Objective: Review contemporary theory, research, and methods relevant to the scientific study of infant development. Topics include physiological, cortical, motor, perceptual, cognitive, emotional, and social development in infancy. Human and other animal models will be considered. The course focuses on both normative and atypical (e.g., autism) development because an understanding of one enriches an understanding of the other.
Required Readings: The class is a seminar with students reading and discussing key journal articles and reviews, which are linked to this syllabus. One reading will be assigned for each class. Reading assignments marked "Extra" are suggested but not required.
Facilitating Discussions: Students will present readings and facilitate class discussion several times during the semester. Your presentations should cover the results, methods if relevant, integrative themes across the readings, and ideas regarding potential future directions/applications of the findings. Give us the big picture but know the details! To do so, please familiarize yourself with the online slides you may use to present your article. As needed, please edit the slides and create new slides. If you create a new slide, please put your last name in the footer section of the slide. I favor the use of figures in slides. Slides are due by email 12 hours before class. Presentation/discussions are 25% of your grade and will be based on the clarity and thoughtfulness of your presentation and the ensuing discussion.
Participation: Attendance is mandatory and 10% of your grade will be based on your engagement and participation in classroom discussions. This may include written responses to in-class queries.
Final project. A written and verbally presented project on typical or atypical infant development that interests you and will foster your productivity (65% of grade). The final project is designed by the student and mentored by the professor to foster interdisciplinary student productivity. Examples:
1) A publication-quality research project such as a thesis or paper.
2) A NSF or NIH research or training grant proposal (all sections).
3) A publication quality literature reviews in summary-article/chapter format (i.e., organized by theme, not by reading).
Due dates:
8/30. Title and type of project (grant, paper, etc.).
9/13. One paragraph single-spaced summary.
9/27. One page single-spaced abstract of intended final project.
10/11. Two page single-spaced abstract of your final project.
11/1. First draft of final paper.
11/15. Draft PowerPoint and oral presentation.
12/6. PowerPoint and oral presentation.
12/14. Final paper due.
Be prepared to discuss your final project progress in class on these dates. Consult with your PI on your project and cc your PI when you submit each of these assignments. You can change your final project topic at any point but you will not benefit from comments on the previous topic.
Honor code: Final project assignments will be submitted through BlackBoard SafeAssign. They are governed by the Honor code: “On my honor, I have neither given nor received any aid on this exam/paper, etc.” Review the graduate honor code here.