Discipline: Psychology Degree Credit  [X]
Non Credit  [ ]
Nondegree Credit  [ ]
Comm Service  [ ]
 

Riverside Community College District
Integrated Course Outline of Record

Psychology 9


COURSE DESCRIPTION
9 Developmental Psychology Units: 3.00
 
Prerequisite: None.
 
Genetic and environmental determinants of life-span human development in the biosocial, cognitive, and psychosocial domains. 54 hours lecture.
 
SHORT DESCRIPTION FOR CLASS SCHEDULE
A survey of biological, cognitive, and psychosocial development throughout the human life cycle from conception to death.
 
ADVISORY ENTRY SKILLS
None.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
 Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to:

1.   Identify important features of the methodology of developmental
      research.

2.   Compare and contrast major contemporary theoretical perspectives
      on understanding the process of development.

3.   Analyze major milestones of development in areas such as
      language, thought, and social behavior.

4.   Identify important cultural differences in developmentally relevant
      practices such as child-rearing and elder care.

5.   Analyze social and institutional factors which are relevant to
      development in adulthood.
 
COURSE CONTENT
  TOPICS
 
  1. Introduction
    1. Scientific study of development: historical and conceptual themes 
    2. Scientific study of development: methodology
  2. Theoretical perspectives:
    1. Psychoanalytic theories
    2. Learning theories
    3. Cognitive theories
    4. Sociocultural theories
  3. The beginnings of life 
    1. Genetics
    2. Conception and prenatal development 
    3. Infancy
  4. Early childhood
    1. Motor and perceptual development 
    2. Development of thought and language 
    3. Attachment, early personality and social development
  5. Middle and late childhood 
    1. Physical growth 
    2. Cognitive development; intelligence, schooling 
    3. Psychosocial development; family and peer relationships
  6. Adolescence
    1. Physical and social maturation
    2. Cognitive development
    3. Psychosocial development; identity, social relations
  7. Early and middle adulthood
    1. Physical characteristics 
    2. Cognitive changes 
    3. Social tasks and options
  8. Late adulthood
    1. Physical changes, health concerns 
    2. Cognitive changes 
    3. Psychosocial adjustment to aging
  9. Death and dying
 
METHODS OF INSTRUCTION
 Methods of instruction used to achieve student learning outcomes may include, but are not limited to:

  • Class lectures/discussions/demonstrations
  • Videos/films
  • Guest lecturers
  • Small group activities
  • Distance education
 
METHODS OF EVALUATION
 Students will be evaluated for progress in and/or mastery of learning outcomes by methods of evaluation which may include, but are not limited to:

  • Oral reports/presentations
  • Written reports/presentations
  • Quizzes/examinations
  • Class and individual projects
  • Final Examination
ASSIGNMENTS

Required Reading Assignments


Required Writing Assignments


Other Outside-of-Class Assignments
 
COURSE MATERIALS
 All materials used in this course will be periodically reviewed to ensure that they are appropriate for college level instruction. Possible texts include:

  • Berger, K. . The Developing Person Through the Lifespan. 5 ed. any: Worth, 2001.
  • Berk, L.E.. Development Through The Lifespan. 3 ed. any: Allyn & Bacon, 2003.
  • Dacey, J.S., & Travers, J.F.. Human Development Across the Lifespan. 6 ed. any: McGraw-Hill, 2003.
  • Papalia, D.E., Olds, S.W., Feldman, R.D. . Human Development. 8 ed. any: McGraw-Hill, 2001.
  • Santrock, J. W. . Life-Span Development. 8 ed. any: McGraw-Hill, 2002.
09/04
2088