COUN 6940 - Human Growth and Development
Fall 2026 Syllabus, Section 01, CRN 41626,
Credit hours: 3
Course Meeting Times
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Instructor
Dominic Venetti
Email: dsvenetti@ysu.edu
Course Description
6940. Human Growth and Development. The goal of this course is to help students develop an understanding of the theories and concepts associated with human growth and development, specifically in regard to how they relate to counseling. Students will develop an understanding of development through life through a study of research and discussion of development theories. An understanding of the biosocial aspects of development specifically using Erikson’s and other theories will occur. The application of this information will be stressed due to its crucial role in the development of determining normal versus abnormal as well as the utilization of appropriate treatment goals and plans. 3 s.h.
Course Readings
| Group | Title | Author | ISBN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Required | The Life Span: Human Development for Helping Professionals-6th edition | Broderick and Blewitt | |
| Required | Atlas of the Heart: Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human Experience. Random House | Brown |
The course readings are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, research developments, current events, and/or to ensure better learning.
Assignments/Assessments
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Schedule of Topics and Assignments
| Day | Date | Reading(s) | Proposed Topic | Due/To Prepare for Class |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mon | 8/24 | Review Syllabus; Review Assignments; Introductions | ||
| Mon | 8/31 | Broderick Chapters 1&2 Brown introduction and chapter 1 |
Broderick:Organizing Themes in Development Broderick: Genetics, Epigenetics, and the Brain: The Fundamentals of Behavioral Development Brown: introduction Brown: Places we go when things are uncertain or too much |
Newsflash Topics Due Quiz 1 & 2 |
| Mon | 9/7 | no class | Labor Day | |
| Mon | 9/14 | Broderick Chapters 3 & 4 Brown 2 and 3 |
Broderick: Cognitive Development in the Early Years Broderick: Emotional and Social Development in the Early Years Brown: Places we go when we compare Brown: Places we go when things don't go as planned |
Research Paper Proposal Due Quiz 3 & 4 |
| Mon | 9/21 | Broderick: Chapters 5 Brown Chapter 4 |
Broderick: The Emerging Self and Socialization in the Early Years Brown: Places we go when it's beyond us |
Quiz 5 |
| Mon | 9/28 | Broderick: Chapter 6 Brown chapter 5 |
Broderick: Realms of Cognition in Middle Childhood Brown: Places we go when things aren't what they seem |
Quiz 6 |
| Mon | 10/5 | Broderick: Chapter 7 Brown: Chapter 6 |
Broderick: Self and Moral Development: middle Childhood Through Early Adoleacence Brown: Places we go when we're hurting |
3 Newsflash Presentations Quiz 7 |
| Mon | 10/12 | Broderick: Chapter 8 Brown: Chapter 7 |
Broderick: Sex, Gender, and Peer Relationships: middle Childhood through Early Adolescence Brown: Places we go with others |
3 Newsflash Presentations Quiz 8 |
| Mon | 10/19 | Broderick: Chapter 9 Brown Chapter 8 |
Broderick: Physical, Cognitive, and Identity Development in Adolescence Brown: Places we go when we fall short |
3 Newsflash Presentations Quiz 9 Midterm End of class- Due 10-23-26 |
| Mon | 10/26 | Broderick: Chapter 10 Brown: Chapter 9 |
Broderick :The Social World Of Adolescence Brown: Places we go when we search for connection |
Quiz 10 |
| Mon | 11/2 | Broderick: Chapter 11 Brown: Chapter 10 |
Broderick: Physical and Cognitive Development in Young adulthood Brown: Places we go when the heart is open |
3 Newsflash Presentations Research Papers Due Quiz 11 |
| Mon | 11/9 | Broderick: Chapter 12 Brown Chapter 11 |
Socioemotional and Vocational Development in Young Adulthood Brown: Places we go when life is good |
3 Newsflash Presentations Quiz 12 |
| Mon | 11/16 | Broderick : Chapter 13 Brown Chapter 12 |
Broderick: Middle Adulthood: Cognitive, Personality, and Social Development Brown: Places we go when we feel wronged |
3 Newsflash Presentations Quiz 13 |
| Mon | 11/23 | Broderick: Chapter 14 Brown Chapter 13 |
Broderick: Living well: Stress, coping and life satisfaction in adulthood Brown: Places we go to self assess |
3 Newsflash Presentations Quiz 14 |
| Mon | 11/30 | Broderick : Chapter 15 Brown: Cultivating Meaningful Connections and Gratitude |
Gains and Losses in Late Adulthood | 3 Newsflash Presentations Quiz 15 |
| Mon | 12/7 | Final Exam | Due 12-10 |
The course schedule, policies, procedures, and assignments in this course are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, by mutual agreement, and/or to ensure better learning.