Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2025 - PSYC 391 D100

Selected Topics in Psychology (3)

Social Development

Class Number: 3878

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 3 – Nov 16, 2025: Wed, 9:30–11:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

    Nov 17 – Dec 2, 2025: Wed, 9:30–11:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Instructor:

    Joanna Peplak
    jpeplak@sfu.ca
    1 778 782-3791
    Office: RCB 7321

  • Prerequisites:

    PSYC 201. Other prerequisites vary by topic offering.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Course can be repeated for credit. Students may not take this course for further credit if similar topics are covered. See Psychology department website for course description.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course is a survey of contemporary research and theory in social development from infancy through to adolescence that will extend your broad understanding of child development as covered in PSYC250. We will dive deeper into topics such as emotional and moral development, and family and peer relationships. We will also explore how social development has been shaped by recent and ongoing global challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change, and examine how modern technology has transformed the nature of children’s social interactions. The cultural and historical context of development will be integrated within discussions, and implications for community prevention/intervention strategies, clinical practice, and policy will be discussed.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

At the end of this course through your effort and my guidance, you will be able to: (1) understand the complexity and importance of social development for wellbeing, (2) understand how primary agents within the microsystem (e.g., peers) and macrosystem (e.g., media) influence children’s social development, (3) outline the theoretical perspectives and guiding themes in the field, (4) think critically about theories, methods, research, and applications of research pertaining to social development, and (5) generate creative ideas that could meaningfully contribute to the field.

Grading

  • Engagement Activity: 2%
  • Writing Assignments: 20%
  • Tutorial Assignments: 24%
  • Quizzes: 24%
  • Term Paper/Project: 30%

REQUIREMENTS:

Prerequisites: PSYC 201 and PSYC 250

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

All readings will be provided on Canvas

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.