Spring 2025 - PSYC 450 D100

Advanced Topics in Developmental Psychology (4)

Emotional Development

Class Number: 5172

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Instructor:

    Joanna Peplak
    jpeplak@sfu.ca
    1 778 782-3791
    Office: RCB 7321
    Office Hours: Mondays 1- 2pm
  • Prerequisites:

    PSYC 201, 210, 250 and 60 units, and a CGPA of 3.0. 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 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

  • Writing Assignments: 10%
  • Group presentation: 10%
  • Individual presentation: 20%
  • Participation: 30%
  • 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.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the university community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the university. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the university. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

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.