Psychology 241 Developmental Psychology

This course helps students better understand human development from the moment of conception and across the life span. The course focuses on biological and environmental factors that shape human development. Major changes in physical, cognitive, personality and social development are discussed. Offered each semester and periodically as an online summer school course. Also counts toward majors in kinesiology, nursing, social work, and gender and sexuality studies, and toward concentrations in educational studies, family studies, and gender and sexuality studies.
Prerequisite: Psychology 125

Psychology 341 Infant Behavior and Development

The first three years of life are an amazing, transformational journey. This seminar examines key elements of this amazing, transformational journey, including prenatal development, birth and the newborn, physical and motor development, relationships with caregivers and others, infant mental health, cognition, and language development. Students explore questions such as the impact of childcare and early intervention as well as the influence of diverse cultural contexts. Through reflective participation in community-engaged experiential learning, this seminar fulfills the OLE Experience in Practice Requirement in the OLE Core General Education Curriculum and is intended to foster:

• Civic learning: The ability to apply course-based knowledge about development from birth to age 3 in service of a civic/community aim, using your academic proficiencies – written and oral communication, teamwork, critical and creative thinking, information literacy, and intercultural competency.
• Civic self-understanding: The ability to evaluate your academic knowledge and proficiencies in service of a civic/community aim.
• Civic reflection: The ability to describe and evaluate your civic/community aims and accomplishments.

Prerequisite: Psychology 125, 230, and 241, or permission of instructor

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STUDY ABROAD COURSES

January Term 2023 (offered next in 2025)

Psychology 232 Gender Equality in Norway

During one month of study in Oslo and Bergen, students learn how gender is perceived, constructed, and experienced in contemporary Norway, using psychological and sociocultural perspectives to explore topics such as family life, youth development/empowerment, education, employment, media/advertising, health, and sexuality. The course also examines topics related to LGBTQIA+ and gender- and sexual-minorities, as well as Indigenous Sámi and immigrant perspectives. Lectures, site visits, and other field experiences augment scholarly readings and contribute to an understanding of gender equality as a foundational guiding principle and practice in an increasingly diverse Norwegian society.

Prerequisites: Psychology 125 or a course in Nordic Studies, Gender and Sexuality Studies, Family Studies, or Sociology/Anthropology, or permission of instructor. This course is open to all students, regardless of major or prior language study.

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January Term 2019

Psychology 226 Emerging Adulthood in China: Immersion and Reflection

This course explores the developmental stage of emerging adulthood (ages 18-25) during one month of study/travel in China. Students employ a psychological perspective to read and discuss literature about the influence of culture, gender, history, and current issues on development during this critical milestone in the lifespan. Course topics include family and peer relationships, digital natives/media use/advertising, educational structures and opportunities, co-curricular experiences (e.g., music, sports), and preparing for work roles; all topics include an examination of gender. Interactions and field projects with the group’s hosts at universities and sites in Qingdao and Shanghai provide firsthand experience and foster cross-cultural comparisons.

Prerequisite: Psychology 125 or a course in Asian Studies, Family Studies, or Women’s and Gender Studies, or permission of the instructor.

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January Term 2016 & 2018

Psychology 223 Exploring India: Human Development in Cross-Cultural Context:

This course explores childhood and family life in modern India through site visits, observations, lectures, and readings, addressing questions such as: How does India’s unique history and culture, population growth, and economic development affect parenting practices, children’s self-concept, relationships, and education? How do adolescents in India understand and experience gender roles and the transition to adulthood? How do Indian psychologists and social workers integrate traditional and contemporary approaches in this religiously and linguistically diverse nation?

Prerequisite: Psychology 125 or Asian Studies 121 or Family Studies 232 or 242 or permission of the instructor.

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January Term 2015 & 2017

Psychology 224 Community Applications
This course integrates on-campus classroom activities with community engagement in and around Northfield. Readings, classroom discussions, and assignments highlight the theories, skills, and methods that psychologists use to address social problems and community needs through research, practice, and policy. On-site experiences and observations provide opportunities to apply previous coursework as well as reflect on and explore personal development and academic and career plans.

Prerequisite: Psychology 125 or permission of the instructor.