine the concept "Developmental Task" as it relates to psychosocial theory.

8. Examine the concept "Psychosocial Crisis" as it relates to psychosocial theory.

9. Analyze Erikson's stages of psychosocial development using developmental tasks, psychosocial crises and central processes as measures of understanding growth and development.

11. Compare physical, emotional, cognitive and social/environmental changes which occur between conception and very old age.

12. Evaluate scientific research with regard to similarities and dissimilarities among individuals and assess growth and change over the lifespan.

13. Evaluate and apply knowledge of psychosocial theory to personal and hypothetical situations

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Major Topics

I. The Scientific Process

A. Research Design and Methods

B. Evaluating Existing Research

II. Psychosocial Theory

A. What Is A Theory?

B. Basic Concepts of Psychosocial Theory

1. Stages of Development

2. Developmental Tasks

3. Psychosocial Crises

C. Evaluation of Psychosocial Theory

1. Strengths

2. Weaknesses

III. Theories of Change

A. Biological Evolution

B. Cultural Differences

C. Psychosexual Development

D. Cognitive Development

E. Learning

F. Social Roles

G. Systems

IV. Pregnancy and Prenatal Development

V. Infancy

VI. Toddlerhood

VII. Early School Age

VIII. Middle School Age

IX. Early Adolescence

X. Later Adolescence

XI. Early Adulthood

XII. Middle Adulthood

XIII. Later Adulthood

XIV. Very Old Age

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Course Format

The course format includes but is not limited to the following:

• Is not self-paced, but arrangements can be made to take tests/exams and submit writing assignments early.
• Requires one on-campus Mandatory orientation; on-campus testing (or its equivalent) is required.
• Does not require real-time chats.
• Does require threaded discussions online.
• The communication in the class will take place through Canvas emails, online threaded discussions and  announcements posted on Canvas.

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Orientation

This course does not have a  face-to-face orientation.

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Course Requirements

• Review the “What you should know before you register” section of the Distance Learning Homepage.
• Log in to participate in the online orientation and/or go to the Technical tab on the online website and find a printable copy of the online orientation.
• After registration you will need to know your Student ID for this course.
• Read over the syllabus and all material on the Course Content page. Email questions to the instructor before class begins or immediately following the Mandatory Orienation.
• Have the ability to download various programs from the Internet (i.e., Adobe Acrobat Reader),
  OR a willingness to meet and work with a fellow student who has this expertise, OR an ability to utilize personal computers in the Computer Lab for online access to course materials and email, and computers in the Library for research.

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Texts and Materials

To visit our bookstore's online sales site, please visit www.howardccbooks.com and follow the instructions for selecting textbooks.

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Exams & Quizzes

There are two equally weighted exams for this course.

Writing Assignments

This course isdesignated as a Writing Intensive class which means that a minimum 2,500 words will be required and graded. These writing assignments may be formal and/or informal, online written discussions, and essay questions on the exams.

Last updated on 24-Feb-06 © Howard Community College, 2000