Southern New Hampshire University
Child Development (All DEV, EDU, MBE, RDG and SPED courses may require students to complete off-campus field experience.) DEV 520 History and Philosophy of the Child Study Movement (3 credits) The student is exposed to the historical, cultural and philosophical foundations of child development theory and practice. The work of Rousseau, Freud, Froebel, Montessori, Pestalozzi, Dewey, among others are examined. The history of early childhood programming as a distinct field outside of formal educational institutions as well as the role of programming within formal education is covered. Tensions in educational philosophy and approach between the early childhood community and the larger educational community are examined in depth. Students begin to develop the necessary skills for a scientific and dynamic understanding of child development. Such skills will assist students in the formation of informed independent opinions and a well integrated perspective. DEV 540 Language and Cognitive Development (3 credits) The purpose of this course is to provide students with an understanding and a working knowledge of both the content and processes of cognitive and language development in children from birth through eight years of age. The primary focuses of the course are understanding different theoretical frameworks: (1) examining sequences and variations in the processes of cognitive change; (2) the interaction between the child and the social context; (3) the interaction of cognitive development with children’s symbolic representation of knowledge particularly language development; and (4) the role of play in the development of cognition and language. Students learn how to conduct and report observations of children’s thinking and learning. They also learn to apply different theories of cognitive development and to recognize their implications for practice with children of differing needs and abilities in a range of programs in culturally diverse settings. DEV 543 Cognitive Development of Adolescents and Adults (3 credits) This course provides in-depth study of psychological theories and research focusing on learning and development in adolescence and adulthood. DEV 545 Psychosocial Development (3 credits) This course focuses on young children’s emotional and social development from birth through age eight, stressing the interaction of biological, psychological, and social forces. Major themes include how young children experience themselves and others; the role of parents, families, caregivers, peers, and teachers in children’s psychosocial development; and the socialization of young children to respond adaptively to the contexts and cultures they live in. Students are expected to acquire a working knowledge of the emotional and social domains of development through the integration of natural observation of infants, preschoolers, and schoolaged children with relevant theory and research.
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DEV 547 Personality Development (3 credits) This course focuses on the facts and principles of personality study and nature of personality, its structure, development, expression, and measurement. Exposition and evaluation of personality study methods with critical review of traditional and modern theories of personality is required. DEV 550 Administration of Child Development Programs (3 credits) This course provides students with skills in supervising and administering child development programs. Basic competencies of administrators are reviewed, such as law, licensing, personnel, budgeting, and corporate structures. Students are also introduced to governmental and non-governmental structures, public funding and grant writing. DEV 560 Family and Culture (3 credits) This course considers how family and culture influence child development including family structures, sibling relationships, parenting behaviors, children’s special needs, family violence, diversity in educational settings and the relations between family and community. Students explore their own and other’s cultural influences through the lens of diverse cultural perspectives. The challenges faced by children and families from a variety of cultures and socio-economic backgrounds including communication, interaction, education, and societal norms will be examined from the role of the practitioner. Research informs student projects in which a particular aspect of culture is studied in depth. Ten hours of field experience is included. DEV 565 Play (3 credits) This course provides students with an understanding of the critical role play has in a child’s life. Play is the primary means for learning and development, an important method of assessment and a tool for intervention. Students learn how to assess play between a child and a parent/adult, a child within a group, and a child’s solitary play. Prerequisite: DEV 560. DEV 570 Developmental Psychopathology (3 credits) This course will examine the development of psychiatric disorders in children, adolescents, and adults. Students will become familiar with diagnostic systems and how to use them to inform practice. DEV 601 Child Assessment (3 credits) This course provides students with a basic understanding of the assessment of young children from birth to eight years of age. The primary goals for the course are (1) the purposes and processes of a variety of assessment methods currently used to evaluate learning and development of young children and (2) challenges in assessing young children from developmental, educational, psychological, and cultural perspectives. Students will learn principles of appropriate assessment, acquire a working knowledge of basic measurement concepts, and gain understanding of the methods of interview, observation, standardized testing, and alternative assessment approaches for young children. Prerequisite: DEV 560.