EDUC 240 - Child Development

3 Credits: (3 lecture)

Course Description
This course analyzes the development of individuals from conception to adolescence – physically, mentally, cognitively, emotionally, and socially. Course content is guided by current theory and research in the field of education through the topics of family, school, community, socioeconomic status, and political influences. Students must conduct a minimum of five hours of observation in a PreK-4 setting and reflect upon their experiences.

Text
Motorell,Gabriela. (2023) Child. 3rd ed. New York: McGraw Hill.

Objectives
The student will be able to: 

A. Assess multiple theoretical perspectives and approaches of child development.  

B. Apply various research methods to the development of young children. 

C. Identify major developmental milestones and developmentally appropriate behavior at each stage of children’s development.  

D. Evaluate ethical issues related to the care and development of children, as well as ethical issues related to psychological research.  

E. Differentiate between group and individual differences as they pertain to children, including the impact of issues such as culture, race, gender, religion, and socioeconomic status (SES). 

F. Analyze the interplay between biology, social environment, personality and cognitive factors in shaping child development.  

G. Examine one’s personal philosophy of education and pedagogy, as guided by observation experiences.   

Content
A. History, theories, and methods in child development studies 

B. Birth and the newborn baby 

C. Early and middle childhood 

D. Middle childhood to adolescence  

Student Evaluation
A. Exams, quizzes 

B. Exams, quizzes 

C. Exams, quizzes, reflection journals addressing observation hours  

D. Exams, quizzes, reflection journals addressing observation hours, assignments 

E.  Exams, quizzes, reflection journals addressing observation hours, assignments  

F. Exams, quizzes, reflection journals addressing observation hours, assignments 

G. Exams, quizzes, reflection journals addressing observation hours, assignments 

H. Reflection journals addressing observation hours 

 Bibliography
Brazelton, T. B. (1989). Toddlers and parents: A declaration of independence. New York, NY: Delacarte Press.  

Feldman, R. S. (2012). Child development. Boston, MA: Pearson.  

Mash, E. J., & Wolfe, D. A. (2013). Abnormal child psychology. Belmont, CA: Cengage Learning. 

Santrock, J. W. (2011). Child development. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.  

Siegel, D. J., & Payne, T. (2012). The whole-brain child: Twelve revolutionary strategies to nurture your child’s developing mind. New York, NY: Bantam.