PSY 205H: Developmental Psychology - Honors

Citrus College Course Outline of Record

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
Prerequisite: Student must be eligible for the Citrus College Honors Program or obtain a recommendation from an Honors instructor.
Strongly Recommended: ENGL C1000.
District General Education: D2. Behavioral Science
Transferable to CSU: Yes
Transferable to UC: No
Grading Method: Standard Letter

Catalog Course Description

This is an Honors course. Developmental psychology is the scientific study of progressive changes in behavior, cognition, and abilities. Attention is paid to issues related to the roles of nature and nurture in developmental processes. Students are expected to work and participate at an honors level, which includes demonstrating strong critical thinking skills by analyzing research and theories of development across the lifespan in a seminar style class format. 54 lecture hours.

Course Objectives

  • describe and explain the scientific methods and techniques of developmental psychology as applied to specific examples.
  • analyze the theories, ethics, and experimental research and guidelines which are the basis of developmental process
  • demonstrate an understanding of the different areas of development (physical, cognitive and psycho-social) including developmental milestones and theories.
  • evaluate and analyze the ongoing changes during development and trends
  • develop an understanding of development used in a variety of professions and for personal understanding.
  • articulate the developmental events that occur in the normal lifespan in the physical, intellectual and social/emotional areas.

Major Course Content

  1. The Meaning of Development
    1. Theories & Research
      1. Role of Nature vs. Nurture
      2. Freudian vs. Behaviorist vs. others
        1. Review major theories and works of Sigmund Freud, John Watson, other significant researchers of human development.
    2. Conclusions
  2. Beginning of the Life Cycle
    1. Pre-natal development
      1. From gametes to conception through labor and birth
    2. Genetic factors
      1. Role of chromosomes, alleles (dominant and recessive)
      2. Chromosomal Disorders (e.g. Down Syndrome)
  3. World of the Neonate (Newborn)
  4. Beginning of Awareness - Perceptual and Intellectual World
  5. Social Development - Socialization
  6. Emotional Development
  7. Language Acquisitions
  8. The Formative Years
  9. Development of Personality
  10. Growing Up - Middle School Years
  11. Adolescence and Youth
    1. Physical and emotional changes
    2. Struggle for independence
  12.  Adulthood - the Mature Personality
  13. Senescence - Later Adulthood
  14. Death

Suggested Reading Other Than Required Textbook

Primary reading for this course is found in text. Outside resources include relevant professional journals and internet sources.

Examples of Required Writing Assignments

The following is a list of sample assignments: 1. Written Case Study: Description- apply appropriate theories to one individual. Include appropriate examples of age/stage development. 2. Current Issues or Research paper: Description-research topic relevant to human development and complete a 7-10 page paper evaluating your findings. 3. Theory Application Essay: Description-select a life event from your personal experience, then discuss the event in terms of how developmental psychology might explain this event.

Examples of Outside Assignments

Internet research; answer questions; review of course terms & concepts; read required materials; write essays, research papers, case studies, or journals

Instruction Type(s)

Lecture, Online Education Lecture