Course Description
Advanced study of the theoretical perspectives and issues in physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development of children from conception through adolescence.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
Graduate students will complete additional readings from the
professional and academic literature and develop a paper or
project based on current research in the field. In addition,
students will present the information on their selected topic to
undergraduates in the class. Graduate students will also meet with
the instructor outside of class throughout the semester regarding
this paper and/or project.
Athena Title
Contemp Topics in Child Dev
Prerequisite
HDFS 2200 or HDFS 2200E or HDFS 2200H or HDFS 2950 or HDFS 2950E
Semester Course Offered
Offered every year.
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
An advanced course on child development spanning from infancy through adolescence. Students should have an introductory level of knowledge about theories, issues, and methodologies in child development. This course explores prominent theories in the field of child development and contemporary research topics for understanding child development in today’s world. Students will: - Acquire new knowledge about contemporary research and theories in multiple domains of child development. - Apply theories and concepts to understanding child development, including how multiple biological and environmental influences shape individual differences in development. - Develop skills in reading and analyzing child development research to be a knowledgeable consumer of research. - Develop skills in oral expression through class discussion and presentation. - Demonstrate critical thinking skills through class assignments, including writing, presentations, and course participation.
Topical Outline
Section I. Theories of Child Development Section II. Family Context and Child Development Section III. Individual Differences in Child Development Section IV. Domains of Child Development Section V. Determinants of Child Development
Syllabus