Psychology (PSYC) 323

Overview

PSYC 323 studies the basic concepts and mechanisms inherent in the process of human development from conception to adolescence. This course describes the nature and context of development, as well as the research methods used to study human development. The course examines the biological, cognitive, social, emotional, and moral aspects of development through various theoretical models. The major emphasis is on typical growth and development.

Outline

Unit 1: The Nature of Child Development

• Chapter 1: Introduction

Unit 2: Biological Processes, Physical Development, and Perceptual Development

• Chapter 2: Biological Beginnings
• Chapter 3: Prenatal Development and Birth
• Chapter 4: Physical Development and Health
• Chapter 5: Motor, Sensory, and Perceptual Development

Unit 3: Cognition and Language

• Chapter 6: Cognitive Development Approaches
• Chapter 7: Information Processing
• Chapter 8: Intelligence
• Chapter 9: Language Development

Unit 4: Socioemotional Development

• Chapter 10: Emotional Development
• Chapter 11: The Self and Identity
• Chapter 12: Gender
• Chapter 13: Moral Development

Unit 5: Social Contexts of Development

• Chapter 14: Families
• Chapter 15: Peers
• Chapter 16: Schools and Technology

Evaluation

To receive credit for PSYC 323, you must complete the course quizzes, assignments, a major project, and a final examination. You must achieve a course composite grade of at least D (50 percent) and a grade of at least 50 percent on the final examination. The weighting of the composite grade is as follows:

To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University's online Calendar.

Course Materials

Textbook

Registration in this course includes an electronic textbook. For more information on electronic textbooks, please refer to our eText Initiative site.

A print version of the eText may be available for purchase from the publisher through a direct-to-student link provided on the course website; you can also acquire the textbook on your own if you wish.

Other Resources

All other learning resources will be available online.

Challenge for Credit Overview

The Challenge for Credit process allows you to demonstrate that you have acquired a command of the general subject matter, knowledge, intellectual and/or other skills that would normally be found in a university-level course.

Full information about Challenge for Credit can be found in the Undergraduate Calendar.

Challenge Evaluation

To receive credit for the PSYC 323 challenge registration, you must achieve a grade of at least 50 percent on the exam and obtain a composite mark of at least D (50 percent) to pass.

Undergraduate Challenge for Credit Course Registration Form

• Challenge for Credit Form