Spring 2014/Pasadena
FS510
Wong
FS510: HUMAN DEVELOPMENT IN CONTEXT (4 Units). Maria S. Wong.
DESCRIPTION: This course provides an overview of psychological development that occurs throughout the lifespan. Contemporary research, developmental theories, and theological anthropology will provide a structure for understanding the development of persons from infancy to later life. Central issues of human functioning such as emotionality, social relations, personality, identity, spirituality, morality, and self-hood will be discussed in order to provide a normative and foundational basis for understanding persons. Students will integrate the course content at multiple levels: 1) theological reflection on human development, 2) psychological understanding of religious/spiritual development, and 3) personal integration of course content with student’s life experience.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: (1) Provide students with a developmental perspective so that they might care, nurture, and educate more effectively in their ministries; (2) provide an integrative approach to human development; (3) explore issues specific to different stages of development; (3) provide an overview of major developmental theories; (4) expose students to the state-of-the-art developmental research; and (5) provide the opportunity for personal integration.
COURSE FORMAT: This 4 unit course meets 3 hours per week for lectures and discussions. Video presentations, class discussion, and guest lectures will facilitate course objectives. Students are expected to complete assigned readings prior to class. All assignments must be completed to pass the course and regular attendance is expected.
REQUIRED READING:
Balswick, J. O., King, P. E., & Reimer K. S. The Reciprocating Self: Human Development in Theological Perspective. Intervarsity Press, 2005. ISBN: 978-0830827930, Pub. Price $27.00 [334 pp.].
Berger, K. S. (2011). The Developing Person Through the Lifespan (8th ed.)or The Developing Person Through the Lifespan ebook. Worth Publications, 2011. ISBN: 978-1429232036, Pub. Price $152.08 [667 pp.] ***Or other approved lifespan textbook .
Sroufe, L.A., Egeland, B., Carlson, E.A., & Collins, W.A. (2005). The Development of the Person: The Minnesota Study of the Risk and Adaptation from Birth to Adulthood. Guilford Publications, Inc, 2005. ISBN: 978-1606232491, Pub. Price $34.67 [384 pp.].
E-Reserve articles (available on course Moodle site)
ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:
Ministry application blog (20%; 2% each x 10 entries).
Reflection papers (40%, 10% each x 4 papers [3-4 pages long, double-space, 12-point Times New Roman]).
Midterm and final exam (40%, 20% each).
PREREQUISITES: None
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Core seminary course.
FINAL EXAMINATION: Yes.