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The Minor in Child Development

The Child Development Minor is intended to provide interested students a meaningful supplement and expansion of their major, liberal arts education, or professional preparation in specific areas. The CHLD minor uses an interdisciplinary approach to the study of child development.

Course Requirements for the Minor: 20-21 units

The following courses, or their approved transfer equivalents, are required of all candidates for this minor.

Minor Core Program: 12 units

1 course required:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
CHLD 251 Observational Techniques   3.0 FS  
Prerequisites: concurrent registration or prior completion of CHLD 250 or CHLD 252.
This course includes acquisition and application of basic observation skills regarding children's physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development. (Required for students enrolled in CHLD 250.) 2 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. (001441)

1 course selected from:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
CHLD 250 Child Development   3.0 FS  
Prerequisites: Registration in CHLD 251 for Child Development majors and minors.
A study of the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development of children from conception through adolescence. The course examines genetic, biological, and environmental influences including cross-cultural issues. Scheduled observation in the Associated Students Child Development Laboratory (ASCDL) is met through enrollment in CHLD 251. 3 hours discussion. (001440)
CHLD 252 Child Development   3.0 FS  GE
Designed for Nursing, Liberal Studies, Communication Sciences & Disorders, and other non-Child Development majors, this course studies the physical, cognitive, social and emotional development of children from conception through adolescence. The course explains genetic, biological, and environmental influences including cross-cultural issues. Scheduled observations are included. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. (001442)

2 courses selected from:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
CHLD 350 Prenatal-Infant Development   3.0 SP  
Prerequisites: CHLD 250 or CHLD 252 or PSYC 355.
This course studies characteristic developmental changes in and environmental influences on human infants from conception to approximately two years of age. Special emphasis is on sensory-perceptual abilities, social-emotional interactions, and cognitive developmental processes. Guided observations of infants required. 3 hours discussion. (001446)
CHLD 354 The School-Aged Child   3.0 FS  
Prerequisites: CHLD 250 or CHLD 252 or PSYC 355.
This class examines the physical, cognitive, emotional, and psychosocial aspects of growth during the school-aged years (ages 5 through 12), as well as contextual influences (e.g., family, school, peer group) on children's development. Particular attention is paid to the implications of developmental patterns for those who work with school-aged children. 3 hours lecture. (001449)
CHLD 357 Adolescent Development   3.0 FA  
Prerequisites: CHLD 250 or CHLD 252 or PSYC 355.
This course provides a broad research and theory-based overview of physical, cognitive, emotional, social, moral, and identity development during adolescence. An ecological framework is used to examine the influence of sociocultural contexts, ethnicity, gender, family, peers, and school settings on adolescent experience and development. 3 hours discussion. (001461)
CHLD 455 Seminar in Family Relations   3.0 FS  
Prerequisites: CHLD 250 or CHLD 252 or CHLD 255 or PSYC 355, faculty permission.
This course is an advanced study of the interpersonal relationships among family members. Topics of reading and discussion include theories and research on family structure and function, family crises, child raising patterns, family finances, and other related topics as per instructor choice. 3 hours discussion. (001462)
PSYC 355 Survey of Child and Adolescent Psychology   3.0 FS  
Physical, mental, social, and emotional factors of human growth and development from infancy through adolescence. Supervised experience working with children is strongly encouraged. 3 hours lecture. (007925)

Electives: 8-9 units

Professional Qualities/Curriculum Activities: 3 units

1 course selected from:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
ARTS 493 Development of Children's Art (P-8)   3.0 FS  
Prerequisites: Junior or senior standing or faculty permission.
An exploration of art-making skills; developing creative, standards-based art lessons and units; and enhancing understanding of theory, history and practice in art education Pre-Kindegarten (P) through Eighth (8) grade levels. 2 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. (000803)
KINE 302 Foundations of Childhood Physical Education   3.0 FS  
This course is designed to present a knowledge base of physical education that includes the analysis of movement skills and movement patterns, physical fitness, and how physical education is inherently linked to health and wellness. Also studied in this course will be children's motor development and how emotional, cognitive, and social growth characteristics influence motor development. 3 hours lecture. (006877)
MUSC 326 Music for Children   3.0 FS  
Analysis of sequential concepts necessary for understanding the structural elements of music. Development of skills needed to promote musicality in children. 3 hours discussion. (006136)
MUSC 327 Music for Early Childhood   3.0 FS  
Prerequisites: MUSC 326, faculty permission.
Recommended for Child Development majors and Liberal Studies majors concentrating in Early Childhood Education. Nurturing musicality in the young child, with emphasis on the role of music in the development of the whole child. 3 hours discussion. (006166)
RDGL 554 Literature for Children   3.0 FS  
A study and critical examination of traditional and modern literature appropriate for the elementary school; criteria for curriculum development; teaching literature to children. Recommended for Multiple Subject credential candidates. 3 hours seminar. (003115)
THEA 311 Children's Lit in Performance   3.0 FS  
Development of the skills for effective dramatization of literature in the elementary classroom or children's theatre, including creative dramatics, storytelling, oral interpretation and group readings. 3 hours discussion. (009224)

