Spring 2026 – Course Schedule
Part 1 – Introduction to Developmental Science
Introducing Child Development, Developmental Psychology, and the major domains, issues, and theories the field centers on.
| Date | Class Activity | Textbook Readings | Due Dates |
| Jan 27 | Syllabus Overview; Course Expectations | – | – |
| Jan 29 | Chapter 1: Introduction to Child Development | pp. 11–48 | – |
| Feb 3 | Chapter 1: Introduction to Child Development | pp. 11–48 | – |
| Feb 5 | Chapter 1: Introduction to Child Development | pp. 11–48 | Homework Ch. 1 Due Feb 6 at 11:59PM |
| Feb 10 | Chapter 2: Theorists & Theories | pp. 49–82 | – |
| Feb 12 | CUNY CLOSED | – | – |
| Feb 17 | CUNY CLOSED | – | – |
| Feb 19 | Chapter 2: Theorists & Theories | pp. 49–82 | Homework Ch. 2 Due Feb 20 at 11:59PM |
| Feb 24 | Online (Snow Day): Chapter 2 Continued | pp. 49–82 | – |
| Feb 26 | Exam 1 (In Class) | – | Exam 1 |
End of Part 1: All late work due Feb 27 at 11:59PM
Part 2 – Prenatal Development, Infancy, and Early Childhood
Focuses on foundational biological, perceptual, motor, and early social-cognitive development from before birth through the first year of life. Then examines rapid growth in language, thinking, social understanding, and self-regulation during the toddler and preschool years.
| Date | Class Activity | Textbook Readings | Due Dates |
| Mar 3 | In-Class Assignment: Tinder Profile for a Theorist | – | In-Class Assignment 1 Due at end of class |
| Mar 5 | Chapter 3: Conception, Heredity, Neurobiology, Prenatal Development | pp. 83–115 | – |
| Mar 10 | Chapter 3: Conception, Heredity, Neurobiology, Prenatal Development | pp. 83–115 | Homework Ch. 3 Due Mar 6 at 11:59PM |
| Mar 12 | Chapter 4: Birth and the Newborn | pp. 116-134 | – |
| Mar 17 | Chapter 4: Birth and the Newborn | pp. 116-134 | Homework Ch. 4 Due Mar 13 at 11:59PM |
| Mar 19 | Chapter 5: Infancy and Toddlerhood | pp. 135–227 | – |
| Mar 24 | Chapter 5: Infancy and Toddlerhood | pp. 135–227 | – |
| Mar 26 | Chapter 6: Early Childhood | pp. 228–302 | – |
| Mar 31 | Chapter 6: Early Childhood | pp. 228–302 | Homework Ch. 5 Due Mar 27 at 11:59PM |
Spring Break: April 1–9
April 12: Last day to request Pass/Fail option
Part 3 – Middle Childhood & Adolescence
Covers continued cognitive, social, and emotional development as children
enter school, form relationships, and transition into adolescence.
| Date | Class Activity | Textbook Readings | Due Dates |
| Apr 14 | In-Class Assignment: Cross-Cultural “First Years of Life” Comparison | – | In-Class Assignment 2 Due |
| Apr 16 | EXAM 2 (In Person) | – | Exam 2 |
| Apr 21 | ASYNCHRONOUS: Middle Childhood | pp. 303–392 | – |
| Apr 23 | ASYNCHRONOUS: Middle Childhood | pp. 303–392 | – |
| Apr 28 | Chapter 7: Middle Childhood | pp. 303–392 | Homework Ch. 7 Due May 1 at 11:59PM |
| Apr 30 | Chapter 7: Middle Childhood | pp. 303–392 | – |
| May 5 | Chapter 8: Adolescence | pp. 393–487 | – |
| May 7 | Chapter 8: Adolescence | pp. 393–487 | |
| May 12 | EXAM 3 (In Person) | – | EXAM 3 |
| May 14 | Adolescence Project Work Day | – | – |
| May 19 | In-Class Assignment 3: Adolescence Media Analysis Presentations | – | In-Class Assignment 3 Due |
End of Part 3: All late work due May 19 at 11:59PM
May 29: Grades released on CUNYFirst
