About this course
Our Child and Adolescent Development course encourages students to use current research to think critically about developmental theories and practices. You will explore which nutritional, physical, parental, educational, societal, and other factors will lead to optimal physical, cognitive, and psychosocial outcomes for the next generation of children. Whether you have children of your own, or are interested in a career with children or adolescents, this is an ideal choice to help you learn more. Our curriculum will provide a thorough introduction on the various levels of child and adolescent development.
Prerequisite(s): None
Child & Adolescent Development Module 1
Introduction to Child Development
- Domains and Periods of Development
- Historical Development
- Theoretical Foundations
- Psychoanalytic Perspective
- Psychosocial Development
- Learning Theory
- Cognitive Perspective
- Contextual Perspective
- Biological Perspective
- Dynamic Systems Perspective
Child & Adolescent Development Module 2
Understanding the Issues: Child Development Research
- Issues in Development
- Nature and Nurture
- Child Development Research
- Research Methods
- Correlational Research
- Experimental Method
- Developmental Research Designs
- Longitudinal and Cross-Sectional Study
- Challenging Conclusions
Child & Adolescent Development Module 3
Genetics, Conception and Prenatal Development
- Genetic Foundations
- Types of Genes
- Genetic Abnormalities
- Conception and Pregnancy
- Fetal Period
- Prenatal Influences
- Prenatal Tests
- Infertility and Reproductive Choices
- Adoption
Child & Adolescent Development Module 4
Birth and the Newborn
- Variations in Birthing Practices
- Delivery Options
- Stages of Childbirth
- Newborn Assessment
- Pre-term and Low Birth Weight
- Early Infant Care
- Infant Nutrition and Health
- Infant States of Arousal
- Infant Perception
Child & Adolescent Development Module 5
Physical Development
- General Patterns of Growth
- Neuropsychology
- Brain Development
- Increased Complexity in Neural Organization
- Maturation
- Bowel and Bladder Control
- Physical Disabilities
- Vision and Speech
- Puberty
Child & Adolescent Development Module 6
Health and Safety
- Mortality and Prevention Efforts
- Safety in Childhood and Adolescence
- Illnesses
- Diabetes
- Asthma
- Nutrition and Activity
- Malnutrition
- Overweight and Obesity in Childhood
- Eating Disorders
Child & Adolescent Development Module 7
Cognitive Development
- Piaget's Cognitive Development Theory
- Stages of Cognitive Development
- Evaluation of Theory
- Sociocultural Theory
- Social Constructivism
- Zone of Proximal Development
- Scaffolding
- Learning in Context
Child & Adolescent Development Module 8
Cognitive Development: Information Processing
- Information-Processing Approach
- Memory Systems
- Fuzzy Trace Theory
- Memory Development Through Childhood
- Attention
- Executive Function
- Cognitive Development in the Classroom
- Metacognition
Child & Adolescent Development Module 9
Language Development
- Theories of Language Development
- Learning Theory
- Language Development and the Brain
- Fundamentals of Language Production
- Oral Communication
- Receptive Language
- Language Development in Middle Childhood and Adolescence
- The Role of Speech in Cognition
- Literacy Skills
Child & Adolescent Development Module 10
Intelligence and Developmental Disabilities in Education
- Intelligence: Nature and Nurture
- Traditional Intelligence Testing
- Sternberg's Triarchic Theory
- Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences
- Extremes of Intelligence
- Intellectual Disability
- Gifted and Talented
- Developmental Disabilities and Education
- Learning Disabilities
Child & Adolescent Development Module 11
The Developing Personality: Emotions and Temperament
- Development of Emotions
- Positive Emotions
- Negative Emotions
- Social Referencing
- Empathy
- Emotional Regulation
- Temperament
- Infant Temperament
- Depression
Child & Adolescent Development Module 12
The Self and Moral Development
- Foundations: Erikson's Stages of Psychosocial Development
- Expansion of Erikson's Theory
- Development of Self
- Self-Awareness
- Self-Concept and Self-Esteem
- Ethnic Identity
- Lawrence Kohlberg's Theory of Moral Development
- Carol Gilligan's Approach
Child & Adolescent Development Module 13
Attachment, Parenting and Families
- Attachment
- Parenting
- Cultural and Contextual Variations in Parenting and Discipline
- Spanking
- Physical Punishment
- Child Maltreatment and Abuse
- Family and Home Environment
- Secular Changes
- Blended Families
Child & Adolescent Development Module 14
Gender and Sexuality
- Development of Gender
- Physical Activity of Boys and Girls in Childhood
- Differences in School Achievement and Learning
- Romantic Relationships and LGBT Teens
- Psychological Effects of Puberty
- Sex
- Sexually Transmitted Infections
- A Global Perspective
Child & Adolescent Development Module 15
Play, Peers, School and Media
- Preschool
- High/Scope Perry Preschool Project
- National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
- Play
- Friendships and Peer Groups
- Peer Acceptance
- Bullying
- Substance Abuse
- Media and the Internet
**Outlines are subject to change, as courses and materials are updated.**