Course Description
Discussion of models of human development and mental health along with research on socialization and adaptation, coping with illness, disability and other negative life events, and positive psychology. Examination in the contexts of school, work, leisure and family. Applications to professional practice in accordance with students' programs and interests.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
Graduate students in the course will be held to a higher
standard of writing (papers produced being potentially
publishable), but they will also assume leadership roles in
directing group projects developed in consort with
undergraduates in the course. They will also do short
interpretation-of-related-literature briefs that undergraduates
will not do.
Athena Title
Human Devel and Mental Health
Equivalent Courses
Not open to students with credit in ECHD 4380E or ECHD 6380E
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
1. to develop a working understanding of constructs associated with optimal experience and adaptation as they relate to the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional aspects of childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and aging. 2. to develop an understanding of positive psychology and how it applies to mental health across the lifespan. 3. to develop an understanding of the relevance of optimal experience and adaptation to contemporary models of developmental enhancement and successful aging. 4. to develop ideas for enhancing the quality of life of people across the lifespan through improved practices and services.
Topical Outline
I. Overview II. The lifespan and themes of mental health III. Childhood and mental health IV. Adolescence and mental health V. Emerging adulthood and mental health VI. Young adultood and mental health VII. Middle age and mental health VIII. Later life-The young old and mental health IX. Later life-The old old and mental health
Syllabus