Psychology

Note: credit for this course is not available to students who have completed HDE 102. Note: This course is cross-listed with HDE 102.

Course description: This course offers an expanded discussion of social and personality development throughout life. The emphasis is on issues and questions guiding current research and theory. The format includes lectures and discussion.

Course topics include:  Theories of social and personality development  Methods of research  Influences of biology and culture  Socioemotional growth in infancy  Parent-child attachment and relationships  Peer relationships and their importance  Growth of social understanding  Development of self-understanding  Development of gender identity  Emotional development  Moral development  Altruism and prosocial behavior  Aggression  Achievement motivation  Adolescent and adult development  Social policy implications of this research

Text: Schaffer, David R. (2000). Social and Personality Development (5th Ed.). Wadsworth. Supplementary readings may also be included.

Course requirements and grading: Attendance and participation are important. Course requirements include a term paper (or several short papers), a midterm, and a final exam. Details concerning each will be provided on the first day of class.