Human Growth & Development –

psy280

(3 credits)

This course is a study of the development of the individual from conception through adulthood. Theories and factual content underlying current thinking and research are examined, as well as the processes and influences affecting the developing person. The focus is on biological, social, emotional, and intellectual aspects across the lifespan, and individual application is emphasized.

This undergraduate-level course is 5 weeks. To enroll, speak with an Enrollment Advisor.

Topics and Objectives

Development Theories
- Summarize theories related to human growth and development.
- Explain how heredity and the environment influence human development.
- Identify aspects of the life span development.
- Explain the importance of prenatal and postpartum development on the infant’s future development.
Infancy and Early Childhood
- Describe the changes that occur physically, cognitively, and socioemotionally during infancy and early childhood.
- Compare and contrast various concepts of parents and parental caregivers.
- Evaluate the different parenting styles and their influence on development during infancy and early childhood.
- Discuss early childhood education and its influence on cognitive development.
Middle Childhood and Adolescence
- Describe the changes that occur physically, cognitively, and socioemotionally during middle childhood and adolescence.
- Examine how family dynamics affect development during middle childhood and adolescence.
- Compare additional pressures often faced in adolescence to middle childhood.
- Determine the influence of peers, both positive and negative, during middle childhood and adolescence.
Early and Middle Adulthood
- Describe the changes that occur physically, cognitively, and socioemotionally during early and middle adulthood.
- Examine the impact of health habits during early and middle adulthood.
- Discuss the evolvement of social and intimate relationships during early and middle adulthood.
- Examine early and middle adulthood development of an individual in relationship to their psychological adjustment to aging and life style.
Late Adulthood and Death
- Describe the changes that occur physically, cognitively, and socioemotionally during late adulthood.
- Analyze late adulthood and death of an individual as a culmination of the life span developmental process.
- Discuss ageism and stereotypes associated with late adulthood.
- Evaluate ways to promote continued wellness and mitigate declining health associated with aging.

The University of Phoenix reserves the right to modify courses.
While widely available, not all programs are available in all locations or in both online and on-campus formats. Please check with a University Enrollment Advisor.
Transferability of credit is at the discretion of the receiving institution. It is the student’s responsibility to confirm whether or not credits earned at University of Phoenix will be accepted by another institution of the student’s choice.

Human Growth & Development –

psy280

Development Theories

Infancy and Early Childhood

Middle Childhood and Adolescence

Early and Middle Adulthood

Late Adulthood and Death

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