SCIE684 / SOCS 684Cross-Cultural ChildhoodsMariah SchugJune 27 - July 29, 2016
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The goal of this course is to introduce students to the wide variety of developmental experiences of children around the world and to help students to develop a sense respect for this variation. We begin by examining different attitudes and practices during prenatal development and continue through early adulthood. A wide range of developmental topics will be considered. The strengths and weaknesses of multiple theoretical approaches, including both cultural and evolutionary theories, will be addressed and debated.
We will consider the perspectives on the child, parents, other family members and larger society. Developmental experiences will be examined in traditional societies and developing nations, as well as in modern industrialized societies. A wide range of developmental topics will be considered. Examples of topics in child development include: weaning practices, sleep patterns, paternal contribution, education, sibling relationships and childcare practices. Examples of topics in adolescence and early adulthood include: anxiety in adolescence and the age of economic independence, sexual activity and marriage. The strengths and weaknesses of multiple theoretical approaches to development will be addressed and debated. A few examples of these theories include: cultural relativism, universal learning mechanisms, evolutionary ecology and evolutionary psychology.
We will consider the perspectives on the child, parents, other family members and larger society. Developmental experiences will be examined in traditional societies and developing nations, as well as in modern industrialized societies. A wide range of developmental topics will be considered. Examples of topics in child development include: weaning practices, sleep patterns, paternal contribution, education, sibling relationships and childcare practices. Examples of topics in adolescence and early adulthood include: anxiety in adolescence and the age of economic independence, sexual activity and marriage. The strengths and weaknesses of multiple theoretical approaches to development will be addressed and debated. A few examples of these theories include: cultural relativism, universal learning mechanisms, evolutionary ecology and evolutionary psychology.
- Required Texts
LeVine, R.A. & New, R.S. (2008). Anthropology and Child Development: A Cross-Cultural Reader
Shostak, Marjorie, (1981). Nisa: The Life and Words of a !Kung WomanAddiitonal readings for the course will be posted in the class moodle.