PSYC 2553 Lifespan Developmental Psychology Syllabus W02 Spring 2026

Credit Hours 3.00 Lecture Hours 3 Clinical/Lab Hours 0
Type of Credit
CIP Code
42.2703
Course Description

This course focuses on the changes which occur in normal development between conception and death in the areas of cognitive, physical, and social development. Some sections of this course are taught in the computer lab; computer literacy skills are recommended. IAI: S6 902.

Prerequisites

Appropriate assessment score or ENGL 1422 with a grade of C or better - Must be taken either prior to or at the same time as this course.

Course Alignment

IAI Number
S6-902
IAI Title
Lifespan Developmental Psch
General Education Outcomes

General Education Outcomes are the knowledge, skills, abilities, attitudes, and behaviors that students are expected to develop as a result of their overall experiences with any aspect of the college, including courses, programs, and student services, both inside and outside of the classroom. The General Education Outcomes specifically learned in this course are:

  1. Critical Thinking

Faculty Contact Information

Faculty Name
Christina Halawa
Faculty Email

Course Information

Course Outcomes

At the end of this course, students will be able to:

  1. Understand how children/adolescents/adults construct knowledge, acquire skills, and develop habits of mind
  2. Analyze how demographic and economic changes in the USA are impacting the family unit, child rearing in the home and at school.
  3. Contrast child-rearing practices and parenting styles in different ethnic groups.
  4. Understand basic research methods and able to identify methodological flaws in research studies as well as interpret correlations in research.
  5. Describe early childhood education programs that enhance cognitive and social skills.
  6. Understand attachment/bonding theory and its impact on development for later years.
  7. Identify age characteristics described in the stage theories: Freud, Erikson, and Piaget.
  8. Understand that children’s/adolescents’/adults’ physical, social, emotional, ethical, cognitive and language development influences learning
  9. Understand human developmental concepts, learning theory, neural science, and the ranges of individual variation within each domain
  10. Understand that differences in approaches to learning and performance interact with development
  11. Understand the impact of cognitive, emotional, physical, and sensory disabilities on learning and communication processes
  12. Understand the areas of exceptionality in learning as defined in the Individual with Disabilities Act
  13. Understand how cultural and gender differences can affect communication
  14. Understand the benefits, barriers, and techniques involved in parent/family relationships
  15. Compare and contrast the basic assumptions of four main theories of development: psychoanalytical, Piagetian, Vygotskyian, and behavioral.
Topical Outline
  1. Prenatal Development and Birth
  2. Physical, Cognitive, and Socioemotional Development During:
    1. Infancy
    2. Early Childhood
    3. Middle and Late Childhood
    4. Adolescence
    5. Early Adulthood
    6. Middle Adulthood
    7. Late Adulthood
  3. Dying and Grief
Academic Division

Liberal Arts & Sciences

Dean, Jennifer Huggins; 815-802-8484; R310; jhuggins@kcc.edu; Division Office- W102; 815-802-8700

College Policies, Resources and Supports

College Policies

For information related to the Student Code of Conduct Policy, Withdrawal Policy, Email Policy, and Non- Attendance/Non-Participation Policy, please review the college’s Code of Campus Affairs and Regulations webpage, which can be found at catalog.kcc.edu under the Academic Regulations & Conduct Guide. 

Resources

KCC offers various academic and personal resources for all students. Many services are offered virtually, as well as in person. Please visit Student Resources - Kankakee Community College to access student resources services such as:

  • Clubs and organizations
  • Counseling and referral services
  • Office of disability services
  • Student complaint policy
  • Transfer services
  • Tutoring services, etc.