Developmental Psychology

Developmental psychology is the study of the processes that shape human development. Development includes the systematic changes and continuities that occur in people from conception to death. The goals of studying life span development are description, explanation and optimization of human development. In this course, the interrelationship of psychological, cognitive and psychosocial development will help inform understanding of the whole being. Nature–Nurture, one of the central issues in the study of development, helps one to understand the interaction between cultural, social and historical impacts and biological maturation. This major issue will be highlighted throughout the course as a reference point for the holistic understanding of human development.