Course Description: This course will examine the lifespan development of diverse individuals from theoretical and empirical perspectives. The course has a particular focus on examining the whole person in context, and on exploring contributions of biological and psycho-cultural predispositions and functioning. Discussion of typical and atypical development from conception through final life stages focusing on cognitive, physical, social and emotional development is included. During this course, we will also consider the professional capacity required to work effectively and to provide leadership in work with children and adolescents as well as young, mid-life, and older adults in educational, administrative, social, and counseling settings. The course will include exercises in applying lifespan theory to diverse contexts, and will include examination of the contextual, environmental, biological, cultural and individual factors that organize lifespan development. Learning Objectives Upon completion of this, you will be able to: Describe typical physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development across the lifespan. Identify patterns and trends in developmental research. Think critically about human development as integrated, cultural, context-dependent and dynamic. Apply lifespan theories to analyze and address problems of practice that affect historically marginalized groups. Think critically about variability in human development and the factors that influence developmental trajectories. Analyze about the role that culture, community, and social context plays in development. Analyze the relationships between biological, cognitive and socio-cultural aspects of development.Create instructional content to inform and address problems of practice and promote equitable outcomes for historically marginalized groups. Demonstrate proficiency in academic and professional oral and written communication.
Prerequisite(s): EDUC 525 (for students in the educational psychology concentration)

Course Notes Supplemental course materials are available through Blackboard. Click for syllabus