Upon successful completion of the learning experience, students will be able to:

Discuss the various theories and ideas concerning influences of genetics vs. environment in psychological development throughout the lifespan; Describe the major developmental tasks to be accomplished at each stage of the lifespan; Identify the major theoretical perspectives related to developmental psychology and explain the role of the scientific method and research in the field; Identify characteristic behaviors associated with various stages of development and describe practical implications of those behaviors, particularly implications for learning, language acquisition, and cognitive, social and physical development; Develop an awareness of cross-cultural differences in patterns of development and understand the role of multiculturalism in human interactions; Explain the impact of critical life experiences, such as death and dying, and the grieving process; Discuss special needs populations such as the mentally ill, the disadvantaged, and the disabled; and Integrate principles from nursing, the biological sciences, social sciences and the humanities to explain the breadth and depth of the science of developmental psychology.