Learning Theory

• Discuss theories of classical and operant conditioning.
• Identify Piaget's stages of learning.
• Explore contemporary theories of cognitive development and learning.

Theories of Human Development

• Analyze the impact of environmental versus genetic factors on human development.
• Compare and assess the usefulness of the different theories of development in relation to explaining human behavior.

Conception, Prenatal, and Infant Development

• Identify the stages of prenatal development.
• Evaluate the impact of genetics, nutrition, and environment on prenatal development.
• Identify the physical, cognitive, emotional, and social competencies of infants and design activities to encourage healthy development.
• Assess the influence of culture and gender on infant development.

Theories of Family Development

• Articulate stages of the family life cycle and discuss in relation to lifespan stages of individuals.
• Identify interrelations among work, family, and other life roles and factors.
• Describe structural functionalist theory, symbolic interactionist theory, social conflict theory, and general systems theory.

Developmental Competencies, Challenges, and Developmentally Appropriate Interventions for Early to Late Childhood

• Examine the developmental competencies of children during early, middle, and late childhood.
• Design developmentally appropriate interventions to assist children and their parents.
• Examine the components of self-esteem and design activities to enhance a child's sense of self.
• Design and field test developmentally appropriate interview questions for children.

Developmental Competencies, Challenges, and Developmentally Appropriate Interventions for Adolescence

• Describe the social, emotional, and physical development issues of adolescents.
• Identify the stressors that challenge adolescents.
• Identify the developmental tasks of adolescents.
• Design and field test developmentally appropriate interview questions for adolescents.
• Design developmentally appropriate prevention programs for adolescents.

Developmental Competencies, Challenges, and Developmentally Appropriate Interventions for Adulthood

• Identify the cognitive, physical, and socioemotional changes which occur in adulthood.
• Design and field test developmentally appropriate interview questions for adults.
• Evaluate the impact of culture, gender, and social status on career choices.

Developmental Competencies, Challenges, and Developmentally Appropriate Interventions for Late Adulthood

• Identify the cognitive, physical, and socioemotional changes which occur in late adulthood.
• Design and evaluate a comprehensive retirement plan.
• Design and field test developmentally appropriate interview questions for older adults.
• Demonstrate and assess appropriate therapeutic strategies related to loss, death, and dying.