PSYC 3151: Developmental Psychology of Children
Students explore normal human development from conception to middle childhood. A major focus is on the various genetic, environmental, social, family, and cultural factors that influence development in complex ways. The course has been designed to highlight cross-cultural research on development. Topics include major theoretical issues and research methods, prenatal development and birth, physical development throughout childhood, development of cognition and language, socialization (moral and sex-role development), and personality.
Learning outcomes
- Discuss the historical foundations and major theoretical perspectives of human development.
- Discuss research strategies researchers employ in the scientific study of human development.
- Explain the major physical, cognitive and socioemotional developments that occur across development from conception up to and including the middle years of childhood.
- Discuss the bidirectional interplay (interaction) of genetic (nature) and environmental (nurture) factors upon children's development.
- Discuss key developmental issues such as critical periods of development, continuity vs. discontinuity of development, and universal vs. culture specific developments.
- Critically reflect on developmental issues and research findings as presented in published articles, scholarly presentations, and web resources devoted to child development concerns.
Course topics
- Unit 1: Foundations of Development
- Unit 2: Infancy and Toddlerhood
- Unit 3: Early Childhood
- Unit 4: Middle Childhood
Required text and materials
Students require the following e-textbook, which can be purchased directly from the TRU bookstore site at: https://thebookstore.tru.ca/site_digital.asp
- Manis, F. R., & Pencer, A. (2020). Revel for the Dynamic Child + MyVirtualChild
(1st Canadian ed.). Pearson.
Type: E-Textbook. ISBN: 9780135306765
Assessments
Please be aware that should your course have a final exam, you are responsible for the fee to the online proctoring service, ProctorU, or to the in-person approved Testing Centre. Please contact exams@tru.ca with any questions about this.
To successfully complete this course, students must achieve a passing grade of 50% or higher on the overall course, and 50% or higher on the final mandatory exam.
| Assignment 1: Foundations of Development | 10% |
| Assignment 2: Infancy and Toddlerhood | 10% |
| Assignment 3: Early Childhood | 10% |
| Assignment 4: Middle Childhood | 10% |
| Research Paper: Annotated Bibliography | 3% |
| Research Paper: Proposal | 12% |
| Reflections | 5% |
| Final Exam (Mandatory) | 40% |
| Total | 100% |
Open Learning Faculty Member Information
An Open Learning Faculty Member is available to assist students. Students will receive the necessary contact information at the start of the course.
