Week 1 – Journal
Introduction: The Theory and Science of Development and Their Application to Early Stages of Development
This week will focus on the science of development as well as on major theories of development and their applications to the prenatal period, infancy, and the first two years of life. Subject matter includes, but is not limited to, the major theories of lifespan development, chromosomal and genetic impact on the developing fetus, the process of birth, and sensory development of the child.
Required Text
Mossler, R. A., & Ziegler, M. (2016). Understanding development: A lifespan perspective. San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education, Inc.
· Chapter 1: The study of Lifespan Development
· Chapter 2: Foundational Theories and Research Practices in the Study of Human Development
· Chapter 3: Genetics, Conception, and Prenatal Development
· Chapter 4: Birth and Neonatal Development
· Chapter 5: Sections 5.5 Sensation and Perception: Touch, Smell, and Taste, 5.6 Sensation and Perception: Hearing, 5.7: Sensation and Perception: Vision
Required References
National Geographic. (2011a, Apr 29). Inside the living body, video 1 of 9 [Video file]. Retrieved https://youtu.be/AbvPBc4GawM (Links to an external site.)
National Geographic. (2011b, Apr 29). Inside the living body, video 2 of 9 [Video file]. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/tPl8TUde550 (Links to an external site.)
National Geographic. (2011c, Apr 29). Inside the living body, video 3 of 9 [Video file]. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/hDrxUizBPEI (Links to an external site.)
National Geographic. (2011d, Apr 29). Inside the living body, video 4 of 9 [Video file]. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/HOrXPa2Utqs (Links to an external site.)
National Geographic. (2011e, Apr 29). Inside the living body, video 5 of 9 [Video file]. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/g52satYEwSY (Links to an external site.)
National Geographic. (2011f, Apr 29). Inside the living body, video 6 of 9 [Video file]. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/Fl0VwvrpcGg (Links to an external site.)
National Geographic. (2011g, Apr 29). Inside the living body, video 7 of 9 [Video file]. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/K8xR6tMU7xg (Links to an external site.)
National Geographic. (2011h, Apr 29). Inside the living body, video 8 of 9 [Video file]. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/fmmNx2d69eM (Links to an external site.)
National Geographic. (2011i, Apr 29). Inside the living body, video 9 of 9 [Video file]. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/IPNSf7mDvYA (Links to an external site.)
Recommended References
Mercer, J. (2011). Attachment theory and its vicissitudes: Toward an updated theory. Theory Psychology, 21(25), 25-45. doi: 10.1177/0959354309356136 (Available through SAGE Journals).
Siegel, D. J. (2004). Attachment and self-understanding: Parenting with the brain in mind. Journal of Prenatal & Perinatal Psychology and Health, 18(4), 273-285.
ASSIGNMENT:
Prenatal Development
With the evolution of Google, accessible information, the study of genetics, prenatal tests, social media, and many other sources of information for new parents, the process of preparing for a healthy baby can be overwhelming.
For this first journal assignment, reflect on the substance and theoretical foundation of what you have learned this week about prenatal development. Then write a reflective essay that addresses the following:
· Comment on how this week’s learning and materials compliment, oppose, and/or affect change in your positions and attitudes on the relevant subject matter.
· From this reflection, formulate and articulate three pieces of advice to help expecting parents ensure healthy development of their baby.
· Analyze how your recommendations are grounded in relevant theory.
· Explain how a decision to ground your recommendations in a different theoretical framework might have affected your decisions and actions.
· Based on your response to the previous question, describe what you see as the proper or optimal way to think about the relationship between theory and practice.
· Explain how the recommendations you selected help to ensure healthy development.
· Explain how ethical concerns might arise related to things such as prenatal tests and predictions.
Be sure to consider what you read about in Chapters 1 and 2 of the course textbook relating to developmental theory and the evaluation of research evidence for claims.
Required Text
Mossler, R. A., & Ziegler, M. (2016). Understanding Development: A Lifespan Perspective. San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education, Inc
