Developmental Psychology: Syllabus Overview

Unit I: Human Development - Themes, Theories, and Methods

This unit introduces the foundational concepts, themes, and methods in developmental psychology. It explores the nature versus nurture debate and major theoretical perspectives.

• Definition of Human Development: The scientific study of how people change and remain the same over time, encompassing physical, cognitive, social, and emotional growth.

• Themes of Development: Includes continuity vs. discontinuity, universality vs. variability, and the interplay of biological and environmental factors.

• Methods of Studying Development: Common methods include longitudinal, cross-sectional, and sequential designs, as well as observational and experimental approaches.

• Nature and Nurture: The ongoing debate regarding the relative contributions of genetics (nature) and environment (nurture) to human development.

• Theories of Human Development:

  • Psychoanalytic Theories: Focus on unconscious motives and early childhood experiences (e.g., Freud, Erikson).

  • Learning Theories: Emphasize observable behavior and environmental influences (e.g., Skinner, Bandura).

  • Cognitive Developmental Theories: Examine how thinking and reasoning develop (e.g., Piaget, Vygotsky).

Unit II: Childhood and Adolescence

This unit covers the characteristics and developmental tasks of infancy, early and late childhood, and adolescence, including personality development and social changes.

• Infancy and Childhood:

  • Characteristics: Rapid physical growth, sensory and motor development, attachment formation.

  • Developmental Tasks: Learning trust, autonomy, and basic skills.

  • Personality Development: Influenced by family, peers, and early experiences.

• Adolescence:

  • Characteristics: Puberty, identity formation, increased independence.

  • Social Changes: Peer relationships, exploration of interests, and evolving sex interests and behaviors.

  • Personality Changes: Development of self-concept, emotional regulation, and coping strategies.

Unit III: Adulthood and Old Age

This unit examines the developmental tasks, adjustments, and changes experienced during adulthood and old age.

• Adulthood:

  • Characteristics: Physical maturity, vocational and marital adjustment, parenthood.

  • Developmental Tasks: Establishing careers, relationships, and family life.

• Old Age:

  • Mental Abilities: Changes in memory, cognition, and interests.

  • Motor Abilities: Physical decline and adaptation.

  • Adjustment: Coping with retirement, family changes, and physical limitations.

Unit IV: Family, Peers, Media, and Schooling

This unit explores the influence of family, peer groups, media, and schooling on development, including parenting styles and child-rearing variations.

• Family:

  • Socialization: The process by which children learn values, norms, and behaviors.

  • Parenting Styles: Authoritative, authoritarian, permissive, and uninvolved styles impact child outcomes.

  • Family Transitions: Divorce, remarriage, and vulnerable families.

  • Child Mal-treatment: Effects of abuse and neglect on development.

• Peers, Media, and Schooling:

  • Peer Relations: Importance of friendships, peer groups, and socialization.

  • Media: Influence of television, computers, and digital devices on behavior and learning.

  • Schooling: Academic and social development through formal education.

Course Learning Outcomes

• Define and explain key concepts, themes, and methods in human development.

• Identify developmental tasks and personality changes across different life stages.

• Analyze the adjustments and challenges faced during adulthood and old age.

• Evaluate the influence of family, peers, media, and schooling on human development.

Suggested Books and References

• Child Development, Berk, L.E. (2003). Delhi: Prentice-Hall.

• Lifespan Development, Santrock, J.W. (1999). New York. McGraw Hill.

• Developmental Psychology, Hurlock, E. (2003). Delhi: Tata McGraw Hill.

• Adult Development and Aging, Papalia, S. & Feldman, C. (2002). Delhi: Tata McGraw Hill.

• Development through the Life Span, Berk, L.E. (2010). Delhi: Pearson Education.

• Human Development, Sigelman, C.K. & Rider, E.A. (2009). New Delhi: Thomson.