This course will introduce students to key principles in developmental psychology that have direct relevance for policies affecting children. Theories of growth (e.g. as stage vs. hierarchical integration) will be introduced through coverage of children's cognitive development and learning. Theories of continuity, early influence, and discontinuity in development will be examined through children's socioemotional development, including children's aggressive versus prosocial behavior. Principles regarding the role of person-context interactions will be examined through research on peer networks and classroom processes. Students will review a range of early interventions targeting child outcomes, as well as to policies pertaining to child health, welfare and education.
