Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - PSYC 950 G100

Seminar in Developmental Psychology (3)

Class Number: 6187

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

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

Description

COURSE DETAILS:

This course will explore children's emotional development. Students will learn about emotion theories and methods used in emotion research with children and youth. A large focus of this course will be on understanding discrete emotional experiences within moral contexts.
Students will review, criticize, and discuss how emotions serve functional purposes, and how certain emotions facilitate children's prosocial outcomes concurrently and over time (i.e., how do certain emotions help children become “good” people?). Issues to be addressed include nativist and biological foundations versus developmental and socialization perspectives on the origins of emotions, emotions as motivators of behavior, and debates about the (mal)adaptivity of certain emotions across cultures and contexts. Students will also think about and discuss the ways in which emotion research and knowledge can be applied to shape current societal expectations and broader societal structures.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

By the end of this course, students will be able to
1) think critically about theories, methods, and research in developmental psychology (within the area of emotional development),
2) outline the theoretical perspectives and guiding themes in the field,
3) discuss empirical evidence and how it fits with current debates,
4) create and effectively present their own research ideas within the area of emotion development, and
5) work collaboratively with colleagues to apply their knowledge to broader societal issues.

Grading

  • Leading Discussion: 10%
  • Writing Assignments: 15%
  • Participation: 20%
  • Individual Presentation: 25%
  • Term Paper/Project: 30%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Students are not required to purchase a textbook for this course. All readings (book chapters and articles) will be provided.

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.

Graduate Studies Notes:

Important dates and deadlines for graduate students are found here: http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/current/important_dates/guidelines.html. The deadline to drop a course with a 100% refund is the end of week 2. The deadline to drop with no notation on your transcript is the end of week 3.

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.