Human Growth and Development
PSYC-40029
Human Growth and Development
This course provides an introduction to the major theories, models, and research related to human development throughout all stages of the lifespan from birth to death. Students will study theoretical models and research focused on human development within various biological, environmental, social and cultural contexts.
Learning Objectives
- Describe human development from a lifespan theory perspective
- Identify and describe the major theoretical approaches to human development and critically analyze these approaches
- Explore and identify your values and ideas about human functioning, development and social conditions
- Describe how negative environmental conditions and social attitudes and behaviors impair human development
- Describe major influences on an individual’s development across the lifespan
Course Information
Course sessions
Section ID:
Class type:
This course is entirely web-based and to be completed asynchronously between the published course start and end dates. Synchronous attendance is NOT required.
You will have access to your online course on the published start date OR 1 business day after your enrollment is confirmed if you enroll on or after the published start date.
Textbooks:
Development Through the Lifespan 7th
by Laura E. Berk
ISBN / ASIN: 9780134419695
You may purchase textbooks via the UC San Diego Bookstore.
Policies:
- No refunds after: 7/28/2025
Schedule:
Instructor:
Kyle Caler
Kyle Caler received his BA in Philosophy at West Virginia Wesleyan, his MSW with a clinical focus at Temple University and his PhD in Social Work at Rutgers University. Kyle worked in the field of disability support services for 7 years in a variety of positions before returning to obtain his PhD. During this time, he gained experience developing behavioral supports and using CBT & DBT therapy techniques with this population. Kyle has been involved in studies exploring the civic engagement of individuals with serious mental illness and the discharge and community placement process of a closing psychiatric hospital. Kyle’s dissertation involves the intersection of Q methodology and Critical Realism to explore the decision-making process of direct support staff in group homes for people with disabilities. Kyle is currently an assistant professor at California State University- Sacramento where he teaches classes in social work practice and human behavior in the social environment.
Section ID:
Class type:
This course is entirely web-based and to be completed asynchronously between the published course start and end dates. Synchronous attendance is NOT required.
You will have access to your online course on the published start date OR 1 business day after your enrollment is confirmed if you enroll on or after the published start date.
Textbooks:
All course materials are included unless otherwise stated.
Policies:
- No refunds after: 9/29/2025
Schedule:
Instructor:
Kyle Caler
Kyle Caler received his BA in Philosophy at West Virginia Wesleyan, his MSW with a clinical focus at Temple University and his PhD in Social Work at Rutgers University. Kyle worked in the field of disability support services for 7 years in a variety of positions before returning to obtain his PhD. During this time, he gained experience developing behavioral supports and using CBT & DBT therapy techniques with this population. Kyle has been involved in studies exploring the civic engagement of individuals with serious mental illness and the discharge and community placement process of a closing psychiatric hospital. Kyle’s dissertation involves the intersection of Q methodology and Critical Realism to explore the decision-making process of direct support staff in group homes for people with disabilities. Kyle is currently an assistant professor at California State University- Sacramento where he teaches classes in social work practice and human behavior in the social environment.
Section ID:
Class type:
This course is entirely web-based and to be completed asynchronously between the published course start and end dates. Synchronous attendance is NOT required.
You will have access to your online course on the published start date OR 1 business day after your enrollment is confirmed if you enroll on or after the published start date.
Textbooks:
All course materials are included unless otherwise stated.
Policies:
- No refunds after: 10/27/2025
Schedule:
Instructor:
Kyle Caler
Kyle Caler received his BA in Philosophy at West Virginia Wesleyan, his MSW with a clinical focus at Temple University and his PhD in Social Work at Rutgers University. Kyle worked in the field of disability support services for 7 years in a variety of positions before returning to obtain his PhD. During this time, he gained experience developing behavioral supports and using CBT & DBT therapy techniques with this population. Kyle has been involved in studies exploring the civic engagement of individuals with serious mental illness and the discharge and community placement process of a closing psychiatric hospital. Kyle’s dissertation involves the intersection of Q methodology and Critical Realism to explore the decision-making process of direct support staff in group homes for people with disabilities. Kyle is currently an assistant professor at California State University- Sacramento where he teaches classes in social work practice and human behavior in the social environment.
