Learning Goals for Psych 456: Social and Moral Development

Peter Kahn

  1. To recognize and differentiate between major theories in social and moral development based on whether the core explanatory processes are endogenous (e.g., sociobiological), exogenous (e.g., behaviorist or social-learning), or interactional (e.g., psychoanalytic or constructivist). Assessed by quizzes, classroom discussions, and papers.
  2. To use developmental theories to analyze and provide potential solutions to applied problems related to parenting, education, peer relationships, authoritarian relationships, sexuality, culture, ecology, and technology. Assessed by classroom discussions and papers.
  3. To formulate tight and accurate oral and written arguments based on a close textual reading of academic articles. Assessed by classroom discussions and papers.
  4. To analyze data and arguments that speak to aspects of social and moral development that are potentially (a) universal, or (b) relative to culture, ethnicity, gender, and other boundaries. Assessed by quizzes, classroom discussions, and papers.
  5. To listen to the viewpoints of individuals who disagree with your own perspective in a respectful and considered fashion, and then to be able (a) to modify your views when you hear evidence and argument that seem credible, and (b) to defend your (now possibly modified) position in a respectful and scholarly and at times passionate manner. Assessed mostly by classroom discussions, but can take place at times in papers.

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