Course Road Map

Module 1

 Happy beginning of the term! Welcome to Developmental Psychology online! I will use this space  as an opportunity to preview key content themes in the textbook readings and the chapter notes I provide, as well as introduce the topics covered in the  assignment and  discussion. You will see that my focus is not on memorization and regurgitation. I will strive to intentionally provide opportunities for practice in critical thinking and in personal reflection.

Chapter 1 in our textbook provides a general overview and introduction to the study of lifespan development.  The author offers some ideas related to the lifespan perspective, in addition to basic observations about the nature of development, introduction of a few theoretical categories of development, and a few closing thoughts about research in life span development.  I think you will find the textbook very readable...and I hope enjoyable.  Be sure to always review my chapter notes as well. I try to supplement the textbook with additional insights and information.

The Discussion is simply a way for us to introduce ourselves to each other, and the Assignment invites you to ponder aspects of your own personal development. Specifically, you will be asked to consider the influence of "nature versus nurture" in your own life!

Module 2

 Aug 26

 Chapter 2 offers a brief review of topics related to our biological beginnings.  Topics include genetic foundations, the interaction of heredity and environment, prenatal development, birth processes, and postpartum period information. I know that some of this material will be review for some students, but it is informative and practical.

The Discussion  follows up on an article I reference in the Chapter Notes, "Seven Fears Expectant Fathers Face."  I look forward to your reflections on some of those fears.  The Assignment  acknowledges that the chapter covers a wide range of issues to consider. I identify four specific related topics and ask that you choose just one that you are interested in to do a little research and write a few paragraphs about the topic you chose.

Module 3

 NOTE: Please remember that the first 2 modules were "practice"  with no points involved. Beginning with Module 3, Discussions and Assignments each are worth 10 points.

Chapter 3 (pages 68-92) moves us from the birth process right into the physical and cognitive development of infants. Specific attention is devoted to physical growth, motor development, sensory and perceptual development, cognitive development, and an interesting section specifically on language development.

As I did last week, I give you some options to explore in the Discussion. Select one of the topics (shaken baby syndrome, separation anxiety, SIDS) to discuss with each other. The Assignment highlights the rising trend of teaching babies sign language. You will be asked to offer some perspectives and personal thoughts about this trend.

Module 4

 Chapter 3 (pages 93-103)  covers important aspects of socioemotional development in infancy.  Emotions, personality, temperament are all fascinating areas of study. I am particularly intrigued by some of the work done in classifying temperament and in the power of understanding the concept of "goodness of fit." That understanding alone may be helpful as you think about different people with whom you occasionally (or consistently) clash! Attachment and bonding are discussed in this chapter as well as the transition to parenthood itself.

The Discussion invites you to consider the challenges of maintaining healthy partnership relationships while navigating the challenges of parenthood. I hope we can generate some meaningful, practical and helpful ideas together. The Assignment invites you to return to the topic of temperament (I really do like it!) and reflect on the classification of temperament by Chess and Thomas as it relates to your family.

This is the day for Content Reinforcement Test #1! Just like the Discussions and Assignments, you will always have a full week in the Fall and Spring semesters (at least two full days in summer session) to submit your test at your convenience. It is worth 50 points, so don't put it off. As stated in the Syllabus, I do not accept late work and I do not offer extra credit.

Module 5

 It is time to leave babyhood and enter early childhood! Wow, life is speeding by. Chapter 4 (pages110-133) presents good information about physical, cognitive, and language development. I appreciate the section devoted to early childhood education also. This section of Chapter 4 concludes with introductory information on Autism Spectrum  Disorder. 

The Discussion opportunity invites us to have an engaging, civil discourse about the advantages and disadvantages of homeschooling. We may have a wide range of opinions on this topic...and respectful differing perspectives are welcomed! Because this chapter is about physical development, the Assignment asks you to explore the topic of children and secondhand smoke.

Module 6

 Module 6 explores practical dimensions of socioemotional development in early childhood. Self-concept, gender, parenting styles, sibling interactions, different family forms, peers, play and media influence are all discussed. The serious and sensitive topic of child maltreatment is also briefly introduced in this chapter.

This module's Discussion continues the exploration of gender and gender stereotypes often imposed on children. What are some of your thoughts about gender-specific toys in early childhood?  The Assignment invites you to reflect on some common phrases that reflect differing attitudes and approaches in socializing young males and females.

Module 7

 Chapter 5 highlights a variety of topics related to physical and cognitive development in middle and late childhood. A focus on health and sports is included, as well as children with disabilities. Cognitive changes are noted in addition to improvements in language development.

The Discussion focuses on your own educational journey and the presence or absence of opportunities to develop key critical thinking skills. The Assignment extends the opportunity to more personally consider the notion of multiple intelligence.

Module 8

 Chapter Five, "Middle and Late Childhood," pages 181-193,  deals with important issues of self-concept, self-understanding, and self-efficacy, in addition to further insights related to  moral development during this stage of life. I think you will enjoy the sections on families and peers in this time period of life.

The relevant and disturbing issue of bullying is introduced in this chapter. The Discussion provides an opportunity for us to blend our thoughts and feelings about this topic. The Assignment invites you to consider your own spiritual/ethical development using the framework of spiritual development by John Westerhoff (Duke University) I include in the Chapter Notes.

Module 9

 Adolescence has arrived! Chapter 6 presents a fair and balanced approach to this topic, though some in our culture consistently and persistently propose negative stereotypes of adolescents. Physical changes, health concerns, school-related, and driving issues are covered in this chapter.  I especially am intrigued by the concepts related to adolescent egocentrism proposed by David Elkind.

