Child Behaviour and Development

Curriculum Guideline

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Course
PSYC 3320
Discontinued
No
Course Code
PSYC 3320
Descriptive
Child Behaviour and Development
Department
Psychology
Faculty
Humanities & Social Sciences
Credits
3.00
Start Date
End Term
201930
PLAR
No
Semester Length
15
Max Class Size
35
Contact Hours
Lecture: 4 hrs per week / semester
Method(s) Of Instruction
Lecture
Learning Activities

The course will employ a number of instructional methods to accomplish its objectives and will include some of the following:

  • lectures
  • seminar presentations
  • audio visual materials including video
  • small group discussions and activities
  • research projects
  • student completion of the virtual child program
Course Description
This course provides an introduction to the process of development from conception to puberty. The major focuses are on developmental theory, descriptive changes in physical growth, cognition, language, social and emotional behaviour of children and applications of the research and theory.
Course Content
  1. Child Development: Theories and Themes.
  2. Research in Child Development.
  3. Genetic Basis of Child Development.
  4. Prenatal Development and Birth.
  5. Physical Development in Infants and Toddlers.
  6. Cognition in Infants and Toddlers.
  7. Social Behaviour and Personality in Infants and Toddlers.
  8. Physical Growth in Preschool Children.
  9. Cognitive Development in Preschool Children.
  10. Social Behaviour and Personality in Preschool Children.
  11. Physical Development in Middle Childhood.
  12. Cognitive Development in Middle Childhood.
  13. Social Behaviour and Personality in Middle Childhood.
Learning Outcomes

At the conclusion of the course the student will be able to:

  1. Describe the research methods associated with child development.
  2. Explain the significance of heredity and environment on the developing child.
  3. Describe the factors associated with physical development, prenatally through to puberty.
  4. Describe the processes of cognitive development throughout childhood.
  5. Describe the socio-emotional changes experienced by the infant through to puberty.
  6. Explain how child developmental research can be applied to real life situations.
  7. Explain contemporary issues in child development such as, child abuse, attention-deficit disorder, special needs, role of television and video games.
Means of Assessment

The course evaluation will be in accordance with Douglas College and Psychology Department policies. Evaluations will be based on the course objectives. The specific evaluation criteria will be provided by the instructor at the beginning of the semester.

An example of a possible evaluation scheme would be:

3 exams                                 60%

3 papers                                 30%

Oral presentation                     10%

                                            100%

Textbook Materials

Textbooks and Materials to be Purchased by Students:

Textbook(s) such as the following, the list to be updated periodically:

Kail, R.V. and Zolner, T. (2009). Children and chronological approach (2nd Canadian ed.). Toronto,

        Canada: Pearson Education Canada.

Prerequisites

PSYC 1100 AND PSYC 1200