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 life course development. The course is advanced in that it assumes the student has knowledge of basic developmental processes and theories from previous coursework. Factors that interact and affect life course development, both intra- and interpersonally, across the entire lifespan are explored; this includes factors related to culture, context, risk, resilience, well-being, and relationship. The value and use of life course knowledge for a counseling psychologist in various settings is explored.

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

1. Evaluate patterns of human development across the life course through the lens of transactional, maturational, and ecological lifespan theories. 
2. Analyze and evaluate the application of life course theories in regard to cultural competence.
3. Apply and analyze the use of life course theories in diverse settings (e.g. clinical, educational, consultative) with diverse populations.
4. Apply objectivity, curiosity, open mindedness, and ethical principles in the analysis, evaluation, and discussion of professionally and culturally relevant life course research in the practice of psychology.