Social Development: How We Come to Understand Ourselves and Others

How does an infant, who is seemingly immersed in its immediate perceptual world, become an adult with morals, self-esteem, and intimate relationships? To address this question, this psychology course will examine key developmental changes between infancy and adolescence in various social domains, including self and other understanding, moral development, and emotional development. Through lecture, in-class assignments, and lively discussions, we will contemplate how social interactions and environmental factors shape who we are throughout the lifespan. The goal is that by the end of this class, students understand how theories and research in the realm of social development enhance our understanding of human psychology.