PSYC-291 Psychology of Human Development

1. Explain the nature-nurture controversy as well as other issues faced by developmental researchers.
2. Explain the three stages of prenatal development as well as any risks or complications involved.
3. Explain the three stages of labor during the birth process as well as any risks or complications involved.
4. Trace the physical development across the lifespan from conception through late adulthood. 
5. Trace the development of the brain and the nervous system. Summarize current research on brain development.
6. Explain cognitive development across the lifespan including the theories of Piaget, Vygotsky, and others as well as the results of current research.
7. Discuss social and personality development across the lifespan including Freud’s theory of psychosexual development, Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development, attachment research, and others.
8. Explain the concept of an adolescent identity crisis and the theories and research associated with the search process.
9. Compare and contrast the theories associated with moral development.
10. List and describe the major health issues faced at each stage of development across the lifespan.
11. Trace the development of self, including self-concept, self-esteem, and gender roles across the life span.
12. Discuss the major challenges faced in each of the adulthood stages including but not limited to career development, midlife crisis, marriage, retirement planning, parenting, and caregiving.
13. Differentiate clinical death, brain death, and social death. Discuss issues surrounding death, dying, and bereavement, including Kubler-Ross’s stages of dying.