Forensic & Counseling Psychology (MA) Program

Course Descriptions

LS 659—Lifespan Development

This course covers cognitive, social, emotional, and moral development from a lifespan perspective. Course content focuses on major theories of development and current psychological research, and their implications for public policy. Normative development will be examined with consideration of the impact of gender, social class, culture, and ethnicity.

Students will examine the psychological and environmental contexts required to support normal development from infancy onward. Individual differences as well as general trends will be discussed, with an emphasis on understanding the broad range of normality in various contexts. Students will explore current controversies in developmental theory (nature versus nurture, infant cognition and emotional regulation, youth violence, and resilience), using relevant research evidence and implications application in school, community, and clinical settings.

Updated 6/11/09