PY605 Developmental Psychology (3 cr.)

The course examines characteristic changes in behavior and functioning in each stage of life from conception to death. Physical, cognitive, affective, and social bases of behavior are explored. The elements of professional writing are applied.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Understand the systematic nature of the patterns of growth and development in all human beings.
2. Examine the developmental tasks which the individual must master at each stage of his or her life span.
3. Describe potential developmental psychopathologies and their impact on the normative process.
4. Analyze the effects of social and cultural factors upon the individual’s development.
5. Apply principles of development to the understanding of individual behavioral reactions.
6. Analyze writings from research journals and mainstream press as they relate to the course content.
7. Apply professional writing style.