Psychological & Brain Sciences 354 - Diversity&Dev:Child in Context

This course will examine children's development and socialization in the context of families, communities, and the larger social context. We will examine how race, ethnicity, gender and social class shape children's development over time. An ecological perspective will be used that highlights the multiple levels of influence that shape a child's life and which recognizes the active role of the individual in shaping, as well as being shaped by, their social worlds. The complex interactions among families, schools, workplaces, neighborhoods, government, and historical time period will be explored as they serve to provide opportunities and risks for the developing child. Moreover, we will explore how the intersection of children's identities, related to gender, race and social class, uniquely shape development across contexts. Ultimately, the goal of this course is to focus on the developing child in the real world. To understand humans we must understand the groups from which they come, the context of their human community, and the complex interplay between the individual and these settings. We will also examine how public policies at both federal and state levels have direct and indirect effects on child development.

Pre Req: PSYCH 240