Intercultural Aspects of Human Development

Catalog description

Prerequisite: prior college course in psychology or child development In this seminar, we will be considering beliefs and practices related to infant and child development across a variety of cultures and contexts, as well as programs intended to support optimal development in these cultures. Preconceived ideas about what is "appropriate" or normally expected of children (and parents) will be challenged as a result of the readings, video documentaries, reflections, and discussions throughout the semester. We will cover topics such as, but not limited to, international rights of the child, raising babies across cultures, international adoptions, refugees and displaced families, children with disabilities, effects of conflict and trauma, and access to health care and education. For the primary written assignment, students will become the "resident experts" on a given type of project or program designed to enhance the well-being of infants, children, or youth in a specific country or region of interest. Papers should be based on an actual program that the student THE CURRICULUM 146 discovers, such as through international nonprofits or efforts being carried out at the grassroots level in each country of choice (e.g., UNICEF, Save the Children, orphanages or adoption agencies, programs for children with special needs, maternal and child health programs, HIV/AIDS clinics). In addition to describing the program itself and its guiding principles, students will be asked to critique its cultural appropriateness and potential effectiveness, offering constructive suggestions as to how it might be improved upon or expanded. Students should address questions such as: Is the program sustainable? Has it been affected by recent cuts to US international aid programs? How applicable is its model to other cultural environments? What is its track record of effectiveness? Are the local…