Psychology 316 Course Offerings

Course Information

• Department: Psychology
• Course Title: Atypical Development
• Course Code: PSY 316
• Credits: 3
• Contact Hours: 45

Catalog Description

In this course students will explore developmental deviations that result in disorders of childhood focusing on neurodevelopmental disorders (intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and specific learning disorder) and psychopathology (anxiety, mood, and conduct disorders). Developmental theories will be utilized to analyze disorders at the genetic, brain, behavioral, and cognitive levels. Emphasis will be placed on examining neurobiological and environmental factors contributing to disorders of childhood. The final portion of the course will focus on how atypical development may contribute to our understanding of typical development. Prerequisite(s): PSY 232 Credits: 3 (3,0)

• Prerequisites: PSY 232. Credits: 3.
• Required For: None
• Elective For: All curricula with a social science elective
• Text: Mash, E. J., Wolfe, D. A. (2016). Abnormal Child Psychology, 6th Edition

Learning Objectives:

• Discuss the major themes, issues, and concepts that define and surround atypical development
• Demonstrate an understanding of the range of childhood disorders including DSM-5 diagnostic criteria
• Demonstrate an understanding of how the environment can shape developmental trajectories
• Demonstrate an understanding of how the neurobiological and environmental factors that impact the development, maintenance, and behavioral manifestation of childhood disorders
• Identify risk and protective factors and discuss how they contribute to the development of psychopathology
• Demonstrate an understanding of how studying atypical development informs our understanding of typical development
• Critically evaluate research findings
• Practice critical thinking, reasoning, and communication skills

Assignments & Course Work

Students will be assessed via a variety of methods including written exams, oral case study presentations, and a research paper.

Week 1	Topic
	Introduction to the Class
	What is Atypical Development?
Week 2	Topic
	Levels of Analysis: Genes, Brain, Behavior, & Cognition
	Theories & Causes
Week 3	Topic
	Intellectual Disability (Single Gene Disorders)
Week 4	Topic
	Intellectual Disability (Chromosomal & CNV Disorders)
Week 5	Topic
	Autism Spectrum Disorder
Week 6	Topic
	Language Disorders
	Developmental Dyslexia
Week 7	Topic
	Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Week 8	Topic
	Tourette’s Disorder
Week 9	Topic
	Attachment Disorders
Week 10	Topic
	Anxiety Disorders
Week 11	Topic
	Mood Disorders
Week 12	Topic
	Conduct Disorders
Week 13	Topic
	Face Processing
	Social Cognition
Week 14	Topic
	Attention & Visual Processing
	Mathematics
Week 15	Topic
	Sleep