This course covers three central theoretical debates regarding children's development within the family. Transactional theory will be introduced and applied to the problem of early brain development and perinatal risk. Competing theories of developmental continuity (e.g. individual difference models emphasizing behavioral genetics, temperament, and socialization) will be applied to the problem of child personality. Ecological theory will be introduced and applied to the problem of extrafamilial influences on socialization. Problem sets, written and oral presentations will provide an opportunity for practical application and a deeper understanding of the material. The course will include applications of developmental psychology principles to policy issues such as fetal exposure to teratogens (e.g. alcohol, lead), child maltreatment, and childcare.
