Social Sciences and Psychology

1. Recognize and describe major cognitive, biological, and socio-emotional life changes.
2. Explain the interactive nature of biological and environmental factors.
3. Identify various historical and theoretical perspectives of human development.
4. Describe how scientific methodology can be implemented to study life-span perspectives.
5. Understand practical applications of theory and research in current situations.
6. Apply theory and research to the understanding and appreciation of oneself and others in a lifespan context.

Special Assignments

Cultural Dimensions of Childbirth

The basic biology of the beginning of life is universal, but cultural norms, values, and expectations vary around the world.  Cultures have developed all sorts of rituals and ceremony associated with childbirth (including our own!)

In this assignment we are going to explore some of these cultural practices.

Identity Status

This course is really all about change, and we are constantly changing.  Specifically, the ways in which we perceive ourselves and the fate and decisions we make that define us are core to our sense of self.

As adults we are much more in charge of the process of defining ourselves than when we were young.  So, we are now a combination of characteristics that have been both bestowed upon us and earned through our choices.

The purpose of this assignment is to highlight the ways in which some aspects of our selves have been ascribed to us through experiences we had no control over, other aspects exist through our specific actions and choices, and that, as adults, we can have several aspects of ourselves in a variety of states of change.

Biography Interview

Each of us exemplifies a case study of human development.  This is particular true of the elderly, who have lived a number of years, survived their trials and challenges, and are now repositories of wisdom that they are willing to share.

Biography Analysis is a research method utilized in the study of Human Development. By hearing, writing, reading, and analyzing the specific life stories of individuals we gain a unique insight into the diversity, and similarity, of our life stories.

In this class you will be engaging an individual, age 65 or older, in an extended interview...documenting their lives and, just possibly, learning a lot more about your own!

It is my hope that someday I will be able to produce a television show similar to the real "Biography". I want to call it "Maine Biography" and it was to feature just regular people, like the individuals you are going to interview in this class. I wish to show that even those "regular" people often lead very remarkable and interesting lives!

Biography Reflection

The Biography Interview is a powerful way to conduct research.  In this assignment you are going to use a variety of theories and models to analyze stories from your Biography Interview.

This assignment should reflect a high degree of effort on your part to apply what you have learned through this process. DO NOT APPROACH THIS ASSIGNMENT LIGHTLY! I'm asking you to get DEEP.

You have worked very hard on this project and in this class, it is vital that you make this effort to REFLECT on that learning so that you can benefit the most from the process you have gone through.