PSYC& 200 Lifespan Psychology (5 credits)
Distribution Area Fulfilled Social Sciences; General Transfer Elective
Formerly PSYCH 205 - CCN
Course Description
Critical examination of the many biological and social influences on individual development across the lifespan from prenatal through late adulthood. Focuses on physical, cognitive, emotional, and psychosocial changes throughout the human life cycle and emphasizes an interactional approach to explain developmental processes and outcomes. Topics include developmental theorists, the importance of the prenatal environment on development, formation of language, self-esteem and identity, romantic relationships, midlife, and death/dying, and grieving.
Course Content
A. Theories in human development
B. Research in human development
C. Models of human development, primarily the interactional model of nature and nurture, also including content specific models (e.g. Erikson) and other general models (e.g. stage vs. continuous growth models)
D. Integration of physical, cognitive, social and emotional development across the lifespan
E. The valuing and devaluing of humans in various stages of development in contemporary American society
F. Analyze structural inequities related to lifespan development to identify strategies for promoting social justice
G. Examine the impact of intergenerational interactions upon relationships across the lifespan
Student Outcomes
1. Describe major theoretical traditions in developmental psychology
2. Describe physical, cognitive, social, moral, and intrapersonal development tasks across the lifespan emphasizing various causes or reasons for disturbances in the developmental process
3. Demonstrate understanding of the physical, cognitive, and socioemotional changes that occur across the eight major stages of development –prenatal, infancy, early childhood, mid-late childhood, adolescence, early adulthood, middle adulthood, and late adulthood
4. Apply theory and research to contemporary problems and real-world situations.
5. Compare information from scientific research with information from personal experience
6. Identify the impact of gender, ethnicity, class, historical period, social location and culture and diversity on development and developmental experience
7. Discuss the impact of concepts from one area of development (i.e. physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development) on other areas
Degree Outcomes
Social Sciences: Graduates analyze and interpret social phenomenon using social science theories and methods. Critical, Creative, and Reflective Thinking: Graduates will evaluate, analyze, synthesize, and generate ideas; construct informed, meaningful, and justifiable conclusions; and process feelings, beliefs, biases, strengths, and weaknesses as they relate to their thinking, decisions, and creations.
Lecture Contact Hours 50
Lab Contact Hours 0
Clinical Contact Hours 0
Total Contact Hours 50
Potential Methods
1. Class discussions
2. Essays
3. Group activities
4. In-class presentations
5. Reflective journals
6. Research projects/papers
7. Objective exams
8. Lifespan portfolio or presentation
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