HS 114 - Lifespan Studies I

3 Credits

1. Recognize the effects of heredity and environment on the developing child.
2. Summarize the developing competencies of the infant during the first two years.
3. Examine the process of language acquisition and sequence of language development.
4. Dissect brain development and its impact on motor skills, cognitive, language and emotional development during infancy and the preschool years.
5. Explain and critique theories of cognitive development during infancy and early childhood with particular emphasis on Piaget (constructivism).
6. Describe the factors that affect the quality of the relationship between the infant and caregiver including attachment and separation behaviours, stranger anxiety, bonding, and adult-child interactions.
7. Compare the factors that influence social and emotional development in the preschool child including theories of social and personality development, family and peer relationships and gender issues.
8. Distinguish the effect of different child-rearing patterns on development.
9. Analyze developmental issues that arise from experiences and generate approaches to working with those situations.

Regular attendance is essential for success in any course. Absence for any reason does not relieve a student of the responsibility of completing course work and assignments to the satisfaction of the instructor. Frequent absences may result in the student being probation. Further absences may result in suspension from the program.

In cases of repeated absences due to illness, the student may be requested to submit a medical certificate.

Instructors have the authority to require attendance in classes.

Content of Course:

1. Introduction to Lifespan Studies
   1. Basic Concepts and Methods
      1. Scientific study or lifespan development
      2. Contemporary developmental psychology
      3. Research designs and methods
2. Overview of theories of development
3. Prenatal development and birth
   1. Pregnancy and prenatal development
   2. Problems in prenatal development
   3. Birth and the neonate
4. Development in infancy
   1. Physical development
      1. The brain and the nervous system
      2. Reflexes, sensory abilities, and behavioural states
      3. Other body systems and motor skills
      4. Health promotion and wellness
   2. Cognitive Development
      1. Perception
      2. Sensorimotor period
      3. Learning and memory development
      4. Individual and group differences
   3. Language development
      1. The beginnings of language (theoretical perspectives, speech perception, sounds, gestures, and word meanings
      2. Changes in language (first sentences, grammar explosion, phonological awareness, strengthening language skills in preschoolers, and individual variation)
   4. Social and personality development
      1. Theories of social and personality development
      2. Attachment
      3. Personality, temperament, and self-concept
      4. Non-parental care
      5. Effects of gender
5. Development in Early Childhood
   1. Physical development
      1. Growth and motor development
      2. The brain and the nervous system
      3. Health promotion and wellness
   2. Cognitive development
      1. Preoperational stage
      2. Other theories of cognitive development
      3. Differences in intelligence
   3. Social and emotional development
      1. Theories of social and personality development
      2. Family relationships and childhood through a cultural lens
      3. Peer relationships
      4. Personality and self-concept
      5. Gender concepts and roles

 

Course Pass Requirements:
A minimum grade of D (50%) (1.00) is required to pass this course.  Students must maintain a cumulative grade of C (GPA - Grade point average of 2.00) in order to qualify to graduate.