Academic Catalogs

PSYC C118: Life Span Developmental Psychology

Course Outline of Record
Item Value
Curriculum Committee Approval Date 12/11/2009
Top Code 200100 - Psychology, General
Units 3 Total Units 
Hours 54 Total Hours (Lecture Hours 54)
Total Outside of Class Hours 0
Course Credit Status Credit: Degree Applicable (D)
Material Fee No
Basic Skills Not Basic Skills (N)
Repeatable No
Grading Policy Standard Letter (S), 
  • Pass/No Pass (B)
Local General Education (GE)
  • CL Option 1 Social Sciences (CD1)
  • CL Option 1 Self-Development (CE1)
California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC)
  • Cal-GETC 4 Social & Behavioral Sciences (4)
Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC)
  • IGETC 4 Social&Behavioral Sci (4)
California State University General Education Breadth (CSU GE-Breadth)
  • CSU D Soc Politic Econ Inst (D)
  • CSU E1 Lifelong Understanding (E1)

Course Description

Psychological study of human development across the lifespan from prenatal development through childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and dying, paying particular attention to the biological, cognitive, and psychosocial processes. Transfer Credit: CSU; UC. C-ID: PSY 180.C-ID: PSY 180.

Course Level Student Learning Outcome(s)

  1. Summarize the major developmental milestones across the lifespan in the areas of biological, cognitive, and psychosocial development.
  2. Use research methods to investigate a question about human development.
  3. Compare and contrast various theories that relate to the study of human development.

Course Objectives

  • 1. Contrast and compare developmental theories and approaches (including how different theoretical perspectives affect or determine the research and applications that arise from them).
  • 2. Analyze elements of a scientific approach to understanding human development in a biopsychosocial context.
  • 3. Identify biological, psychological, and sociocultural influences on lifespan development.
  • 4. Describe the ways in which psychological principles and research apply to real world problems and issues across the lifespan.
  • 5. Describe the sequences of physical, social, and cognitive development across the lifespan, using the constructs and conceptual framework provided by psychological perspectives.
  • 6. Identify and describe the techniques and methods used by developmental psychologists to study human development.
  • 7. Identify and describe classic and contemporary theories and research in lifespan psychology.
  • 8. Describe the developing person at different periods of the lifespan.
  • 9. Identify possible causes or sources of developmental change and reasons for disturbances in the developmental process.

Lecture Content

Introduction: Theories of Development Psychoanalytical theory  Learning theory Behaviorism  Cognitive theory  Life span perspective  Developmental study  Research design  Development as a science The beginnings Heredity and environment  Nature/nurture Genetics  Prenatal development  Conception  Pregnancy  Risk factors  Delivery  The first two years  Fine and gross motor development  Nutrition  Learning through the senses  Temperament  Attachment  Personality development  The play years Child endangerment and neglect  Learning through play Parenting styles Cognitive development  The school years Nutrition and genetics Biological disorders Moral reasoning  Bilingual education  Adult-child relationships  Peer relationships  Adolescence Puberty  Physical appearance Social pressure  Thinking and reasoning  Discovering their identity  Aspirations  Early adulthood (18-35) Physical changes Health risks Advanced moral reasoning skills Moral issues Communication  Marital equity  Dual-earner families  Middle adulthood Health habits Health concerns Lifestyle choices Cognition  Social and emotional issues Mid-life crisis  Late adulthood Physiological changes  Gerontology  Longevity  Short and long term memory  Dementia and cognitive decline  Staying physically and cognitively active  Death and dying  Acceptance and preparation  Culture and religion  Wills, advanced directive and hospice care

Method(s) of Instruction

  • Lecture (02)
  • DE Live Online Lecture (02S)
  • DE Online Lecture (02X)
  • Video one-way (ITV, video) (63)

Instructional Techniques

The instructor will utilize a variety of instructional techniques such as lecture format augmented by PowerPoint slides, guest speakers, computer-animated demonstrations, demonstrations, and video programs. Learning strategies will include small group activities, case studies, individual student projects, guest speakers, web activities, and discussion board activities. Student evaluation methods will include taking tests and writing reports, doing independent reading and studying, and taking midterm and final examinations.

Reading Assignments

Weekly readings from the assigned textbook are required. Additional articles and sites from the Internet and the textbook companion website will be provided.

Writing Assignments

Written Assignments: Students will submit at least two written assignments, at least one midterm essay, and in online classes graded responses to discussion topics.

Out-of-class Assignments

Quizzes: In class and/or take home quizzes will be given regularly that will cover the textbook, lecture material, and classroom discussion. Exams: Students will prepare for a Midterm and a Final Examination; these will be objective multiple-choice, fill-in, matching, and/or matching and an essay. There will also be required written assignments or projects, and discussion boards in online courses.

Demonstration of Critical Thinking

Responding to objective and essay questions demonstrating critical thinking. Participation in small-group, in-class discussions or discussion boards and evaluation of ideas that evolve from the group discussions. Use of critical thinking skills in written assignments and/or reaction papers in class.

Required Writing, Problem Solving, Skills Demonstration

Completion of in-class or written assignment/essay questions demonstrating problem solving skills.  Use of critical thinking skills in written assignments and/or reaction papers in class.  All course and program SLOs are measured through required completion of assignments.

Eligible Disciplines

Psychology: Masters degree in psychology OR bachelors degree in psychology AND masters degree in counseling, sociology, statistics, neuroscience, or social work OR the equivalent. Masters degree required.

Textbooks Resources

1. Required Berger, K.S. The Developing Person through the Life Span, latest edition ed. New York: Worth Publishers, 2020 Rationale: - 2. Required Santrock, John. Essentials of Life Span Development, 4th ed. New York: McGraw Hill, 2020 3. Required Berger, K.S. Invitation to the Life Span, latest edition ed. New York: Worth, 2019 4. Required Boyd, D.; Bee, H. Lifespan Development, latest edition ed. New York: Pearson, 2019

Other Resources

1. Coastline Library