Common Course Outline

Course discipline/number/title PSYC 2626: Human Growth and Development

Catalog Description

Credits 3
Hours/Week 3 (3 lecture)
Prerequisites (Course discipline/number) None
Other requirements College level reading and writing skills recommended.
MnTC Goals (if any) Goal 5/History and the Social and Behavioral Sciences, Goal 7a/Human Diversity

Course Description

This course is an introduction to the scientific study of human development. It explores the universal features and individual variations of physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development from conception to death.

Date Last Revised (Month, year)

November, 2024

Outline of Major Content Areas

  1. Theory and research in human development
  2. Biological and environmental foundations of development
  3. Prenatal development, birth, and the newborn baby
  4. Physical, cognitive, and socioemotional development through the life span
  5. Death and dying

Learning Outcomes (General)

The student will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate knowledge of both the sequence of human development and the processes that underlie it.
  2. Demonstrate an understanding of the major theories in the field and the strengths and weaknesses of each.
  3. Demonstrate an understanding of how researchers use the scientific method to study human development.
  4. Identify the joint contributions of biology and environment to development.

Learning Outcomes (MnTC)

Goal 5/History and the Social and Behavioral Sciences

The student will be able to:

  1. Employ the methods and data that historians and social and behavioral scientists use to investigate the human condition.
  2. Use and critique alternative explanatory systems or theories.
  3. Develop and communicate alternative explanations or solutions for contemporary social issues.
Goal 7a/Human Diversity

The student will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate an awareness of the individual and institutional dynamics of unequal power relations between groups in contemporary society.
  2. Analyze their own attitudes, behaviors, concepts, and beliefs regarding diversity, racism, and bigotry.
  3. Demonstrate communication skills necessary for living and working effectively in a society with great population diversity

Methods for Evaluation of Student Learning

Methods may include but are not limited to:

RCTC Core Outcome(s)

This course contributes to meeting the following RCTC Core Outcome(s):

Critical Thinking
Students will think systematically and explore information thoroughly before accepting or formulating a position or conclusion.

Special Information (if any)

None