Course

Change and Development Lifespan

Faculty
Applied Community Studies
Department
Child, Family & Community Studies
Course code
CFCS 1130
Credits
3.00
Semester length
Flexible delivery ranging over 2 to 15 weeks
Max class size
30
Method(s) of instruction
Lecture
Hybrid
Typically offered
Fall

Overview

Course description
This introductory course explores how human development changes across the lifespan. Drawing on major developmental theories and the lived experience, students will investigate human development in the context of biological, physical, emotional, cognitive, contextual and cultural influences. Emphasis will be placed on major transitions from fetal development to death. The impact of ethnicity, psycho-social and cultural factors will be examined.
Course content

The following global ideas guide the design and delivery of this course:

  1. The study of development encompasses the physical, psychosocial, biosocial and cognitive domains within the lifespan perspective.
  2. A bio-ecological approach to development provides a comprehensive and inclusive lens from which to understand the complexity of the human journey.
  3. Respect for diversity begins with understanding, accepting and celebrating differences in individuals as well as their life trajectories and cultures.
  4. Neuroplasticity allows for change across the entirety of the lifespan.
  5. Multiple disciplines inform our understanding of human development and emphasize the evolving nature of knowledge about people living their lives.
  6. Understanding and reflecting on one's own lived experience provides a fruitful path to understanding the lives of others. 
  7. Understanding and reflecting on our cultural diversity allows us to examine differences through an intersectional approach
  8. Understanding the contributions research make when investigating lifespan development

 

Learning activities
  • Lecture
  • Student Presentations
  • Group Work
  • Audio Visual Presentations
  • Other, i.e. online activities
Means of assessment

This course will conform to Douglas College policy regarding the number and weighting of evaluations, and in accordance with CFCS Grading Standards and Douglas College Policy. 

  • Written assignments
  • Group presentations
  • Self-assessment
  • Testing
  • Participation in classroom activities
Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

1.  Describe major milestones in the development of the individual, including

  • Biosocial development from conception to death
  • Physical development from conception to death
  • Cognitive development from birth to death
  • Psychosocial development across the lifespan
  • Neurobiological development

2.   Describe concepts from the major theories of human development

  • Identify the similarities and differences of these concepts in how they view individual development
  • Apply developmental theories to research findings and current social policies and practice
  • Critically analyze the strengths and limitations of these theories from an ethical stance while working with people
  • Critically analyze the development of these theories in relation to larger issues in society such as ethnicity, gender, contextual and cultural factors

3.  Critically explore how Lifespan development theory may be applied to

  • Personal development
  • Development of another individual
  • Ecological and systemic development of families, groups and communities

4. Describe how diversity impacts all realms of development

  • Identify personal biases in considering the development of diverse populations
  • Explore the practice implications of adopting an inclusive stance

5. Describe the impacts of trauma and other risk factors on development across the lifespan

  • Critically analyze the impact of poverty, abuse, discrimination and other forms of trauma
  • Identify the role of neuroplasticity in response to traumatic events across the lifespan
  • Explore the relationship between factors of risk and resiliency

6.  Describe various research methods used in lifespan development such as

  • Research methodology
  • Data collection methods
  • Surveys, interviews, case studies
  • Experimental methodology

 

 

Textbook materials

T.B.A.

Requisites

Prerequisites

None

Corequisites

None

Equivalencies

None

Course Guidelines

Course Guidelines for previous years are viewable by selecting the version desired. If you took this course and do not see a listing for the starting semester / year of the course, consider the previous version as the applicable version.

(Current)

Course Transfers to Other Institutions

Below are current transfer agreements from Douglas College to other institutions for the current course guidelines only. For a full list of transfer details and archived courses, please see the BC Transfer Guide.

Institution Transfer details for CFCS 1130
College of the Rockies (COTR) COTR CYFS 116 (4)
Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) KPU EDAS 1161 (1.5) & KPU EDAS 1162 (1.5)
Langara College (LANG) LANG EDAS 1140 (3)
North Island College (NIC) NIC HSW 176 (3) or NIC HSW 177 (3)
Thompson Rivers University (TRU) TRU SOCW 1XXX (3)
Trinity Western University (TWU) TWU PSYC 215 (3)
University of British Columbia - Okanagan (UBCO) No credit
University of British Columbia - Vancouver (UBCV) No credit
University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) UFV CYC 100 (3) or UFV CYC 120 (3) or UFV HSER 200 (3)
University of Victoria (UVIC) UVIC CYC 1XX (1.5)
Yukon University (YUKO) YUKO ELCC 121 (3)

Course Offerings

Fall 2025

CRN Days Instructor Status
Maximum seats
30
Currently enrolled
26
Remaining seats:
4
On waitlist
0
Building
Coquitlam - Bldg. B
Room
B2090
Times:
Start Time
11:30
-
End Time
14:20
Section notes

CFCS 1130 001 is restricted to Youth Justice students

CRN Days Instructor Status
Maximum seats
30
Currently enrolled
28
Remaining seats:
2
On waitlist
0
Building
Coquitlam - Bldg. C
Room
C1011
Times:
Start Time
13:30
-
End Time
16:20
Section notes

CFCS 1130 002 is restricted to Full-Time CYCC students. Open to Part Time student with departmental approval.

CRN Days Instructor Status
Maximum seats
30
Currently enrolled
28
Remaining seats:
2
On waitlist
0
Building
Online
Room
ONLINE
Times:
Start Time
17:30
-
End Time
20:20
Section notes

CFCS 1130 003 is restricted to ONLINE CYCC Diploma students.

CRN Days Instructor Status
Maximum seats
32
Currently enrolled
25
Remaining seats:
7
On waitlist
0
Building
Coquitlam - Bldg. C
Room
C1011
Times:
Start Time
17:30
-
End Time
20:20
Section notes

CFCS 1130 004 is restricted to part-time CYCC students Others admitted with department approval