HELP 2026-2027 Academic Catalog Print-Friendly Page (opens a new window) Facebook this Page (opens a new window) Tweet this Page (opens a new window) Add to Portfolio (opens a new window)

PSYC 2215 - Child and Adolescent Development

1. Compare and contrast the main theories and issues of child and adolescent development: learning, cognitive, contextual, and socio-biological.
2. Identify biological, neurological, cognitive, cultural, and socio-emotional processes associated with developmental periods and affective learning. (SEP 1 Student Learning, G)
3. Analyze how biological, neurological, cognitive, cultural, and socio-emotional processes are associated with developmental periods.
4. Demonstrate familiarity with the scientific method and research methodology used by developmental psychologists.
5. Evaluate the quality of developmental psychology information from multiple sources.
6. Describe the developmental challenges and psychopathologies that may occur throughout childhood and adolescence, including the influence of tobacco, alcohol, and drugs during development. (SEP 1 Student Learning, N)
7. Illustrate how developmental psychological principles apply to daily life, including the relationship between motivation and learning. (SEP 2 Learning Environments, B)
8. Analyze ethical perspectives related to legal, social, and scientific issues in child and adolescent development.
9. Examine child and adolescent development across a range of historical periods and cultures.
10. Demonstrate knowledge of cultural, social, religious, and linguistic differences across childhood and adolescence.
11. Analyze specific international issues related to child and adolescent development, including the role of education in promoting global citizenship and well-being.
12. Identify differences in approaches to learning and know how to design instruction that uses a student’s strengths as the basis for acquiring knowledge and skills. (SEP 1 Student Learning, C)

1. Introduction to Developmental Psychology
2. Research Methods in Developmental Psychology
   • The Scientific Method
   • Experimental and Non-experimental Research
   • Cross-sectional, Longitudinal and Cross-sequential Designs
   • Research Ethics
3. Theoretical Perspectives
4. Nature and Nurture
   • Mechanisms of Heredity
   • Genetic and Chromosomal Disorders
   • Interplay of Heredity and Environment
5. Prenatal Development
   • Major Developmental Changes
   • Hazards to Prenatal Development
   • Birth and the Newborn
6. Physical, Cognitive, and Socioemotional Development in
   • Infancy
   • Early Childhood
   • Middle Childhood
   • Adolescence
7. Global and Cultural Influences on Child and Adolescent Development