Introduction to Developmental Psychology
Introduction to Developmental Psychology
Ms. Shaily Wardimon
How do we become what we are? How do babies develop to be adults and what does the development process entail psychologically?
The course will attempt to answer these questions through the lenses of major theories in the field of developmental psychology, with an emphasis on psychoanalytic perspectives. We will learn how different theorists, from Classic Sigmund Freud to contemporary intersubjectivist Daniel Stern, perceive the development of the human child and adult. In addition, we will examine key themes of development, such as the development of gender, development of language, and development of selfhood.
Course requirements and Grade Computation:
- Weekly Readings:
First part of the semester:
David R. Shaffer and Kathrine Kipp (2010). Developmental Psychology: Childhood and Adolescence, 8th edition. Belmont: Wadsworth.
Second part of the semester:
David R. Shaffer and Kathrine Kipp (2010). Developmental Psychology: Childhood and Adolescence, 8th edition. Belmont: Wadsworth.
Joseph Palombo, Harold K. Bendicsen, Barry J. Koch (2009). Guide to Psychoanalytic Developmental Theories. New York: Springer.
- Attendance. Missing more than 3 classes in a semester would not be tolerated.
- Class Participation
- Midterm (50% of credit)
- Home exam (50% of credit)
Midterm paper: Distributed on November 29th. Submission – December 08th.
Take Home exam:
1. Distributed on January 30th, submission - February 1st.
2. Distributed on March 1st, submission – March 3rd.
Course Program –
First part of the semester:
Readings:
Main Textbook: David R. Shaffer and Kathrine Kipp (2010). Developmental
Psychology: Childhood and Adolescence, 8th edition. Belmont:Wadsworth.
Class 1: Introduction
Classes 2+3: Development Research and infant capabilities Ch. 1 (all) +
Ch. 5, pp. 168-185
Classes 4+5: Theories of Development
Ch. 2 (all) +
Ch. 5, pp. 186-191
Class 6: Nature vs. Nurture in development Ch. 2, pp. 68-69 +
Ch. 3 (all) +
Ch. 4 (all) +
Ch. 5, pp. 161-168, 185-6 +
Ch. 11. pp. 440-445
Classes 7+8: Development of Cognition
Ch. 7 (all) +
Ch. 8 (all)
Classes 9+10: Development of Language
Ch. 10 (all)
Classes 11+12: Development of emotions and social cognition
Ch.11, pp. 430-440, 445-473 +
Ch.12, pp. 511-520 +
Ch. 7, pp. 269-271
Second part of the semester: Readings:
Joseph Palombo, Harold K. Bendicsen, Barry J. Koch (2009). Guide
to Psychoanalytic Developmental Theories. New York: Springer.
Classes 13+14: Introducing the psychoanalytical perspective on development.
Freud
[The Drive Theory, Infantile Sexuality, Psycho-Sexual Phases]
Palombo et al., Chapter 1: Sigmund Freud (1856-1939), pp. 3-45.
Class 15+16: Erikson
[Life Cycle Theory, Psycho-Social Phases, Socialization, Identity]
Palombo et al., Chapter 11: Erik Erikson (1902-1994), pp.197-226.
Class 17+18: Mahler
[Separation and Individuation, Symbiosis, Differentiation]
Palombo et al., Chapter 9: Margaret Mahler (1897-1985), pp. 163-180.
Class 19: Attachment theories: Bowlby, Ainsworth
[Attachment styles, internal working model, Stranger Situation]
Palombo et al., Cahpter 15 & 16 in Section VII: Attachment theories, pp. 283-315.
Class 20: Stern and intersubjectivity
[Attunement, Sense of Self, Joint Attention, Infant Research, Mutual Recognition]
Palombo et al., Chapter 14: Daniel Stern (1934 – ), pp. 243-256.
Class 21: conclusion
