Child Development (CD)

Introduction to the child development major, self-assessments, career opportunities, university and community resources, and the program at Cal Poly. Course may be offered in classroom-based or online format. 2 lectures.

Observation methods and guidance techniques for adults working with children in family, community, and educational settings. 3 lectures, 1 activity.

Supervised investigation, including a written report, of a topic chosen with prior approval of instructor. Total credit limited to 6 units, with a maximum of 4 units per quarter.

Study of theories and research about the development and learning of children and young adolescents within diverse backgrounds, and application to teaching in public school settings. Observations/interactions with children in school settings. 3 lectures, 1 activity. Participation in public schools requires mandated fingerprint clearance. Crosslisted as CD/EDUC 207.

Preliminary teaching experience with children in a preschool laboratory setting. Participant planning, execution and evaluation of age-appropriate activities. Observation is used as the basis for planning for the development of the whole child. 2 lecture, 2 laboratories.

Introduction to research and theory on family relationships and behavior across the lifespan. Contextual influences, diversity of family forms, and topics such as love, mate selection, marital quality, parenting, gender, household work, divorce, and remarriage. 4 lectures. Crosslisted as CD/PSY 254.

Introduction to the scientific study of development with emphasis on the lifespan, from infancy to old age. Basic research and concepts in understanding social, emotional, cognitive, contextual, and diversity influences on development. 4 lectures. Crosslisted as CD/PSY 256.

Directed group study of selected topics. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Total credit limited to 8 units. 1 to 4 lectures.

Technology applications (e.g., websites, film, podcasts, blogs) as they relate to communication of research and theory in developmental science. Digital tools used by developmental researchers and professionals when working with children, youth, and families. 2 laboratories.

Human development from conception through the second year of life. Examination of theory and research in multiple domains of development. Consideration of environments and activities which enhance the emerging capabilities of infants and toddlers. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 4 lectures.

In-depth study of theory and research on development in early and middle childhood, especially within physical, cognitive, social, and emotional domains. Consideration of case studies and current practices in light of theoretical perspectives and current research. Course may be offered in classroom-based or online format. 4 lectures.

Psychological analysis of the years from prepubescence to young adulthood. Current research on behavior and development during adolescence with emphasis on physical, affective, cognitive, sociocultural, historical, family, peer and school aspects of life during the post-child, pre-adult years. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 4 lectures. Crosslisted as CD/PSY 306.

Introduction to research methods in child development. Critically evaluating research literature, generating research questions, and conducting observations and interviews with children and adolescents. 3 lectures, 1 activity.

Current issues and research concerning how children and youth develop and learn in school. Topics may include motivation, views of intelligence, teacher and student relations, constructivist learning environments, socioemotional learning, school climates, home-school connections. 4 lectures.

How children and youth develop and learn in settings and activities outside of formal schooling, such as everyday family activities, informal learning institutions (e.g., museums), nature, and organized extracurricular activities. Research findings and theoretical perspectives on how activity in such settings supports development and learning. 4 lectures.

Applications of psychological principles to childhood behavioral disorders. Aggression, delinquency, stress reactions, motivational, perceptual-attentional deficiencies, psychoses, anxiety disorders, biological dysfunctions, and social, emotional and intellectual disabilities. Course may be offered in classroom-based or online format. 4 seminars. Crosslisted as CD/PSY 356. Formerly CD 456.

Supervised investigation, including a written report, of a topic chosen with prior approval of instructor. Total credit limited to 6 units, with a maximum of 4 units per quarter.

Examination of research and theory on how use of digital technologies (e.g., electronic toys, television, video games, virtual reality, educational technologies, assistive technologies, social media) relates to children's and adolescents' development across domains. 4 lectures. Formerly CD 413.

Current theories and research on the development of interpersonal relationships in childhood and adolescence. Topics may include parent-child relationships, peer relationships in childhood, intimate relationships in adolescence. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Total credit limited to 8 units. 4 lectures. Crosslisted as CD/PSY 417.

Examination of research on child and adolescent development in diverse families and community settings. Topics include close examination of cultural communities in different countries (cross-cultural) and in the United States (multicultural) using sociocultural frameworks. Course may be offered in classroom-based or online format. 4 lectures.

Current developmental and environmental assessments used in care and educational settings and in prevention programs and research. Practice using, creating, and evaluating child assessments. 3 lectures, 1 activity. Crosslisted as CD/PSY 431.

Faculty-supervised research experience on various topics related to child and adolescent development. Student apprenticeship with a department faculty member engaging in a research project. Credit/No Credit grading only. Formerly CD 333.

Faculty-supervised research experience on various topics related to child and adolescent development. Student apprenticeship with a department faculty member to conduct aspects of a research project. Credit/No Credit grading only. Formerly CD 433.

Advanced study of theoretical perspectives and research on the development of children and adolescents and the implications for current practice and policy. 4 seminars. Formerly CD 401.

Faculty supervised fieldwork experience. Role of professional apprentice is experienced and analyzed by each student. Credit/No Credit grading only. Formerly CD 330.

Faculty-supervised preprofessional experience in a career-related setting which complements the CD 330 internship. Such roles as master teacher, caseworker, therapeutic intern, administrative aide or program specialist are experienced and analyzed by each student. Credit/No credit grading only. Formerly CD 430.

Issues in child maltreatment, including definitions and forms, causes, consequences, assessment, reporting, treatment, and prevention. Possible links among research, intervention, and public policy will be emphasized. 4 seminars. Crosslisted as CD/PSY 460.

Senior project expectations and skills. Students identify appropriate topics, methods and content for the senior project; to be presented in progress reports. Conduct literature reviews. 2 seminars.

Completion of a project under faculty supervision.

Directed group study of selected topics for advanced students. Open to undergraduate and graduate students. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Total credit limited to 8 units. 1 to 4 lectures.