Theory and research on psychological development from prenatal stages through adulthood.
Course Goals
In this course, you will gain understanding of the forces that shape human development across the lifespan. Special emphasis will be placed on the interplay of biological, psychological, and contextual factors, such as our culture, our genetics and unique social experiences, in shaping development over time. In addition, you will learn about the science of developmental psychology that helps developmental scientists understand the processes underlying maturation and development.
As a bonus, we will delve into a hypothetical scenario of a multiverse. In this hypothetical scenario, we will try to figure out whether the multiple versions of ourselves (i.e., our doppelgangers) would be more or less similar to each other and our original self, from a developmental science perspective.
At the end of this course, you will be able to
- Name developmental theories that explain individual differences in developmental outcomes.
- Identify critical and sensitive periods in the human lifespan.
- Read and understand scientific articles and developmental research.
- Name social, cultural, and biological factors influencing human development.
- Name at least one developmental theory and use it to explain the effects of parenting on a developing child.
- Name developmental assumptions and ongoing debates.
- Define culture and its influences on human development.
- Become globally/culturally more competent.
- Become better at interpreting intercultural issues.