Theories of Development

Welcome to Theories of Development Capstone with Dr. Leigh Shaw

Welcome!

I am Dr. Leigh Shaw. I am a professor and Adviser in Psychological Science and the Director of General Education at Weber State. I earned my BS with Honors in Psychology from the University of Wyoming, and my MS and PhD in Psychology from the University of Utah. I am a Developmental Psychologist with training, expertise, and decades of teaching experience in child and adolescent development. I also have two kids, so I am living what I am teaching. I developed and have taught this capstone since 2018. We are going to have so much fun connecting developmental theories to our everyday lives!

What will I learn in Theories of Development?

This capstone will examine current reesarch and theoretical models that focus on the development of children. You will read various theories of development to explore 1) the main issues they address (i.e., "What is the basic nature of humans?" Is development qualitative or quantitative? How do nature and nurture contribute to development? What is it that develops?"), 2) the mechanisms of development, 3) applications, 4) strengths and weaknesses, and 5) contemporary research to highlight how the theory is alive today. Finally, you will synthesize your learning in oral and written formats to address the question, "What is my theory of development?" You will understand how developmental theory provides a "big picture" framework for understanding the significance of research in developmental psychology. By means of reading, analyzing, writing, presenting, and participating in class, you will develop a knowledge base in developmental psychology and apply that knowledge to your life, ethical and social responsibility in a diverse world, professional communication skills, as a professional in the field of psychological science, and hone your scientific thinking and critical thinking skills. 

What is a capstone course?

In an architectural context, a capstone is the top stone placed at the top of a wall or other structure. In an academic context, a capstone is a final course that completes a student's major. A capstone course provides students with the opportunity to integrate, apply, and reflect on many aspects of the psychological science major in one course experience and to demontrate comprehensive learning in the major through some type of product or performance. Capstone courses should emphasize context by embedding psychology in a broader social, cultural, and historic framework and by helping students understand the place for psychology in our interconnected world.

The capstone course serves two main purposes: 1) to all psychological science majors a final opportunity to practice and demonstrate the critical thinking, reflection, and integrative learning skills they will need to succeed after graduation, and 2) to allow the department a final opportunity to assess whether it has been successful in its mission to train students to be psychologically literate citizens who can engage in scientifically- and ethically-informed judgments, decision-making, and actions.

What is a virtual course?

All instruction in this (and student hours for) a virtual course is provided synchronously via Zoom. We will meet on Tuesday afternoons at our scheduled time on Zoom. Our class sessions are critical for learning together, so please plan to attend all Zoom class meetings on-time and with your camera on. You will receive instructions on Zoom and how to access the Zoom invitation on the first day of the semester via a course announcement (also see Zoom tab in Canvas). All course assignments will be available and submitted via Canvas. 

What is my textbook?

Miller, P.h. (2016) Theories of Developmental Psychology (6th ed.). Worth Publishers. Available through Day One Access in Canvas on the VitalSource Bookshelf.