Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2025 - PSYC 250 OL01

Introduction to Developmental Psychology (3)

Class Number: 7530

Delivery Method: Online

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Online

  • Instructor:

    Sherrie Atwood
    atwood@sfu.ca
    Office: ZOOM
    Office Hours: Wednesdays 12:00pm - 1:00pm

  • Prerequisites:

    PSYC 102.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Considers the psychological and physical aspects of human development from conception through middle childhood. Topics include social, emotional, language, cognitive, perceptual and physical development.

COURSE DETAILS:

In this course we exam neurological, cognitive, social, emotional and physical development from pre-birth to school age. Topics include pregnancy, birth, learning, social and familial relationships, mental health and media.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Understand what development pertains to across different domains
Increase knowledge-base on issues which pertain to babies, toddlers, and school-aged children
Increase understanding of varying perspectives on cognition and learning
Apply some of the academic findings to real world experiences
Have a sense of the type of research and research designs used in developmental oriented research.

Grading

  • Assignment 1: 25%
  • Assignment 2: 25%
  • Assignment 3: 25%
  • Final Exam: 25%

NOTES:

Topics: Theories and worldviews, pregnancy, birth, cognitive development, language acquisition, family, peers, media, mental health.

Lectures: Online asynchronous lecture available on Wednesdays.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Shaffer et al., (2026). Developmental Psychology: Infancy and Childhood 6thCanadian Edition. Cengage.

Paperback - ISBN 9781778415555
E-book version – ISBN 9781778415791

Please do not use an earlier edition of this textbook.

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.