T. A.

MARRYSHOW COMMUNITY COLLEGE

SCHOOL OF ARTS, SCIENCES AND PROFESSIONAL STUDIES
DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SCIENCES

COURSE OUTLINE

COURSE TITLE: Lifespan I

COURSE NUMBER: PSY 121

SEMESTER CREDIT HOURS: 3

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This course shall provide students with a Bio-psychosocial approach to development across
human lifespan. It shall also provide a clear understanding of developmental theories and the
physical, cognitive and socio-emotional changes which takes place as human’s age. It seeks to
foster an appreciation for the developmental transitions which occur as well as increase self
knowledge and people appreciation which will definitely favour an individual seeking a career in
Psychology.

GENERAL OBJECTIVES: Upon completion students shall be able to:

1. Define concepts and terms associated with human development.

2. Explain the major theories and of Developmental Psychology.
3. Describe and discuss human development from a Bio-psychosocial approach.
4. Identify and explain factors that can prevent proper development as well as facilitate
adequate bio-psychosocial development.
5. Identify prevention and treatment interventions appropriate to various developmental levels
6. Analyse upon their own developmental experiences and apply developmental theories to
gain a better understanding of their own experiences.
7. Understand how culture and gender impact development.

CONTENT:

Week TOPIC
1 The Bio-psychosocial Approach
Introduction to Human Development
Culture and Development
Theories of Development
2 *Psychoanalytic Development
* Cognitive Theories
*Behavioural and Social Learning Theories
Theories of Development
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 *Psychoanalytic Development
3 * Cognitive Theories
*Behavioural and Social Learning Theories

4 Biological Beginnings
*Evolution
*Heredity and Genetics
CLASS EXAM

5 Infancy
*Prenatal development and birth
*Physical, cognitive, socio emotional development
*Parenting

6 Childhood
Early infancy
*Physical, cognitive, socio emotional development
7 Childhood
*Physical, cognitive, socio emotional development
*Language Development
CLASS EXAM

8 Adolescence (Early, middle, late)

*physical, cognitive, socio emotional development
9 Adolescence (Early, middle, late)
*physical, cognitive, socio emotional development

10 Adulthood (Early, middle, late)

*physical, cognitive, socio emotional development
Adolescent problems and disorders
*Drugs
*Delinquency
*Eating disorders
*Suicide
11 Adulthood (Early, middle, late)
*physical, cognitive, socio emotional development
*Sexuality
*Attraction, love and relationships
*Careers and work
CLASS EXAM
Late Adulthood
12 * Social Theories of Aging
*The course of physical development in late adulthood
-Aging Brain, Respiratory System, Sexuality
*Health problems

13 Mental Health in Older Adults

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 *Depression
*Dementia

14 Death and dying

*Cultures
*Attitudes
*Perceived control and Denial
CLASS EXAM

15 Visit to Home for the Aged ( Project)

Exam

TEACHING METHODLOGY:

Lecture,
Class discussion,
Group projects,
Field work,
Student presentations and activities that promote self-reflection and awareness

STUDENT PRIVACY:

Due to the nature of this course students may disclose personal information through class
discussions; as a result the privacy of classmates should be priority.  The information disclosed in the
class shall not be repeated or discussed with other students outside of the course.

ASSESSMENT:

Course work 40%

Final Exam 60%

REQUIRED TEXT:

Plotnik, Rod and Haig Kouyoundijian. Introduction to Psychology, 9th Edition. Wadsworth, Inc.

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