Course Description:
A survey of the biological and environmental factors influencing the physical, intellectual, social,
emotional, and language development from birth until death. Explores causes and results of interruption
in or interference with the developmental process. Prerequisite(s): Level 2 placement in English or
concurrent enrollment in ENGL 1010 and ENGL 0815; Level 2 placement in Reading or concurrent
enrollment in READ 0815. Note: PSYC 2130 meets the requirement for a Social Sciences elective.
Required Textbook(s) & Other Materials:
Textbook(s): Boyd, D., & Bee, H. (2015). Lifespan Development (7th Edition). Pearson, New York.
ISBN: 9780133810042
Access Code: (if applicable; delete line if not applicable)
Reference Materials:
Supplies:
Course Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to:
1. Students will demonstrate familiarity with the major concepts, theoretical perspectives,
empirical findings, and current trends in developmental psychology.
2. Students will understand basic research methods in developmental psychology, including
research design, data analysis, and interpretation.
3. Students will respect and use critical and creative thinking, skeptical inquiry, and, when possible,
the scientific approach to solve problems related to cognitive, physical, and social growth and
development across the lifespan.
4. Students will understand and apply psychological principles to personal and social issues related
to cognitive, physical, and social growth and development across the lifespan.
5. Students will demonstrate information competence and the ability to use computers and other
technology for many purposes.
6. Students will be able to communicate effectively in a variety of formats.
7. Students will recognize, understand, and respect the complexity of sociocultural and
international diversity.
8. Students will develop insight into their own, others’ behavior, and mental processes and apply
effective strategies for self‐management and self‐improvement.
Course Competencies:
The following are detailed course competencies intended to support the course outcomes:
1. Compare and contrast the major developmental theorists and discuss what each brings to or
adds to the study of human development.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of methods and research findings of lifespan psychology
3. Describe how people change in terms of their cognitive abilities, psychosocial development
(including moral reasoning, affective development, and personality development), and biosocial
status through the lifespan.
4. Identify risk factors for ‘normal’ growth and development at each stage of the lifespan and apply
how this contributes to everyday life.
The following are general education competencies intended to support the course outcomes:
1. Demonstrate fundamental research skills by responsibly seeking out credible sources of
information and applying them in an ethical manner.
2. Communicate in a scholarly manner across discussions and writings.
3. Examine sociocultural and individual differences.
4. Reflect and evaluate on one’s own life story and the stories of those close to them.
