Students should feel free to discuss any aspect of the course with the instructor over e-mail. The purpose of this course is to familiarize students with the variety of theories of human development. Each week a particular theory or group of theories will be covered. Students are to become familiar with the principal proponents of each theory, its major tenets, its sources of empirical support, and its historical context. Students evaluate theories from the viewpoint of an ideal theory and become familiar with the metaphors and meta-assumptions used in theories construction.
Students also learn to appreciate which theoretical issues are most contentious.
Evaluation Students will be expected to read all of the assigned material and to participate regularly in class discussions. Although the instructor will lecture on some topics, the class will be run as a seminar. The designated student will promote class discussion and have ready a set of discussion questions. Three short paper assignments will be made during the semester. Each will be a approximately five pages in length in APA style.