UGA Bulletin Logo

Introduction to Life Span Development


Course Description

Physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development of individuals from conception to the end of life from ecological and life-span perspectives.


Athena Title

Intro to Life Span Development


Equivalent Courses

Not open to students with credit in HDFS 2200E, HDFS 2200H


Semester Course Offered

Offered fall and spring


Grading System

A - F (Traditional)


Course Objectives

Students will use core concepts, integrative elements, and cross-cutting themes as they learn to:  1. Identify major developmental changes and issues during infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and later life (e.g., factors influencing development, physical, cognitive, and socioemotional development) to promote individual well-being and optimal development.  2. Reflect on and explain how individual (e.g., race, religion, ethnicity, gender, and class) and social factors influence development and how family, community, societal, and historical contexts contribute to developmental outcomes (e.g., ecological systems).  3. Think critically about the knowledge gained in class to address contextual and societal issues and to apply this knowledge to your own personal and professional development and to the lives of others.


Topical Outline

Each major section will illustrate aspects of development for infants, children, adolescents, and mid-and later-life adults within an ecological framework, including family influences, and incorporate theory, research methods, application, and cultural diversity issues.  I. Introduction to Life-Span Development  A. Overview  B. Research Methods  C. Theories  D. Influence of Socio-contextual factors on development (e.g., race, religion, ethnicity, gender, and class)  E. Mutual influence of physical, cognitive, and socioemotional development across the lifespan  II. Factors Influencing Development  A. Genes, Environment, Evolution  B. Gene-environment Interaction and Heritability C. Early Environmental Influences on Development-- Prenatal, Perinatal, Early Postnatal  III. Physical Development  A. Endocrine and Nervous Systems, Brain Development  B. Growth, Fine and Gross Motor, Coordination, Strength, Endurance, Speed  C. Reproduction  D. Health and Safety Issues  IV. Cognitive Development  A. Perception and Attention  B. Cognition and Language  C. Learning, Memory, and Information Processing  D. Intelligence and Creativity  V. Social-Emotional Development  A. Self-concept/Identity, Personality, and Temperament  B. Gender Roles and Sexuality  C. Social Cognition and Moral Development  D. Attachment and Social Relationships  E. The Family  F. Achievement  VI. Promoting Well-being in the Midst of Challenge  A. Psychological Disorders  B. Risk, Coping, and Resilience  C. Death and Dying


General Education Core

CORE V: Social Sciences

Syllabus