CHLD 111: Child Development Youth - Adolescence

Citrus College Course Outline of Record

Citrus College Course Outline of Record
Heading Value
Effective Term: Fall 2020
Credits: 3
Total Contact Hours: 54
Lecture Hours : 54
Lab Hours: 0
Hours Arranged: 0
Outside of Class Hours: 108
Strongly Recommended: ENGL 101.
District General Education: D2. Behavioral Science
Transferable to CSU: Yes
Transferable to UC: Yes - Approved
Grading Method: Standard Letter

Catalog Course Description

This course examines the major physical, cognitive/language and psychosocial developmental milestones for children, both typical and atypical, from middle childhood through adolescence. There will be an emphasis on interactions between maturational processes and environmental factors. While studying developmental theory and investigative research methodologies, students will observe children, evaluate individual differences and analyze characteristics of development. 54 lecture hours.

Course Objectives

  • Discuss major theories of middle childhood and adolescent development.
  • Summarize developmental stages and milestones during middle childhood and adolescence.
  • Evaluate the influence and affects of environmental contexts (i.e. family, culture, school, etc.) on development during middle childhood and adolescence.
  • Apply objective techniques and skills when observing, interviewing, describing and evaluating the behaviors of children during middle childhood and adolescence.
  • Differentiate characteristics of typical and atypical development.

Major Course Content

  1. Theories of Childhood Development
    1. Historical Perspectives
    2. Current Theoretical Frameworks
    3. Maturational and Environmental Processes
  2. Investigative Research Methods
    1. Observation
    2. Surveys
    3. Interviews
    4. Case Studies
    5. Experiments and Data Analysis
  3. School Years
    1. Physical Development and Health
      1. Growth Patterns and Brain Development
      2. Nutrition and Sleep
      3. Motor Development and Physical Play
      4. Health and Safety Issues
    2. Cognitive Growth
      1. Perspectives on Intelligence
      2. Concrete Operations
      3. Language and Literacy
      4. Bilingualism: Development and Theories of Language Learning
      5. Influences on Academic Achievement
      6. Educating Children with Special Needs
    3. Psychosocial Development
      1. The Developing Self: Self Concept and Self Esteem
      2. The Family Environment and Interactions
      3. The Effects of Peer Relations
      4. Gender
  4. Adolescence
    1. Physical Development
      1. Puberty
      2. Implications of Early and Late Maturation
      3. Body Image
      4. The Developing Brain
      5. Physical and Mental health
    2. Cognitive Development
      1. Formal Operations
      2. Immature Characteristics of Adolescent Thought 
      3. Language
      4. Moral Development
      5. Education and Vocational Issues
    3. Psychosocial Development
      1. Search for Identify
      2. Sexuality and Gender
      3. Relationships with Family
      4. Peers: Developing friendships and belonging
      5. Antisocial Behavior and Juvenile Delinquency

Suggested Reading Other Than Required Textbook

Students will read and write a two pages reading response to current articles relating to the development or education of children during middle childhood and adolescence. These may be found in professional journals or approved online resources.

Examples of Required Writing Assignments

Students will complete a written case study (2-3 pages) by applying developmental theories to a child (7-18 years).

Examples of Outside Assignments

Students will observe and provide written documentation (1-2 pages) about aspects of the physical, intellectual and psychosocial development of children during middle childhood and adolescence.

Instruction Type(s)

Lecture