PYD811 Advanced Lifespan Development (3 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): master’s course in Developmental Psychology
This course provides an in-depth review of contemporary theory and research on normative lifespan development. The course is advanced in the sense that it assumes the student has knowledge of basic developmental processes and theories from previous coursework. Factors that impact development over the entire lifespan are explored, including biological, cultural, familial, educational, and social issues. Implications of developmental considerations in the understanding of clinical concerns are explored.

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

1. Analyze patterns of human lifespan development from birth to death through the lenses of psychological lifespan theories.
2. Evaluate and synthesize the dynamic interactions of development, identity, and context for specific developmental phases in relationship to lifespan and lifespan theory. 
3. Assess, select, and apply useful lifespan theoretical knowledge, for specific developmental phases, and across the lifespan, with diverse populations in diverse clinical, consultative, and educational settings.
4. Synthesize research and theory about resilience and risk for specific developmental periods and across the lifespan.
5. Apply resilience and risk theory and research to diverse populations in diverse clinical, consultative, and educational settings.
6. Make use of objectivity, curiosity, open mindedness, and ethical principles in the analysis, evaluation, and discussion of professional lifespan literature and research in the practice of psychology.