Human development 180

Lifespan Human Development

16 week class with Dr. Kelly on T/Th 9:30 am-10:45 am

about the Course

  • Course Statement: This course introduces the cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development of humans within their ecological niches. Differing disciplines (Anthropology, Biology, Psychology, and Sociology) and their corresponding worldviews will be used to compare and contrast developmental milestones, processes, and issues from conception to death.

  • Student Learning Outcomes:

  1. Demonstrate an understanding of the biological, psychological, social and cultural influences of
    lifespan human development;

  2. Demonstrate an understanding of how gender, ethnicity, class, historical period, and social location
    relate to the life course experience;

  3. Critically evaluate research relevant to human development as well as popular notions of human nature;

  4. Identify the major physical, cognitive, and social changes that characterize and contribute to human development from conception to death;

  5. Identify the major differences and similarities among the major theoretical frameworks for the study of human development;

  6. Critically evaluate and explain major strengths and weaknesses of these theoretical approaches through a familiarity with the methods of different disciplines;

  7. Identify important factors that contribute to healthy human development (e.g., strong social support networks, quality health care, quality education, satisfying employment) and explain in practical terms how healthy development can be fostered and reinforced in a variety of sociocultural settings;

  8. Explore a topic in depth, transfer knowledge to their own experiences in development, and reflect on those prior experiences.


Teaching Philosophy

At CSULB, I teach courses in introductory lifespan development, personal narrative and storytelling, and research methods. Additionally, I use my research, service, and teaching at CSULB to support equity-minded, cross-campus best practices for internship instruction and student participation. I maintain a multi-pronged research agenda that utilizes both qualitative and quantitative approaches, integrates interdisciplinary methods from developmental psychology, education and linguistics, and addresses issues facing children and families today.

class structure

Students should read and watch assigned material before class meetings. Zoom class meetings will be used to discuss course topics, apply topics, and practice “in-class” learning activities. You must log into your CSULB Zoom account with your CSULB email to join class.


Current Students:

BeachBoard Site

Contact Information for Human DEVelopment 180

Please allow 2 days for my response. Do not contact me via the BeachBoard email system, as those messages are likely to go in my spam folder. You can also post a question anytime on Ask the Instructor under the General Q&A discussion forum. I will answer all inquiries during the next Zoom class meeting.