An examination of the psychological and biological factors that influence human sexual development and identity. Gender A study of the impact of sex and gender roles of human experience, including relationships, well being, and role prescriptions. The validity of stereotypical assumptions about differences between females and males are examined. Particular emphasis is given to the interactions among gender, status, and role expectations. Psychology 160 Life Span Developmental Psychology Theory and methods of understanding the nature of human development over the life span are compared and evaluated.
Individual development is studies as a function of biological, social, and psychological factors.
Life stages are examined and differences in individual experiences are evaluated in relation to social systems, such as family, community, and culture. Psychology 422 Theoretical and Literary Analysis of Child Development Processes of development are explored by reading theory and research in developmental psychology as well as selections of literary works written for an adult audience. The use of literature is designed to provide real world contexts for understanding the complexities of development. The emphasis is on American children and adolescents, although subcultural differences in experience are explored.