PSY 121 - Developmental Psychology

1. Explain the features of life-span perspective.
   1. Describe sociocultural contexts, domains and periods of development.
   2. Describe the influence of race and culture within development.
   3. Explain the role of heredity and environment interaction in development.
   4. Identify important issues/debates in the field of developmental psychology.
   5. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of research methods and designs.
2. Review the major theoretical perspectives of developmental psychology.
   1. Describe the field of behavior genetics.
   2. Identify the ecological theories of development
   3. Discuss theories of cognitive development.
   4. Explain the psychodynamic perspective on lifespan development.
   5. Summarize the behavioral perspective as it relates human development.
   6. Describe theories of moral reasoning.
   7. Recognize theories of adult development and aging.
3. Summarize important physical and biological changes throughout the lifespan.
   1. Describe the important features, stages, and influences on prenatal development.
   2. Identify major physical changes in each developmental period.
   3. Describe health changes and problems throughout the lifespan.
4. Describe important cognitive changes throughout the lifespan.
   1. Describe the development of language throughout the lifespan.
   2. Discuss the theories and controversies of intelligence.
   3. Summarize memory processes throughout the lifespan.
5. Review socioemotional and personality development throughout the lifespan.
   1. Explain temperament and its relationship to personality development.
   2. Describe attachment and its development.
   3. Describe identity development.
   4. Describe peer relationships across the lifespan.
   5. Describe family relationships throughout the life cycle.
   6. Discuss the social aspects of work, retirement, and aging.
   7. Identify issues regarding gender and human sexuality across the lifespan. 
6. Evaluate issues regarding death and dying.
   1. Explain the meaning of death across the lifespan.
   2. Identify the different types of death and how people prepare to die.
   3. Describe the nature of grieving, bereavement, and death and dying.