The study of age-related cognitive, social and emotional behavior focusing on theories of development during infancy and childhood. Students learn how social factors—such as one’s family, socioeconomic status, and culture—impact upon human development, and the current state of affairs in America for factors (e.g., divorce, child care, single-parenting) that impact child development. The focus of the course is on human development within the American culture, but both book and lecture materials will also present cross-cultural comparisons. This course provides a foundation for other courses within the psychology department, such as child psychopathology, cross-cultural psychology, and the exceptional child.