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CS92PROD
Cross-Cultural Childhoods
PSYC 339
Spring 2014 not offered
Crosslisting: ANTH 239

The course will begin by examining different attitudes and practices during prenatal development and continue through early adulthood. We will consider the perspectives of the child, parents, other family members, and larger society. Developmental experiences will be examined in traditional societies and developing nations, as well as in modern industrialized societies. A wide range of developmental topics will be considered. Examples of topics in child development include weaning practices, sleep patterns, paternal contribution, education, sibling relationships, and child-care practices. Examples of topics in adolescence and early adulthood include anxiety in adolescence and the age of economic independence, sexual activity, and marriage. Some disturbing and controversial material will be discussed in a respectful atmosphere (e.g., cultural relativism and severe neglect). Students will have the opportunity to opt out of potentially disturbing discussions. The strengths and weaknesses of multiple theoretical approaches to development will be addressed and debated. A few examples of these theories include cultural relativism, universal learning mechanisms, evolutionary ecology, and evolutionary psychology.
Credit: 1 Gen Ed Area Dept: SBS PSYC
Course Format: Lecture / DiscussionGrading Mode: Graded
Level: UGRD Prerequisites: None
Fulfills a Requirement for: (PSYC)

Last Updated on NOV-08-2024
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