Course Summary :

Advanced study of developmental processes across the lifespan. Examination of theories and current research in physical, mental, emotional, and social domains. Special consideration is given to varying social situations and cultural contexts.

For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog. Before working through the checklist outlined in the Course Overview, the student should review the Liberty University curriculum.

Rationale :

An understanding of developmental theory and research will serve as a foundation for the student’s subsequent coursework and research in developmental psychology. This course offers an opportunity for students to understand the complexities of human development across the lifespan such that their future work in any setting will reflect the best evidence-based developmental theory available in hopes of making maximum impact for Christ.

Measurable Learning Outcomes :

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

1. Understand the major concepts, theories, methodologies, and empirical findings in developmental psychology.
2. Critique empirical research in developmental psychology.
3. Apply research in developmental psychology to a practical problem of behavior or mental process.
4. Evaluate research in developmental psychology in the context of biblical thought.
5. Use empirical research to evaluate a developmental issue for one segment of the lifespan.

Course Assignment :

Textbook readings and lecture presentations :

Course Requirements Checklist :

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in Module 1: Week 1.

Video Discussion Assignments (3) :

The student will create a video thread in response to the provided promptly for each Discussion in Modules: Weeks: 1, 5, and 8. In addition to the thread, the student is required to respond to 1 other classmate’s thread (also by posting a video). (MLOs: A, C, D)

Article Critique Assignment :

The student will locate an empirical study in a peer-reviewed journal and write a 4-page critique of the article, paying special attention to research methods and connection to developmental theory. (MLOs: A, B)

Human Development Paper Assignment :

The student will write a 4-page paper in the current APA format that demonstrates critical thinking with respect to theories covered through Module 3: Week 3. The paper must include at least 5 citations from course readings. (MLOs: A, B)

Quiz: Midterm :

The Quiz: Midterm will be open-book/open-notes and include a mix of short answers and essay questions. The aim of the midterm is to help the student master and synthesize the class material. The student is given the entire week to work on the quiz and is expected to work on the quiz without any outside help and to provide appropriate citations and reference pages where appropriate. For the two long essay questions, well-organized and fully-developed essays are expected. (MLOs: A, B)

Developmental Research Paper Assignment :

The student will write a 5-page paper in the current APA format that evaluates a specific developmental issue across the lifespan using empirical research from at least 5 peer-reviewed journal articles. (MLOs: A, C, E)

Developmental Psychology Presentation Assignment :

The student will create a Microsoft PowerPoint presentation that applies research in developmental psychology to a practical problem during a specific stage in the lifespan. (MLOs: A, C, E)