PSY 222 - Child Psychology

Course Outcomes:

1. Critically evaluate and accurately interpret current psychological research relating to the learning and assessment process of children from conception to age 12. 
2. Understand the complexity of issues facing professionals in the field of child psychology, including ethical, cultural, and environmental elements.
3. Analyze and assess childrens’ development using proven psychological assessment techniques.
4. Describe experiences linked to childrens’ ages and individual strengths, interests, and needs that support learning and development in multiple environments.
5. Compare and contrast the major theories of physical, cognitive, and socioemotional development for children ages from conception to age 12.
6. Discuss the impact that family structures have on child attachment and temperament.
7. Identify the effect that schools, government programs, and community intervention programs have on the physical, cognitive, and socioemotional progress of children.
8. Understand the developmental issues that are facing children in the 21st century world.
9. Compare and contrast the correlation between children of various socioeconomic backgrounds (SES) with opportunities for individual growth. 
10. Interpret and comprehend the physical and emotional needs of children and the support systems that best help children grow.

Student Outcomes:

Unit I: The Nature of Child Development

1. The students will understand the historical views of childhood
2. Identify the three major perspectives in Developmental Psychology
3. Understand research methods for Psychology
4. Apply the theories of Child Development

     Unit II: Biological Processes

1. Describe the nature/nurture debate
2. Understand the genetic foundations to development
3. Discuss the hazards to prenatal development
4. Understand the birthing process and how to physicians assess the health of a newborn child
5. Discuss the physical, emotional, and psychological adjustments parents make during the postpartum period
6. Recognize the changes in brain, sleep, and health during infancy, and childhood
7. Identify the basic reflexes of children and recognize the development of motor skills
8. Contrast sensation and perception as they impact the human condition

Unit III: Cognition and Language

1. Describe children’s thinking process during Piaget’s stages of Preoperational, Concrete, and Formal stages
2. Compare and contrast Piaget’s cognitive theory with Vygotsky’s social constructivist approach
3. Apply the information-processing approach to children’s development
4. List the ways in which intelligence is measured
5. Discuss the extremes of intelligence and creativity
6. Identify the environmental influences on language
7. Explain the biological influences on language

Unit IV: Socioemotional Development

1. List the different temperament styles of children
2. Understand identity development from Erikson’s view
3. Comprehend how gender schemas influence gender development
4. Explain how parenting styles influence moral development 

     Unit V: Social Contexts of Development

1. Identify the historical changes within the concept of the family
2. Understand how changing family dynamics effect child development
3. Comprehend the role peers play in identity development
4. Realize the importance of play in child development
5. Explain contemporary approaches to student learning
6. Discuss the major issues surrounding education
7. Understand the role of culture in childrens’ development
8. Discuss the impact of how socioeconomic status correlates with opportunities for the child
9. Realize the struggles minorities have in social advancement