UGRD > HUMCTR > 220

The Life Cycle and the Environment

Description:
To understand human behavior in real-life situation, you must have a working knowledge of the life-span developmental process and the impact of systems in the environment on those developmental processes. All human behavior, whether it is physical, social or cognitive, comes into being through processes of development. Developmental changes result from the interaction of various influences, internal and external, and occur over the entire span of life, from the prenatal stage through old age. These internal influences can be hereditary, occurring at the time of conception, or can result from the biological/psycho-social history of the person up to the point of observation. The external influences range from the prenatal environment to the broadest social and cultural factors. Human development, then, is a life-long process, involving characteristic developmental changes from conception to death. Basic concepts and theories are used to explain these life-long developmental changes. Familiarity with the basic concepts and theories, therefore, is essential for functioning effectively as a human service worker. This course will examine the various stages of life development from neonatal infants to advanced age. It will identify and examine theories of cognitive, psycho-social, and biological development. It will look at the effects of the social, ecological, and physical environment on the various aspects of development. It will examine the challenges of development and the role of human service workers in helping families and individuals to respond to those challenges in productive and fruitful ways. Students will have the opportunity to conduct observations and apply theory to observations and service with diverse individuals, families and groups across the life cycle.

Section	Class Number	Weekly Schedule	Time	Instructor	Location
01	5687	MW	04:00 PM - 05:15 PM	Arnold,Carolyne W	W02-0127	More Info