Course Description
The physical, cognitive, and social-emotional growth and development of children ages 3 through 11, with a particular focus on diversity, multicultural analysis, and research on young children.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
Original research articles will be substituted for textbook
readings, and graduate students will present these papers to
the class. In addition, graduate students will be in charge of
problem-based learning groups. Finally, graduate students will
submit a 15-20 page paper that includes (1) a description of the
incidence/prevalence of a problem affecting children between
ages 3-11; (2) a description of how one or more of the theories
and/or theoretical perspectives discussed in class contribute to
our understanding of this problem; and (3) recommendations for
the development of interventions or prevention efforts.
Athena Title
Early and Middle Childhood
Equivalent Courses
Not open to students with credit in HDFS 4910E
Prerequisite
[(HDFS 2200 or HDFS 2200H or HDFS 2200E) or (HDFS 2950 or HDFS 2950E)] and (HDFS 3900 or HDFS 3900E)
Semester Course Offered
Offered spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
1. Describe normative milestones in domains of physical, cognitive, language, and social development for children between ages 3 and 11 years. 2. Explain how contextual processes at the family, community, and societal levels operate directly and in combination to shape the development of children between ages 3 and 11 years. 3. Apply principles of developmental science to understanding prevention and intervention for challenges facing children between ages 3 and 11 years. Additional learning outcomes for graduate students: 4. Critically evaluate original research from theoretical, methodological, and practice perspectives; 5. Suggest future directions for research, and use research to guide prevention and intervention programs.
Topical Outline
Part 1: Age 3-5 years 1. Developmental milestones during early childhood (cognitive, language, socio-emotional) 2. Contexts of early childhood development (families, child care, preschool) Part 2: Age 5-8 years 3. Developmental milestones during early elementary school (cognitive, language, socio-emotional) 4. Contexts of early childhood development (families, peers, school) Part 3: Age 8-11 years 5. Developmental milestones during late elementary school (cognitive, language, socio-emotional) 6. Contexts of early childhood development (families, peers, school) Part 4: Application of developmental science to addressing issues facing children between ages 3-11 7. School readiness/early academic achievement 8. Mental health concerns for 3-11 year olds 9. Child overweight/obesity 10. Childhood poverty/food insecurity 11. Media/technology
Syllabus