FCS 3215 (formerly 3220)

Development During Infancy and Childhood

Prof. Isabella

FCS 3215 is a course directed toward the examination and understanding of the processes of human development from conception through middle childhood. As such, students in this class will be introduced to notions of development that pertain to infancy, early and middle childhood, as well as to those which are pertinent to development across all of these stages. The primary sources of information exchange will be the textbook, class lectures, discussion and films.

Given that much of what students learn in this class is based on research, we also will spend time becoming familiar with some of the commonly employed methods of research, as well as the major theories of human development which guide this research. Notwithstanding the importance of this information, however, you would be wise also to compare what you learn in class to what you observe in your everyday life.

On a more specific level, the primary objectives of this course are to help each student develop:

1.      An appreciation for, and an understanding of human beings at different levels of development;

2.      An understanding of the nature of influences on development from various ecological systems;

3.      A sensitivity to developmental tasks at various points throughout infancy and childhood, and a motivation to be responsive to the needs of children at different ages;

4.      An understanding of different philosophies through studying the contributions of selected leaders in the field;

5.      An understanding of the processes of development as they have functioned (and continue to function) in your own individual life situations.

Requirements will include:

1. Purchase of a textbook

2. Completion of two exams (multiple choice and essay)

3. Completion of a brief term project