PY 233 - Child Psychology

2. Identify cognitive changes that occur from prenatal development through adolescence.

3. Identify social and/or emotional changes that occur from prenatal development through adolescence.

4. Write effectively within the discipline of child psychology.

5. Demonstrate an understanding of the relevance of principles of child development to everyday life.

6. Read and critically respond to articles, film clips, and/or books in the field of child psychology.

7. Identify the major theories in child psychology.

8. Critically evaluate major theories and research findings in the field of child psychology.

9. Compare principles of childrearing and education in the United States with those of other cultures.

10. Create a written summary of the main ideas extracted from information gathered. 

11. Clearly and completely state and describe a problem/issue.
Course Outline:
I. Science of child development (theories and research methods)

II. Genetic bases of child development

III. Prenatal development and birth (teratogens, periods of development, principles of development, labor and delivery)

IV. Growth and health: includes physical growth, breastfeeding, puberty, the developing brain

V. Theories of cognitive development: includes Jean Piaget’s theory, modern theories, Lev Vygotsky’s theory, theory of mind, and autism

VI. Cognitive processes and academic skills: includes memory, problem solving, academic skills, cross-cultural comparisons of academic achievement

VII. Intelligence and individual differences in cognition: includes psychometric theories of intelligence, Sternberg and Gardner’s theories, measuring IQ, special needs (learning disabilities) and giftedness

VIII. Language and communication: includes elements of language, critical period, theories of language acquisition, bilingualism, pragmatics

IX. Emotional development: includes function and sequence of emotional development, role of parents and culture, emotional regulation, temperament, attachment theory

X. Understanding self and others: includes self-concept, self-esteem, prejudice

XI. Moral understanding: self-control, Kohlberg and Piaget on morality, aggression, prosocial behavior and altruism

XII. Gender: stereotypes, documented gender differences in behavior, cultural differences, gender identity, changing gender roles in society

XIII. Family: including parenting styles, divorce, blended families, grandparents, gay and lesbian parents, siblings, and child maltreatment

XIV. Influences beyond the family: peers, romantic relationships, sociometric status, child care, technology, part-time employment, friendship

Facilitated discussion: 0-25%

Mediated instruction: 0-100%

Group work: 0-20%

 
Mandatory Course Components:
None
Equivalent Courses:
None