The content, assignments, and assessments for Lifespan Development are aligned to the following learning outcomes. A full list of course learning outcomes can be viewed here: Lifespan Development Learning Outcomes.

Module 1: Lifespan Development

Explain the primary topics of lifespan development and how research is conducted in the field

• Define human development and identify the stages of human development
• Explain the lifespan perspective
• Examine how to do research in lifespan development

Module 2: Developmental Theories

Describe the major developmental theories in lifespan development

• Use psychodynamic theories (like those from Freud and Erikson) to explain development
• Explain key principles of behaviorism and cognitive psychology

• Describe the humanistic, contextual, and evolutionary perspectives of development

Module 3: Prenatal Development

Describe the prenatal development process, including genetics, from the moment of conception through delivery

• Explain the role of genetics in prenatal development
• Explain the main stages of prenatal development
• Describe approaches to childbirth and the labor and delivery process

Module 4: Infancy

Describe human development during infancy

• Describe physical growth and development in infants and toddlers
• Explain cognitive development in infants and toddlers
• Explain emotional and social development during infancy

Module 5: Early Childhood

Describe development during early childhood

• Describe physical changes in early childhood
• Explain cognitive changes in early childhood
• Describe key emotional and social developments of early childhood

Module 6: Middle Childhood

Describe development during middle childhood

• Describe physical development during middle childhood
• Explain changes and advances in cognitive development during middle childhood
• Examine common learning disabilities and other factors related to education during middle childhood
• Explain emotional, social, and moral development during middle childhood

Module 7: Adolescence

Describe the physical, cognitive, emotional, and social changes that occur during adolescence

• Describe the physical changes that occur during puberty and adolescence
• Describe changes in cognitive development and moral reasoning during adolescence
• Describe adolescent identity development and social influences on development

Module 8: Early Adulthood

Describe developmental changes during early adulthood

• Explain developmental tasks and physical changes during early adulthood
• Explain cognitive development in early adulthood
• Explain theories and perspectives on psychosocial development
• Examine relationships in early adulthood

Module 9: Middle Adulthood

Describe development during middle adulthood

• Explain the physiological changes during middle adulthood and their physical and psychological consequences
• Describe cognitive and neurological changes during middle adulthood
• Analyze emotional and social development in middle adulthood
• Explain how relationships are maintained and changed during middle adulthood

Module 10: Late Adulthood

Explain development and change through late adulthood

• Describe physical changes in late adulthood
• Explain cognitive development in late adulthood
• Describe psychosocial development in in late adulthood

Module 11: Death and Dying

Explain experiences and emotions related to death and dying

• Describe the leading causes and types of deaths
• Examine emotions related to death and dying
• Examine care and practices related to death

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