Developmental and Psychological Perspectives in Education

Catalog description

This course is designed to provide students with a general introduction to educational psychology along with theories of human growth and development. The course is designed to assist students in understanding and applying developmental theories and psychological research to central questions of learning and education. Multiple theoretical traditions (e.g., developmental, biological, cognitive science, sociocultural, contextual, motivational, critical, and psychoanalytic) will be considered and critiqued. Larger societal issues will also be considered, as they impact and/or are informed by principles of educational psychology. The course will equip students to understand their own pedagogical histories as well as to critically analyze and critique schooling and educational practice in the United States and globally. The course is especially relevant to those considering careers in teaching, educational policy-making, human resources, public service, student affairs, counseling, and the health sciences.