Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - PSYC 354 D100

Development of Children's Thinking (3)

Class Number: 4722

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Wed, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    PSYC 201 and 250.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Examines research and theory concerning the origins and development of cognition in humans. Traces the development of language and children's thinking about the physical and social world from birth to adulthood, with a focus on infancy and childhood.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course focuses on the origins and development of human thought, drawing on contemporary and classic research in developmental psychology. The course explores how children come to understand and reason about the physical world, the social and moral world, and language. The course explores how children come to understand and reason about the physical world, the social and moral world, and language. By combining research findings and theoretical perspectives, students will examine how children’s thinking changes over time and what these changes reveal about the nature of human cognition.

Grading

  • Tutorial Assignments: 10%
  • Writing Assignments: 30%
  • Mid-Term Exam: 30%
  • Final Exam: 30%

REQUIREMENTS:

**Tutorials start on first week of classes**

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Textbook:
Carpendale, J. I. M., Lewis, C., & Müller, U., (2018). The development of children’s thinking: Its social and communicative foundations. Sage Publications.
The textbook is available as a paperback or an electronic version (as a kindle edition) from the publisher. I suggest that you check this possibility because it may be more reasonable than what the SFU bookstore offers.
https://us.sagepub.com/en-us/nam/the-development-of-children%E2%80%99s-thinking/book243124

Optional additional reading:
Carpendale, J., & Lewis, C. (2021). What makes us human? How minds develop in social interactions. Routledge.
https://www.routledge.com/What-Makes-Us-Human-How-Minds-Develop-through-Social-Interactions/CarpendaleLewis/p/book/9780367537937?fbclid=IwAR1LFMcB28qdyncjQPdtJJxBIOQ2tE9UiqlP1dV2vsck1cJ_2DhniaeEl0Q

REQUIRED READING:

Carpendale, J. I. M., Lewis, C., & Müller, U., (2018). The development of children's thinking: Its social and communicative foundations. Sage Publications.
ISBN: 9781473952966

RECOMMENDED READING:

Carpendale, J. and Lewis, C. (2021). What Makes Us Human: How Minds Develop through Social Interactions. Routledge.
ISBN: 9781003125105

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.