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Major Concepts/Content: The psychology course surveys the entire life cycle, from conception to old age and death. It deals with social, intellectual, and psychological development, examining the changes that take place during the various stages of life and exploring adjustments to life experiences. Although heavy emphasis will be placed on the life cycle, units of family dynamics and human sexuality are included in the course. 

Major Instructional Activities: Instructional activities will be provided using the content of the psychology course. Students will participate in-group activities that enhance the study of specific units, conduct computer-generate interactive exercises using PsychQuest and PsychSim, conduct psychological research, and complete research for oral and written reports. Activities should include participating in self-awareness and group dynamic activities. 

Major Evaluative Techniques: Evaluation will be comprised of assessment of individual projects, unit tests, group participation, tests defining knowledge of psychological theories, and assessment of research methods.

Essential Objectives: Upon completion of the psychology course, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of:

• Demonstrate a lifelong process
• Research techniques used to gather data on the developmental process
• Stage theories of development
• Issues surrounding the developmental process (such as gender differences, nature/nurture, continuity/discontinuity, stability/instability, critical periods)

Last Revised: July 21, 2005