vcc.ca
CNSK 1506: Lifespan Development
Effective date
January 2024
Department
Counselling Skills
School
Continuing Studies
Description
This course provides students with a general introduction to and overview of the field of developmental psychology with a focus on developmental research and theories that have particular relevance for those working in a helping role in community and addictions settings. The course follows the life span development of the individual, emphasizing the theoretical and experimental approaches to the study of cognitive, personality, social, perceptual, and physical components of development from conception to death.
Credits
2.5
Year of study
1st Year Post-secondary
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Discuss the development of human beings as occurring within a familial, social, cultural and historical context
- Examine and critically evaluate their own developmental assumptions (ideas and theories about ways that people grow and change)
- Explain the contemporary understanding of the respective contributions of nature (heredity) and nurture (environment) to human development
- Compare and contrast the major theories of human development, including how each views the main themes, controversies and issues in developmental psychology
- Identify research methods used to study human development and as a result become a more informed consumer of clinical research
- Discuss relevant developmental concepts and theories within the counselling context
- Explain the applications of human development theories when working with people affected by addiction
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
PLAR will be assessed by the Department according to standardized practice and using one or more of the following components: Challenge Exam, Demonstration, Interview, or External Evaluation.
Hours
Lecture, Online, Seminar, Tutorial: 36
Total Hours: 36
Total Hours: 36
Instructional Strategies
This course may be offered online or face-to-face.
Instructional strategies may include the following: lecture, videos, group discussion (in person or on a forum), reflective writing or other activities, self-assessment quizzes, videos, readings, peer and instructor feedback.
Instructional strategies may include the following: lecture, videos, group discussion (in person or on a forum), reflective writing or other activities, self-assessment quizzes, videos, readings, peer and instructor feedback.
Grading System
Letter Grade (A-F)
Passing grade
C
Evaluation Plan
|
Type |
Percentage |
Assessment activity |
|
Assignments |
20 |
Paper 1 (learning journal, review of primary research article) |
|
Assignments |
30 |
Paper 2 (case studies, interview, research paper) |
|
Assignments |
10 |
Forum participation/Reflective journal |
|
Quizzes/Tests |
10 |
|
|
Final Exam |
20 |
|
|
Participation |
10 |
Professionalism |
Course topics
- • Foundations of lifespan study • Prenatal development • Infancy • Early childhood • Middle-late childhood • Adolescence - Physical & cognitive development • Adolescence - Socio-emotional development • Early adulthood • Middle adulthood • Late adulthood • Death, dying, grief and bereavement • Impacts of addiction in the various stages of human development
Notes:
- Course contents and descriptions, offerings and schedules are subject to change without notice.
- Students are required to follow all College policies including ones that govern their educational experience at VCC. Policies are available on the VCC website at:
https://www.vcc.ca/about/governance--policies/policies/. - To find out if there are existing transfer agreements for this course, visit the BC Transfer Guide at https://www.bctransferguide.ca.