Developmental Context: 3 units

1 course selected from:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
BIOL 303 Human Genetics   3.0 FS  GE
Prerequisites: One biological sciences course.
The inheritance, expression, and evolution of the genetic material in humans. Topics include genetic engineering, gene therapy, prenatal diagnosis, cancer, the human genome project, genetic influences on human behavior, such as homosexuality and mental illness, and the social and ethical consequences of the new technologies. 3 hours discussion. This is an approved General Education course. (001140)
BIOL 318 Biology of Childhood   3.0 FS  GE
Prerequisites: One biological sciences course.
Basic biological principles, including the scientific method, reproduction, development, physiology, and anatomy. The biological basis of childhood diseases, immunity, nutrition, issues of health and well-being, and the relevance of biological information in social, political, and ethical decision making regarding children. 3 hours discussion. This is an approved General Education course. (001151)
CHLD 362 Issues in Child Development   3.0 FS  
This course is designed for upper-division students who wish to develop a broader and deeper understanding of contemporary controversial issues in child development. Students learn fundamentals of social, emotional, and cognitive development from infancy through puberty, and study clashing theoretical explanations of these developments. Students apply their knowledge by preparing position papers and participating in debates on a number of urgent issues children present to society. The course takes a topical rather than "ages and stages" approach to development. 3 hours lecture. (001453)
PHIL 323 Moral Issues in Parenting   3.0 FS  GE  GC
A philosophical investigation of the moral and legal dimensions of parenting. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved Global Cultures course. (007212)
PSYC 151 Socio-Cultural Context of Psychological Development   3.0 FS  GE
Examination of social and cultural influences on emotional, social, and intellectual development. Specific emphasis on children raised in lower socio-economic environments as well as children of American Indian, Mexican-American, and black cultures. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. (007889)
PSYC 353 Learning in the Young Child   3.0 FS  
Examination of psychological factors involved in the learning processes of children. 3 hours lecture. (007884)
PSYC 457 Psychology of the Exceptional Child   3.0 FS  
Prerequisites: Recommended: PSYC 355 or equivalent (may be taken concurrently).
Study of current concepts, principles, and issues related to exceptional development. The focus is on children with various exeptionalities, e.g., behavior disorders, learning disabilities, communication disorders, physical impairments, motor and neurological impairments, and gifts or talents, to gain a better understanding of human diversity. Exceptional children are studied within the context of their families, as well as emphasizing the support services necessary to facilitate optimum development. 3 hours lecture. (007947)
SPED 343 Overview of Special Education   3.0 FS  
This is a survey course recommended for students interested in all types of exceptional learners and a prerequisite to professional preparation programs in the Department of Professional Studies in Education. Content includes (1) an overview of the characteristics, identification, and educational needs of special populations, (2) social, familial, biological, historical, cultural, economic, political, and legal contexts in which special education occurs, and (3) characteristics of effective programs. Includes a service learning experience. 3 hours lecture. (003010)

Children's Programs: 2-3 units

1 course selected from:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
CHLD 456 Administration of Child Development Programs   3.0 FA  
Prerequisites: CHLD 250 or CHLD 252, CHLD 251.
This course focuses on the role of the program administrator in various types of licensed child development facilities. Topics include programming, fiscal oversight, licensing regulations, personnel decisions, legal issues, and management aspects of children's programs. 3 hours seminar. (001463)
CHLD 462 Adult Supervision in Child Development Programs   3.0 SP  
Prerequisites: CHLD 250 or CHLD 252, CHLD 251.
This course offers opportunities to gain skills and knowledge about supervising adults in the workplace. Topics include interpersonal communication techniques, adult learning theory, leadership skills, professional collaboration, and personnel assessment in the early childhood education field. 3 hours lecture. (001465)
CHLD 551 Staff and Family Relations   3.0 SP  
Prerequisites: CHLD 250 or CHLD 252, CHLD 251, senior standing.
This course is the study of inter-relationships among staff, parents, and children in child development programs. It includes knowledge of parent education, communication techniques, staff management and relationships, observation of parent meetings, and other aspects of program functioning. 3 hours seminar. (001460)
SOCI 360 Self and Society   3.0 INQ  
This course explores the relationship between the individual and society by focusing on how people create and sustain their daily lives. The emphasis is on interacations with others, and the effect of individual behavior upon group dynamics. Socialization, identities and the self, emotions, conformity, and communication are explored. 3 hours lecture. (008994)
SPED 563 Collaboration in Education and the Helping Professions   2.0 FS  
Prerequisites: SPED 343, SPED 569. Senior standing is recommended.
Roles and relationships of families and professionals involved in the special education service delivery process. Emphasis on developing professional communication with administrators, regular education personnel, specialists, paraprofessionals, district personnel. Pre-referral services and interactions, student study/student success teams, IEP/ITP teams and co-teaching models. For child development majors, an additional unit of internship credit is recommended. 2 hours seminar. (009297)
SWRK 320 Child Welfare   3.0 FS  
Acquaints students with the relevant history and concepts of child welfare. Examines abuse, neglect, molestation, prostitution, pornography, day care, teen pregnancies, foster care, intergenerational issues, and adoptions. Focuses on the application of generalist social work knowledge, values, and skills, and the problem-solving process to child welfare practices. Required for Title IV-E students. 3 hours lecture. (009425)

Students must select courses from at least three different departments for the elective requirement.

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