Course Description :

Advanced study of developmental processes from conception until adolescence. Focus on contemporary research in biological, cognitive, and socio-emotional development. (Crosslisted with MSPS 627)

For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog.

Rationale :

The study of human development is the study of sequential and predictable patterns of change. By studying child psychology, the student will be prepared to recognize and respond to physical, cognitive, and psychosocial changes in a person through middle childhood.

The course is designed to provide understanding, awareness, and scholarly opportunity to explore and react to typical and abnormal characteristics of child psychology in various contexts. The student should study the Liberty University syllabus before completing the checklist given in the Course Overview.

Measurable Learning Outcomes :

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

1. 1. Differentiate major concepts, theories, and developmental stages associated with the physical, cognitive, and social domains of a child from conception until adolescence.
   2. Demonstrate literacy in psychological research by way of written expression on topics relating to the developmental processes of a child from conception until adolescence.
   3. Describe how culture and the environment impact biological, cognitive, and emotional change in a child from conception until adolescence.
   4. Produce methods that support child development and which demonstrate the ability to apply the reciprocal relationship between the environment, mental processes, and behavior.
   5. Appraise the association between principles of child development and the learner’s biblical worldview.

Course Assignment :

Textbook and article readings, lecture presentations, and Internet resources :

Course Requirements Checklist :

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussions (3) :

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences.

• Therefore, the student is required to provide a thread in response to the provided prompt for each discussion.
• Each thread must be at least 400 words, include citations from 2 different scholarly references, and demonstrate course-related knowledge.
• In addition to the thread, the student is required to reply to 2 classmates’ threads.
• Each reply must be at least 200 words and include at least 1 citation from 1 scholarly reference. (MLOs: A, B, C, D, E)

Journal Article Summary Assignment :

The student will use a provided template to write an article summary. (MLOs: B, C)

Research Paper: Thesis Statement and Annotated Bibliography Assignment :

The student will submit a thesis statement and annotated bibliography of at least 12 references in the current APA format that supports the research paper. (MLOs: B, C, D)

Research Paper: Outline Assignment :

The student will write an outline that reflects the introduction, body, and conclusion of the research paper and references the peer-reviewed journal articles. (MLOs: B, C, D)

Research Paper: Final Submission Assignment :

The student will write a 10–12-page research paper in the current APA format discussing and evaluating the current research in the field of attachment. The paper must have a reference page of at least 12 peer-reviewed journal articles. (MLOs: A, B, C, D, E)

All Quizzes (2) :

There will be 2 quizzes in this course which will cover the Textbook material. Each quiz will be open-book/open-notes and include a mix of short answers and essay questions.  The purpose of the quizzes is to help the student master and synthesize the class material.  Each quiz has a time limit of 2 hours and 45 minutes. (MLOs: A, B, C, E)