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 Developmental 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 Achievement
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:
Activity
Weight
Four Unit Quizzes (6% each)
24%
Two Tutorial Quizzes (3% each)
6%
Three Q&A Assignments
10%
Major Project
25%
Final Exam
35%
Total
100%
The final examination for this course must be taken online with an AU-approved exam invigilator at an approved invigilation centre. It is your responsibility to ensure your chosen invigilation centre can accommodate online exams. For a list of invigilators who can accommodate online exams, visit the Exam Invigilation Network.
To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University's online Calendar.
Materials
Santrock, J. W. (2014). Child Development. New York: McGraw-Hill. (eText)
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.
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.
Athabasca University reserves the right to amend course outlines occasionally and without notice. Courses offered by other delivery methods may vary from their individualized study counterparts.
Opened in Revision 8, March 22, 2019
Updated October 5, 2021, by Student & Academic Services