This Module's Discussion takes us back to our own experiences of adolescent egocentrism, specifically "imaginary audience" and "personal fable." The Assignment allows you to select and discuss one issue related to adolescence that is of significance to you.

Module 10

 Chapter 6 sheds light on key topics related to socioemotional development in adolescence. Practical issues surrounding the development of identity, parent/adolescent interaction, dating, culture, and specific adolescent problems are included in this important chapter. This chapter is good for self-reflection as well as better understanding teenagers in your own realm of influence.

The Discussion centers on lessons learned (and perhaps forgotten) from the Columbine School tragedy. The Assignment invites you to travel back to your own adolescent journey. Was is stormy, stressful, or was it fairly smooth? And why was it the way it was?

Oh look! It's time for Content Reinforcement Test # 2! YAY!

Module 11

 Adulthood already?!?!? Yes, indeed. Already. Chapter 11 covers important topics relevant to physical and cognitive development including health issues and a variety of important issues related to sexuality. I appreciate the opening section of the chapter highlighting "emerging adulthood", the transition time between adolescence and adulthood. 

Because stress in adulthood is a reality, the Discussion provides the opportunity for us to talk about our learnings related to coping in effective and healthy ways with stress.  The Assignment encourages you to think about what it means to be an adult? How do we know when we are one? Does the concept of emerging adulthood make sense to you?

Module 12

 This section of Chapter Seven takes a closer look at close and loving relationships, adult lifestyles, cohabitation,  and parenting. Several models of how relationships develop are included in the textbook and the chapter notes I provide.

The Discussion encourages us to share our thoughts about the best ways to end a relationship and/or the best ways to get over a break-up.  The Assignment allows you to further reflect on principles, strategies, or other insights for the cultivation of stable and satisfying intimate relationships.

Module 13

 The early section of  chapter 8 in the textbook explores central issues related to physical health and development in middle adulthood. Specific topics of interest include a variety of physical changes in mid-life, issues related to sexuality, and practical subjects such as sleep, exercise and nutrition.

The Discussion raises the topic about the connection between religion and health. I anticipate an invigorating exchange of ideas about this connection. Might there be times when aspects of religion are unhealthy?  Because this chapter deals with a variety of issues--often competing with each other--sometimes people seek help finding balance through the services of a "life coach."  The Assignment provides the opportunity to look into this profession and reflect on your thoughts and feelings about it.

Module 13 is the deadline for the Focused Topics assignment! 

Module 14 

 Chapter 8 (pages 307-335) notes key aspects of cognitive and psychosocial development in middle adulthood.  Very practical topics related to education, work, leisure, friendships, family, stress, etc., are approached as timely and relevant issues at this stage in the lifespan. Different dimensions of close relationships are also presented, including a brief discussion of grandparenting and grandparenting roles.

The Discussion invites perspectives on the "mid-life" crisis. Is it a real and legitimate natural life transition or is it a societally sanctioned opportunity to be self-centered and self-indulgent? The Assignment invites you to discuss qualities of effective grandparents, based on your observations, experience or research.

Module 15

 As we near the end of the lifespan, Chapter 9 opens by highlighting physical development in late adulthood. Different theories of aging are introduced, and attention is given to a variety of physical aspects of aging among those in late adulthood.

The Discussion asks us to consider some of our thoughts, hopes, fears, and expectations about "getting old." The Assignment tackles the delicate topic of older adults and driving.

Module 16

 Chapter 9 (pages 375-399) emphasizes some issues relevant to cognitive and psychosocial aspects of aging. The concept of "ageism" is introduced and attention is given to family and social relationships as well as components of successful aging.

The Discussion invites you to spend some time at the Gray Panthers website (San Francisco site) and talk about some of the specific initiatives, policies and projects this powerful group of elderly activists are addressing.  The Assignment involves a field trip to a local store where you can review messages in birthday cards for the elderly. What are some common themes? Are there ageist messages that are inaccurate and perhaps even prejudicial?

Module 17

Chapter 17 brings us to the other end of the lifespan. Important and sensitive issues related to how we define life (and death); understanding the cultural contexts surrounding death; and much more personal topics such as facing our own death and coping with the death of someone else.

The Discussion invites us to approach the topic of planning our own funeral. The task may seem a bit awkward, even unsettling, but perhaps it provides a scenario where we share with each other some aspects of our thoughts and priorities related to the reality of dying and the celebration of living. The Assignment asks you to conduct an internet search about ways to comfort and assist a grieving friend.  Oh, we should have just one more test before the semester ends!  Remember to complete the Final Content Reinforcement Exam before the due date deadline.

Closing thoughts from the this week's Chapter Notes: I always close my courses with this story. It is about a wise man, they called him a lama, who lived high up on a mountain in Tibet. Whenever the villagers in the valley below would be confronted with a difficult decision or confusion or trial, they would come see the lama, pose the situation, he would respond, and they would leave satisfied.  One time, a group of teenagers decided they wanted to embarrass the lama—so they devised a trap.  One of them would approach the lama with a hummingbird cupped in his hands and they would ask the lama, “Is this hummingbird alive or is it dead?” If the lama said the bird was alive, they would crush the bird and show it was dead.  If the lama said the bird was dead, they would open their hands and the bird would fly free. They had him either way.  So, one day they gathered a crowd and they all made the trek up the mountain. With a hummingbird cupped in their hands, they said, “Oh, wise lama, is this hummingbird alive or is it dead?”  And the lama answered quietly, “That is entirely in your hands.”

What we do with today, our yesterdays, and our tomorrows, is in our hands. I am grateful for your  hands and I trust you will use them in kind and loving ways that will change the world for good.