Description:

This course is a comprehensive account of human psychological and physical development from conception through infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood and death. The course integrates genetic, biological, physiological and anthropological influences with the psychological process and explores determinants of development from both hereditary and environmental perspectives. 3 hrs./wk.

Supplies: Refer to the instructor's course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.

Textbook(s): For information see - http://bookstore.jccc.net

Course Fees: NONE

Course Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course the student should be able to:

1. Discuss research methodology in human development.
2. Describe traditional and contemporary theories in human development.
3. List and describe the "conflict" issues in the field of human development.
4. List, describe and critically discuss the various influences that affect the individual's growth and development throughout the lifespan.

Content Outline & Competencies:

I. The Lifespan Developmental Perspective
   A. Research
      1. Describe the scientific method.
      2. Explain the various research methodologies in psychology and
human development.
      3. Describe and explain developmental research designs.
      4. Discuss ethical issues in human development research.
   B. Issues
      1. Present the historical view of development from the 17th century
to contemporary theorists.
      2. Discuss theoretical issues in human development, including:
Nature vs. Nurture, Continuity vs. Discontinuity, Active vs. Passive
individual.
      3. Explain the role of culture, society and ritual.

II. Conception, Prenatal Development and Birth
   A. Biological Foundations
      1. Describe the role of DNA, genes and gamete maturation.
      2. Describe the process of conception.
      3. Discuss genetic aberrations.
   B. Prenatal Development
      1. Explain the interaction between heredity and environment.
      2. Describe the prenatal periods of the zygote, embryo and fetus.
      3. Discuss teratology and hazards to prenatal health.
   C. Birth
      1. Describe the birth process.
      2. Explain childbirth methods.
      3. Discuss perinatal complications.

III. Infancy
   A. Physical Development
      1. List and describe newborn reflexes.
      2. Discuss brain development.
      3. Describe sensory and perceptual development.
      4. Describe motor development.
   B. Cognitive Development
      1. Explain the mechanisms of learning.
      2. Discuss information processing.
      3. Present Piaget's sensorimotor period.
      4. Describe language development.
   C. Socio-emotional Development
      1. Explain Erikson's stage of trust vs. mistrust.
      2. Discuss the family and relationships.
      3. Describe emotional development.
      4. Discuss temperament.
      5. Explain the process of attachment.
      
IV. Early Childhood
   A. Physical Development
      1. Describe and explain body growth and changes.
      2. Discuss nutrition.
      3. Describe motor development.
   B. Cognitive Development
      1. Discuss information processing, including scripts and
strategies.
      2. Present Piaget's preoperational period.
      3. Explain Vygotsky's dialectical approach.
      4. Discuss early childhood education.
   C. Socio-emotional Development
      1. Explain Erikson's stages of autonomy vs. shame/doubt and
initiative vs. guilt.
      2. Describe parenting styles and discipline.
      3. Explain the role of expanding family relationships, including
siblings and peers.
      4. Discuss the role of play in development.
      5. Describe the emerging sense of self.
      6. Explain the process of gender identification.
      7. Describe moral development.
      
V. Middle and Late Childhood
   A. Physical Development
      1. Describe body changes occurring during this period of
development.
      2. Discuss the role of exercise in physical development.
   B. Cognitive Development
      1. Describe the information processing model, including
metacognition.
      2. Present Piaget's concrete operational period.
      3. Discuss the development of intelligence and its measurement.
      4. Discuss the role of achievement and competence in development.
   C. Socio-emotional Development
      1. Explain Erikson's stage of industry vs. inferiority.
      2. Describe secular trends of families.
      3. Describe peer relationships, including popularity and
friendships.
      4. Discuss the role of school in development.
      5. Discuss the role of self-esteem in development.
      6. Explain gender stereotypes and roles.
      7. Describe moral development and altruism.
      8. Discuss the role of technology and the media in development.

VI. Adolescence
   A. Physical Development
      1. Describe puberty.
      2. Discuss the secular trend in puberty.
      3. Explain gender differences in adolescence.
   B. Cognitive Development
      1. Present Piaget's period of formal operations.
      2. Discuss social cognition in adolescence.
   C. Socio-emotional Development
      1. Explain Erikson's stage of identity vs. confusion.
      2. Describe the interaction of parents and teens.
      3. Discuss the influence of peer relationships during adolescence.
      4. Explain the process of identity development.
      5. Discuss culture and rites of passage.
      6. Discuss disorders commonly associated with adolescence, including
eating disorders, drug abuse, teen pregnancy and suicide.
   
VII. Early Adulthood
   A. Physical Development
      1. Describe the peak and slow down in physical performance.
      2. Discuss the role of nutrition and exercise in health during this
period.
      3. Describe the process of addiction and recovery.
   B. Cognitive Development
      1. Discuss Schaie's stage of adult cognitive development.
   C. Socio-emotional Development
      1. Explain Erikson's stage of intimacy vs. isolation.
      2. Describe theories of career choice and development.
      3. Discuss theories of attraction and mate selection.
      4. Explain the development of intimacy.
      5. Discuss factors affecting marriage and relationships.
      6. Discuss the diversity of adult lifestyles, including divorce.
      7. Explain the family life cycle and parenthood.

VIII. Middle Adulthood
   A. Physical Development
      1. Describe the physical changes occurring in middle adulthood.
      2. Discuss factors influencing health during this period, including
stress and illness.
   B. Cognitive Development
      1. Discuss the interaction of health and cognitive functioning.
   C. Socio-emotional Development
      1. Explain Erikson's stage of generativity vs. stagnation.
      2. Present  the developmental tasks of middle adulthood.
      3. Discuss career issues occurring during this period.
      4. Describe intergenerational relationship issues.

IX. Later Adulthood
   A. Physical Development
      1. Discuss the myths and realities of aging.
      2. Present the theories of biological aging.
      3. Discuss health issues in later adulthood.
   B. Cognitive Development
      1. Describe research regarding intellectual functioning in later
adulthood.
   C. Socio-emotional Development
      1. Discuss issues surrounding work and retirement.
      2. Describe the interaction between families and aging couples.
      3. Describe ethnic and cultural perspectives of aging.
      4. Discuss the process of adjustment to aging.

X. Death and Dying
   A. Describe the process of death and dying.
      1. Discuss secular trends and cultural influences affecting our
views of death and dying.
      2. Describe the process of bereavement.

Methods of Evaluation of Competencies:

Evaluation of student mastery of course competencies will be accomplished using the following methods:

1. Four tests which include definitional, conceptual and analytical
questions over course content.
2. A comprehensive final examination that pulls the course content
together.
3. Completion of three directed assignments.
4. Completion of a term paper or service learning option.

Caveats:

1. Students are cautioned to carefully review the requirements of specific transfer programs to ensure that this course will be accepted for the particular school or program they wish to pursue.

Disabilities:

If you are a student with a disability, and if you will be requesting accommodations, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services. Access Services will recommend any appropriate accommodations to your professor and his/her director. The professor and director will identify for you which accommodations will be arranged.

JCCC provides a range of services to allow persons with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities. If you desire support services, contact the office of Access Services for Students With Disabilities (913) 469-8500, ext. 3521 or TDD (913) 469-3885. The Access Services office is located in the Success Center on the second floor of the Student Center.