HD 2150 - Introduction to Human Development: Infancy and Childhood

(KCM-HE) (KCM-AG)

Fall. 3 credits. Student option grading.

Recommended prerequisite: HD 1130 or PSYCH 1101.

K. Sternberg.

HD 2150 introduces students to the major theoretical perspectives, methods (both classic and contemporary), research findings, and controversies in the study of child development. Prenatal development and development in infancy and childhood are examined, including physical, cognitive, and social/emotional development. The focus is on individual development from an interdisciplinary perspective, with an emphasis on psychological development, but also drawing from the fields of sociology, history, biology, anthropology, neuroscience, and education. This is a second-level course, so the emphasis is on analytical, creative, and practical understanding and application of concepts of development.

Outcome 1: Identify the major milestones of development in various domains (e.g., physical, cognitive, and social/emotional).

Outcome 2: Comprehend and apply theoretical perspectives and research findings to understand the mechanisms by which developmental change occurs.

Outcome 3: Understand the interaction of genetic and environmental factors in development.

Outcome 4: Be able to evaluate how developmental research findings are reported in the popular press.