Child Development
Fall 2000
SPG 29 (4 s.h.)
An Introductory course
designed to acquaint students with research and theory in the fieldof
human development. The life cycle will be studied from conception through
adolescence. The format will be a lecture and discussion. Field work will
also be required during which time students will be expected to be participant
observers in Hofstra's Child Care Center.
We will spend time
considering the application of knowledge in this area to our increased
understanding of what conditions are needed to encourage optimal emotional,
physical and intellectual growth of children.
Topics:
- Genetics
- Parental Development
- Early Childhood
- Emotional Development
- Intellectual Development
- Schooling
- Adolescence
Texts:
SEASONS OF LIFE,
Rotret and Hall (1998)
HUMAN DEVELOPMENT,
ANNUAL EDITIONS (2000/01)
You will be given
a separate schedule of readings and classroom discussion topics. Please
check the list before each class. Read the assignment and bring in the
book we are discussed on the scheduled day.
Note: 20% of your
grade is based on regular attendance and participation in class.
Fieldwork:
A major component
of this course is participation/observation in the childare center here
on campus. This session we shall only have time for 3 two hour visits
(although you may voluntarily do more). You will be expected to turn in
reaction papers based on your participation on the Monday following the
week that you participate and to finally write a “fieldwork”
paper describing your observations and connecting these to the knowledge
of child development aquired from your readings and classroom discussions.
This paper will be 30% of your grade.
Exams:
There will be both
a mid-term and final exam in this course. Please note the time of these
on the schedule of readings provided. The exams will be essays written
in response to questions presented. Each exam will be 25% of your grade.
I trust that
this course will be both informative and fun.
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