1. + The Beginning Week 1: The Science of Development Week 2: Genes and Prenatal Development

2. + The Science of Development

3. + Week 1 Objectives Defining Development The Life-Span Perspective Theories of Human Development

4. + Defining Development The science of human development seeks to understand how and why people change over time (Berger, 2009). The scientific method is used to understand how and why. Begin with curiosity Develop a hypothesis Test hypothesis Draw conclusions Report results Nature vs. Nurture: Nature refers to the influence of genes. Nurture refers to environmental influences.

5. + The Life-Span Perspective Studies the phases of human development. 1.) Multidirectional Human characteristics change in every direction. 2.) Multicontextual Development takes place within many contexts. 3.) Multicultural “culture” refers to behavior passed from one generation to the next. 4.)Multidisciplinary Development is vast, requires insight from many disciplines. 5.)Plastic Human traits can be molded.

6. + Theories of Human Development Developmental Theory Principles/generalizations for understanding how and why people change as the grow older. Psychoanalytic Theory The underlying forces thought to influence every aspect of thinking and behavior. Cognitive Theory Thoughts and expectations profoundly affect actions. Systems Theory The idea that a change in one part of a person, family, or society affects all aspects of development (connected).

7. + Genes and Prenatal Development

8. + Week 2 Objectives The Beginning of Life Genetic Problems From Zygote to Newborn Birth

9. + The Beginning of Life Life begins as a single cell. All living things are composed of DNA.

10. + Genetic Problems Chromosomal Abnormalities Gene Disorders

11. + From Zygote to Newborn The Germinal Period (the first 2 weeks) The Embryonic Period (2-8 weeks) The Fetal Period (8 weeks until birth)

12. + Birth The Birth Process Practices Birth weight Mothers and Fathers

13. + References: Berger, K. S. (2009). Invitation to the Life Span. New York: Worth Publishers. Grobman, K. H. (2008). Developmental Psychology. Retrieved November 13, 2011 from http://www.devpsy.org/topics/index.html http://www.devpsy.org/topics/index.html