Citrus College Course Outline of Record
| Heading | Value |
|---|---|
| Effective Term: | Fall 2026 |
| Credits: | 3 |
| Total Contact Hours: | 54 |
| Lecture Hours : | 54 |
| Lab Hours: | 0 |
| Hours Arranged: | 0 |
| Outside of Class Hours: | 108 |
| Total Student Learning Hours: | 162 |
| Strongly Recommended: | ENGL C1000. |
| 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 progression of development in the physical, cognitive, social and emotional domains and identifies developmental milestones from middle childhood through adolescence. Emphasis on interactions between biological processes and environmental factors. Students will observe children, evaluate individual differences and analyze characteristics of development. 54 lecture hours.
Course Objectives
- Analyze major theories of middle childhood and adolescent development.
- Identify the typical progression of development across all domains during middle childhood and adolescence.
- Describe the impacts of multiple factors on development and wellbeing, including those related to biology, environment, and social interactions.
- Differentiate characteristics of typical and atypical development.
- Apply objective and ethical techniques when observing, interviewing, describing and evaluating the behaviors of children.
Major Course Content
- Current and Historical Theories of Child Development and Learning
- Observing Children
- Methodology
- Objective and subjective reporting
- Ethical Considerations
- Influences on Development
- Biological factors
- Heredity and genetics
- Maturation
- Environmental influences
- Supporting optimal development in school and at home
- Context of development
- Cultural
- Socio-Economic
- Historical perspectives
- Societal
- Other influences including but not limited to
- Family and parenting styles
- Schools and teachers
- Community support and resources
- Socio-political climate
- Biological factors
- Middle Childhood
- Physical Development and Health
- Growth Patterns and Brain Development
- Nutrition and Sleep
- Motor Development and Physical Play
- Health and Safety Issues
- Cognitive Growth
- Perspectives on Intelligence
- Concrete Operations
- Moral Development
- Language and Literacy
- First and Dual Language Development
- Influences on Academic Achievement
- Learning Disabilities
- Psychosocial Development
- Temperament
- Self-Concept, Self-Esteem, Self-Regulation
- Guidance and Discipline
- Relationships
- Families
- Peers and Friendships
- Gender
- Physical Development and Health
- Adolescence
- Physical Development
- Puberty
- Implications of Early and Late Maturation
- Body image
- The Developing Brain
- Physical and Mental Health
- Cognitive Development
- Formal Operations
- Characteristics of Adolescent Thought
- Language
- Moral Development
- Education and Vocational Issues
- Psychosocial Development
- Identity
- Guidance and Discipline
- Sexuality and Gender
- Relationships with Family
- Peers: Developing Friendships and Belonging
- Physical Development
- Risk Factors Including but Not Limited to:
- Housing and Food Insecurity
- Trauma
- Substance Abuse and Addictions
- Forms of Abuse and Neglect
Suggested Reading Other Than Required Textbook
Students will read and provide a written response (1-2 pages) 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, Online Education Lecture