Advanced Human Development (Theory)

Definition and Need of interdisciplinary approach to study Human Development; Developmental tasks; Basic concepts of development-maturation and learning, Sensitive periods, Individual differences, Nature-Nurture issues; Secular trend in growth

Prenatal Development: Stages of prenatal development; Influence of genetic and environmental factors on prenatal growth and development; The role of teratogens; Diagnostic tests; Significance of the genome project for understanding human development; Importance of Indian practices during pregnancy

Birth and Neonate: Birth process, Types of delivery, Complications at birth, APGAR test, Physical and Physiological state of neonates’ adjustments, Reflexes and sensory capacities.

Infancy and Babyhood: Characteristics, Physical and motor development, Nutrition and Health, Perceptual development, Emotional, Cognitive and Language development, Social relationships, the cultural experience of being an infant.

Early Childhood : Importance and Characteristics; Physical and Motor Development; Play and Social relationships; The emerging self; Cognitive, Language and emotional in early years; early socialization - Parenting, Peers and Cultural processes

Middle Childhood: Characteristics, Developmental tasks; Physical and Motor development – changes; Cognitive, language and Moral development; Emotional development; Sense of Industry and Personality development; Social relationships with parents, siblings, peers and teachers, Socialization by Mass media, Cultural influences; The experience of schooling – academic achievement

Definition and Characteristics, Transition from childhood to sexual maturity Puberty and its consequences;

Physical and Psychological changes; Development of formal thoughts; Moral reasoning and judgment;

 Integration of the self- Issues of identity formation and Personality b Role of family, Peers, community and ethnic groups; changes in social life, Vocational interests and Adjustments; Health, Sexuality, mental health, delinquency-conformity

Early/Young Adulthood – Biological and developmental tasks; Physical, intellectual and personality development; Importance of social organization- Single life, Marriage and Marital adjustments; Parenthood and Non-parenthood, Divorce and remarriage; Vocational patterns and adjustment-Culmination of identity formation; Health status

Middle Adulthood – Physical continuity and changes-Sensory abilities, Physiological functioning and appearance; Adult intelligence; Personality development - Development of Self; Roles in family and Maintaining Family relationship, Friendships; Inter-generation relationships-Parenting adult offspring and their marriage, Health and Disease, Menopause in Women, Adult sexuality; Work and Career development

Late adulthood and Old age – Changes in physical, cognitive abilities and creativity; Physical aspects of aging; Health and disease; Continuity and change in personality; changes in family life cycle and social relationships; occupational continuity and Change-effect on identity; Work and Retirement; Alternative life styles and Leisure time activities; Death, dying and bereavement.